Meaning of the Solar Plexus Chakra

The solar plexus chakra is the third chakra in the body, governing all aspects of personality, self-esteem and ego.

A healthy solar plexus chakra allows you to have courage and move toward your goals with full strength and confidence.

The element associated with the solar plexus chakra is fire, and the color of the solar plexus chakra is yellow.

The solar plexus chakra symbol resembles a lotus mandala, and it consists of the following elements:

• 10 petals with vrittis.
• A triangle pointing downwards.
• The seed of the RAM mantra रं in the center.

Let's take a look at each of these elements individually and find out what they mean.

Solar Plexus Chakra Symbol: 10-Petal Lotus Meaning

The ten petals of the solar plexus chakra are very often decorated with vrittis. They represent the negative character traits that one must overcome to open this chakra:

डं (dda) - Spiritual ignorance.
ढं (ddha) - Fear.
णं (nna) - Jealousy, envy.
तं (ta) - Treachery, betrayal.
थं (tha) - Shame.
दं (da) - Thirst.
धं (dha) - Disgust, hatred.
नं (na) - Delusion.
पं (pa) - Stupidity.
फ़ं (pha) - Sadness.

Solar Plexus Chakra Symbol: Red Triangle

At the center of the solar plexus chakra symbol is a red triangle of fire (Tejas).

Tejas, or Tejas tattva, is a symbol and the essence of power and strength.

Tejas is rooted in Vedic mythology, and it is a Sanskrit word that translates to “sharp” or “acuity.”

Indications of "Tejas" are also found in the Bhagavad Gita, where it denotes the ever-changing force transmitted by the downward stream of evolution.

Tejas tattva (तेजस्तत्त्व, "fire") is one of the 36 Tattvas, also known as agnitattva.

Solar Plexus Chakra Symbol Deity: Braddha Rudra (Shiva)

The ruling deity of Manipura is Braddha Rudra (old Shiva), who is a powerful version of young Shiva, also known as the Lord of Destruction.

This wise old man reminds us that we must destroy our false identification with the ego and overcome fear and anger.

Braddha Rudra has blue skin, silver beard, and he sits on golden tiger skin.

The tiger is a symbol of spirit (manas). When Rudra displays his ultimate strength, he becomes Ishvara – he creates and destroys the world.

Meditation is one of the best ways to transcend the negative and destructive aspects of this chakra.