Seven chakra colours and their influence

Here are the seven chakras of the body and the colours that represent them and how they influence a particular part of the body.

Root chakra: Red influences Adrenal glands - related to general life functions, reproduction, body fluids, regulation of temperature, bones and nerves.

Sacral chakra: Orange Influences the Gonadal – related to circulatory System, Energy production.

Solar plexus chakra: Yellow Influences the pancreas - related to mental Alertness, Nervous system, Digestion, Assimilation and Excretion.

Heart chakra: Green Influences the Thymus - related Immune system, respiratory system, cardio-vascular, ageing process.

Throat chakra: Light blue Influences the Thyroid gland – that regulates blood pressure, immune system, hormonal system (menopause).

Third Eye chakra. Dark blue Influences the pituitary gland – related to cognitive functions, growth, metabolism, synchronization of left and right brain hemispheres.

Crown chakra: Purple (Violet) Influences the pineal gland - related to neurotransmitters, integration of complementary energies, consciousness, and cosmic alignment

Brief information on the seven chakras

Brief information on the seven chakras.

Root chakra: is indicative of the foundation on which we build our being that includes our senses of touch, feel, experience etc. This is paramount to the life of Homo sapiens. Yes, it is located below the spine in the tailbone. What are its functions?  Its main function is related to money and food

Sacral chakra:  This is related to our skill to perceive others and accept them as friends and also new experiences. This chakra is located a couple of inches above the navel and two inches below the lower abdomen. Sacral chakra is related to feeling of abundance, pleasure and sexuality.

Solar plexus chakra: It is that element that gives the man the ability to be confident in his dealings and have complete control of his life. The location of this chakra is the upper abdomen. This enhances one’s self esteem, confidence and ones worth.

Heart chakra: Well this chakra has what everyone desires in life.: Love, the ability to love. The chakra is located above the heart, it is responsible for the finer instincts like love, happiness, joy and mental peace.

Throat chakra: Obviously the location is the throat itself, and provides the most important ability of man:  to communicate effectively.  In addition, it gives man the ability to express his feelings, and speak the truth.

Third Eye chakra. This element is located in the forehead between the eyes. This chakra is also is known as Brow chakra. This sense (chakra) is related to wisdom, to imagine on various objects, have premonition of events, think and take decisions at owr own discretion.

Crown chakra: This chakra is located right at the apex of our head. This element provides us the ability to connect our mind with the world of spirituality, internal and external beauty and enjoy divine bliss.

The 7 chakras in the body

The 7 chakras in the body

Over thousands of years man tried to understand his body and its relation to the cosmic events - how the body reacts and the influence on it by  the planets. It has now been discovered that there are 7 chakras in the body which are power centres and are responsible for the flow of energy.

Any hindrance or obstruction to their energy can lead to serious repercussions. The energy centres have direct relation to our well being. Therefore it is necessary to understand these energies and learn how best to keep them flowing. Each chakra means something, to the entire body. It cannot be seen in isolation. 

The seven chakras are:
Root chakra,
Sacral chakra,
Solar plexus chakra,
Heart chakra, 
Throat chakra,
Third eye chakra, and 
Crown chakra. 

Why Ketaki flower was banished by Lord Shiv!

Why Ketaki flower was banished by Lord Shiv!

In order to find out who was more superior,  Brahma and Vishnu were asked by a voice (Lord Shiv) to find the top of a large column of fire that reached (apparently) the sky.  Both took different forms and went about to find the head of the fiery column. But neither of them succeeded. Brahma had some evil design. He took the help of Ketaki , a legendary flower that resides high up in the skies, and falsely claimed that he had a witness to vouch that he had actually reached the head of the column. Hearing this voice tore out of the column and Lord Shiv appeared and declared that what Brahma has claimed is far from truth. Seeing the gigantic form of Lord Shiv both the Gods bowed reverently to show their respect to him. Lord Shiv declared that Brahma, Vishnu and Himself are the Trinity and were separated by destiny. Lord Shiv known for his क्रोध(anger) cursed Brahma for lying. This perhaps is the reason why there is no temple dedicated to Brahma although He is the Creator (shrishta). He had roundly faulted the flower Ketaki too for vouching for what is not true. The flower was banished and asked His devotees never to offer this flower to Him while worshipping Him!

Flower offerings in Lingam Puja

Flower offerings in Lingam Puja

There are a few things that worshippers of the lingam must necessarily know.

Milk offered during the puja must be raw not boiled. However, curd made from boiled and then cooled milk can be offered. One should not offer pasteurized milk, only straight from the cow.

After the puja the oblations(the left overs) must be consigned to a river, sea or a lake. If these are not available nearby, the remains may be put in flower pots excepting Tuls or  trees excepting the Peepal tree.

Never eat the offerings made to the lingam at home. However, prasadam offered after the puja from a temple priest is allowed. Another feature one ought to know is while coconut can be offered to the lingam but not its milk. It is strictly prohibited.

Flower offerings too are restricted to :-

mandaar pushp(Dhaturaa).

Offering kevada and champa flowers is said to be a taboo. Avoid them.

सफेद आक, कनेर, शंक पुष्प, सफेद कमल. These flowers are said to be favourite of Lord Shiv.

Finally, do not besmear Lingam with haldi or kumkum, you may do so on Lord Ganesha and  Goddess Parvati. 

Private worship of Lingam

Private worship of Lingam

Linga puja is very useful in striking a communion with Lord Shiv. This must be done after taking bath in the morning in a quiet, secluded room.

Mind must be calm, free from worldly attachments.Several upakaras (offerings) are used to make the puja successful.  Upakaras are divided into eight, sixteen, thirtytwo, and forty eight. This depends on the time available. Generally eight upakarasa are adopted for convenience sake which is equally good. This called asthvida  lingarchana(अष्टविद लिंगारचना)

At times all items required to do the puja are not available. Under such circumstances the lingam must be thoroughly washed with water apply vibhuti on it and join your mind with folded hands with the God through the lingam.

Generally, sandalwood paste is besmeared on the lingam to keep it ‘cool’. Lord Shiv is considered to be inflammable and needs to pacified throughout the puja. Sandalwood has a cooling effect.

Shiv lingam – an anecdote from Shiv Purana

Shiv lingam – an anecdote from Shiv Purana

Just as on earth there are humans who vie with each other to know who is superior or more powerful Gods too have similar egos! Once Bhagwan Vishnu and Brahma wanted to establish who is more powerful between them. They decided to have this established.

The argument was taking a serious turn when the Lord of Lords Shiv appeared in the form (pillar – स्तंभ) of flame that rose from the earth and its head appeared to disappear into the skies. A voice (Lord Shiv’s)told from within that whoever between them could find out the head of the pillar of flame will rightly be said to be the most powerful.

Lord Brahma took the form of a swan ( हंस) while Lord Vishnu, a pig. But neither of them was able to find its head. This incident established the fact that Lord Shiv’s presence is very powerful and that no one can claim to be peerless before him. Both Vishnu and Brahma accepted this and humbly bowed their heads in reverence to Lord Shiv (Lingodbhava). (Drawn from Shiv Purana-शिवपुराण)