Yogic physiology

Kundalini is the divine cosmic energy that is dormant in man. It is a power given to us by nature for our spiritual evolution. It is awakened by self-purification, yog, deep meditation and guru's grace.

Kundalini Tantra says our body has 114 chakras, or energy centres, in the pranamay kosh, energy body, of which, the seven main chakras - muladhar, swadhisthan, manipur, anahat, vishuddhi, ajna (third eye) and sahasrar - are aligned along the cerebro-spinal axis. Each major chakra is associated with a nerve plexus and an endocrine gland and helps their functioning.

Emanating from the chakras are nadis, microscopic energy vessels, which carry pran, life force, to various parts of the body. The tantra says that fulfilment of yog lies in awakening the kundalini at muladhar chakra, bottom of the spine, and making it rise to sahasrar, crown of the head, through yog practices.


Kundalini is a transformative and alchemical energy. Scriptures equate kundalini, or 'Devi Shakti' that causes a metamorphosis in an individual, transforming a person with a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.

This transformation of the individual facilitates his spiritual evolution, leading to Self-Realisation. Hath Yog Pradipika says, 'The sleeping Parameshwari (Goddess Kundalini) rests at the kand, base of the spine. The awakening of this shakti is means of liberation to a yogi.'