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चक्र

Chakra

(cakra)

Wheel or energy center; one of seven subtle energy centers in the body

Full Meaning

Cakra means "wheel" or "circle." In the yogic tradition, there are seven major chakras — subtle energy centers along the spine from the base to the crown of the head. Each chakra governs different aspects of physical, emotional, and spiritual life. When energy (prāṇa) flows freely through all seven, health and spiritual development follow.

Etymology

From the root car (चर्) — to move, to flow. A wheel — something that rotates, that moves energy.

Usage in Sanskrit Texts

The seven chakras from base to crown: Mūlādhāra (root), Svādhiṣṭhāna (sacral), Maṇipūra (solar plexus), Anāhata (heart), Viśuddha (throat), Ājñā (third eye), Sahasrāra (crown). Kundalini energy rises through these centers.

सहस्रदलकमलं — The thousand-petalled lotus. The crown chakra (sahasrāra) where kundalini merges with Shiva.

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