The third chakra, or Manipura chakra, is located at the solar plexus. It is associated with the element of fire, and its symbols are the sun and the lion. The Manipura chakra is responsible for our sense of personal power, self-esteem, and vitality. When this chakra is balanced, we feel confident and in control of our lives. When it is out of balance, we may feel powerless, unworthy, and stuck in old patterns.
Mani in manipura means mind. At the third chakra, we begin to move from the more primal, physical energies of the first two chakras into the more subtle energies of the mind. Here we find our power of personal will and the ability to manifest our desires. We also begin to develop our mental faculties, such as reasoning and discrimination.
A balanced Manipura chakra gives us a strong sense of personal power and purpose. We are able to manifest our desires and make our dreams a reality. We are clearheaded and able to think logically and make sound decisions. We are also confident and self-assured, and we have a healthy sense of self-esteem.
Mantra Tools for the Third Chakra
Hanuman from an Indian epic, The Ramayana, is a symbol for the Manipura chakra. His mantra is known for channeling courage, strength, and willpower:
Om Hum Hanumate Namaha
ॐ हं हनुमते नमः
The Taraka Mantra also works to cleanse and clear the Manipura Chakra. The Taraka Mantra can help to unblock and balance this chakra so that we can move forward in our lives with power, purpose and clarity, and eventually become free one from the necessity for rebirth.
Om Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama
ॐ श्री राम जय राम, जय जय राम
This shakti mantra is a powerful chant used to move energy to the crown or the seventh chakra by relieving difficulties experienced at the third chakra.
Hrim Shrim Klim Parameshwari Swaha
ह्रीं श्रीं क्लीं परमेश्वरी स्वाहा
Sun and Moon Mantras
Twelve spiritual gifts of the sun can be invoked by chanting mantras. These twelve spiritual gifts include: universal friendship, radiance, strength, enlightenment, and more.
Sun mantras are chanted for a variety of reasons, including to increase courage and fame. One of the foundational sun mantras is as follows:
Om Hram Hrim Graum Sau Suryaya Namaha
Om Suryaya Namaha
A moon mantra may be chanted to improve mental health and promote peace of mind:
Om Shram Shrim Shraum Sau Chandraya Namaha
|| ॐ श्रां श्रीं श्रौं स: चन्द्रमसे नम: ||
Planet Mantras
In addition, there are hundreds of mantras for each planet. Each planet has an influence on particular parts of the body. If you are experiencing discomfort in a specific area, you can use the corresponding planetary mantra to reduce the karma difficulty in that part of the body. Below is an example of a mantra and its significance for the planet Mars.
Mars
Mars mantras are chanted to protect one from violence, avoid conflict, and boost determination and drive. Physiologically, this mantra is associated with the muscular system, urogenital system, gonads, adrenals, sympathetic nervous system, red blood cells, and kidneys.
Om Kram Krim Krum Sah Bhomaye Namha.
Om Angarkaye Namha.
Om Bhumiputraye Namha.
ॐ क्रां क्रीं क्रौं सः भोमाय: नमः
ॐ अंगारकाय नमः
ॐ भूमिपुत्राय नमः