Review Article International Ayurvedic Medical Journal ISSN:2320 5091

ANATOMICAL ELUCIDATION OF 1 2 JadhavViraj , Kadam Krishna 1Associate Professor, Department of Rachna Sharira, Rani Dullaiya Smriti Ayurved P.G. Col- lege, Bhopal,Madhya Pradesh, India 2Ph.D. Scholar, Asst.Professor, Department of Rog Nidan Vikriti Vigyan, Government Ayurved College, Nanded, Maharashtra, India

ABSTRACT In some Indian religions, a ( cakra, "wheel") is thought to be an energy point or node in the subtle body. Chakras are believed to be part of the subtle body, not the physical body, and as such, are the meeting points of the subtle (non-physical) energy chan- nels called nadi. Nadi are believed to be channels in the subtle body through which the life force (prana) (non-physical) or vital energy (non-physical) moves. Various scriptural texts and teachings present a different number of chakras. It's believed that there are many chakras in the subtle human body, according to the tantric texts, but there are seven chakras that are considered to be the most important ones. "In fact, there is no "standard" system of the chak- ras. Every school, sometimes every teacher within each school, has had his own chakra sys- tem." The following features are common:  They form part of the body, along with the breath channels (nadi), and the winds (vayu).  They are located along the central channel (sushumna/avadhūtī).  Two side channels cross the center channel at the location of the chakras.  They possess a number of 'petals' or 'spokes'.  They are generally associated with a mantra seed-syllable, and often with a variety of col- ours and deities.  There are believed to be 7 major chakras, which are arranged vertically along the axial channel (sushumna nadi) Keywords: Chakras, Muladhar chakra,Swadishthan chakra, Manipur chakra

INTRODUCTION Chakras are the psychic centers in perform themselves so as to accomplish the body that are active at all times, much by using the least possible amount of whether we are conscious of them or not. energy . By the constant practise of Energy moves through chakras to produce Shatchakra bhedana (piercing the six chak- different psychic states. The ancient Indian ras by visualisation) and mantra recitation, science of yoga therefore laid great em- they can finally transcend the tattvas which phasis on knowing these elements for the dominate the five centres of the body. That chakras. In the ancient science of swara is the first five chakras and there by non yoga (the yoga of conscious breathing), duel consciousness that liberates them various methods to identify the presence of from the illusory world of Maya. Herewith the tattvas in the body are prescribed and the discussion of chakras, we are neces- by mastering these techniques can sarily discussing the subtle aspects of these Jadhavviraj & Kadam Krishna: Anatomical Elucidation Of Chakras centres. Nerves are merely vehicles but the thetic fibres conduct impulses from the message is subtle and not devoid of con- pelvic viscera to the second, third and sciousness. Keeping in view of the loca- fourth sacral nerves. Their cells of origin tion and shape of the chakras as described lie in the spinal ganglia. in literature pertaining to Yoga , a humble The pudendal plexus lies on the posterior attempt had been carried out here to ex- wall of the pelvis, and is usually formed by plain the chakras in the light of modern branches from the anterior divisions of the anatomy. second and third sacral nerves and the coc- Chakra: Muladhara means cygeal nerve. the supporting root. Likewise basal root Svadhishthana chakra – Svadhishthana supporting the upper tree , muladhara Chakra is the second of the chakras, also chakra supports the other chakras in our called as Jalamandala. Its tattwa is jala body Parashakti or serpent pow- (water). Its situated at the base of the Lin- er is lying in dormant or static state in the ga –mula (genital organ). Within this chak- Muladhara chakra. The male prime cause ra is the white watery region of of the universe is Shiva. Within the (vedic God of primordial waters) of the Swayambhu Linga reins dominant Para, shape of half moon and therein, on a the Sri Parameswari, the awakener of eter- Makara is the bija Vam. Inside the bija, nal knowledge. She is the omnipotent Ka- and Godess Rakini are adorned. la, wonderfully skilful creator. Over the The Devta of this chakra is the Goddess Linga, the white Kundalini, fine as the fi- Rakini. She is of the colour of a blue lotus, bre of the lotus stalk, lies sleeping, in spi- four armed, she holds a lotus, a drum, a ral three and half times round Shiva and lance and an axe. She has three red eyes her mouth covers Brahamadwara. The cir- and her mind is exalted with the drinking culating energy above that is called as of ambrosia. The presiding deity is Lord Kama Bija. Ganesha is the devata of this Brahma. This chakra is compared with the chakra. Thus the muladhara chakra can be prostatic plexus. compared with the autonomic innervations Prostatic plexus- The prostatic plexus is of the pelvic visceral organs. continued from the lower part of the pelvic Sacro-coccygeal Plexus: The Sacral plexus. The nerves composing it are of sympathetic efferent fibres leave the spinal large size. They are distributed to the pros- cord with the anterior roots of the second, tate, seminal vescicles and the corpus cav- third and fourth sacral nerves. These small ernosum of the penis and urethra. The medullated preganglionic fibres are col- nerves supplying the corpus cavernosum lected together in the pelvis into the nervus consist of two sets, the lesser and greater erigentes or pelvic nerve which proceeds , which arise from the to the hypogastric or pelvic plexuses from forepart of the prostatic plexus and after which postaganglionic fibres are distrib- joining with branches from the pudendal uted to the pelvic viscera. Motor fibers nerve, pass forward beneath the pubic pass to the smooth muscle of the descend- arch. The lesser cavernous nerves perforate ing colon, rectum, anus and bladder. Vas- the fibrous covering of the penis, near its odilators are distributed to these organs root. The greater cavernous nerve passes and to the external genitalia, while inhibi- forward along the dorsum of the penis, tory fibres pass to the smooth muscles of joins with the dorsal nerve of the penis and the external genitalia. Afferent sympa- is distributed to the corpora cavernosa. The 479 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 03; March - 2016

Jadhavviraj & Kadam Krishna: Anatomical Elucidation Of Chakras vaginal plexus arises from the lower part each ganglion is joined by the greater of the pelvic plexus. It is distributed to the splanchnic nerve, while the lower part walls of vagina, to the erectile tissue of the which is segmented off and named the aor- vestibule and to the clitoris. The nerves ticorneal ganglion, receives the lesser composing this plexus contain, like the splanchnic nerve and gives off the greater vesical, a large proportion of spinal nerve part of the renal plexus. fibres. Anahat Chakra: The fourth chakra, Chakra: The third Chakra is Anahat , is the centre of Vayu mandal with called Manipura. Within this chakra, there six corners. The sound of shabda Brahman is a space in triangular shape. It is the Agni is heard at this centre.Shabda Brahman is Mandala. Outside it, there are three Svastik the source of all Shabda or nama and rupa, marks and within the Bija of Agni or fire the universe being namarupantaka. The Ram carried on the back of a ram, vehicle Bijakshara is Yam. Under the Bija, there is of Agni. On its lap dwells Maharudra, who an antelope, vehicle of Vayu. The presid- is of a pure vermilion hue. He is the de- ing adept is called Pinaki. The presiding stroyer of creation. His hands are placed in deity is Isha, Rudra or Shiva and Devata is the attitude of granting boons and dispel- Kakini. She carries the noose and the skull ling fear. The presiding adept is called Ru- in her hands and makes the sign of bless- dra. The presiding deity is Vishnu and ing and the sign which dispels fear. Her Goddess is Lakshmi. heart is softened with the drinking of nec- Coeliac Plexus (Solar Plexus): The tar. celiac plexus, the largest of the three sym- The is in the lotus in the form of a pathetic plexuses, is situated at the level of Trikona(triangle). Inside the triangle is the the upper part of the first lumbar vertebra Shiva linga called as Bana linga. The Lin- and is composed of two large ganglia, the ga is like shining gold and in his head is an celiac ganglia and a dense network of orifice minute as that in a gem. He is nerve fibres uniting them together. It sur- splendid abode of Lakshmi. Vishnu Gran- rounds the celiac artery and the root of the nthiis in this sthana. Under there superior mesenteric artery. It lies behind is a minor lotus, without Bija, where, over the stomach and the omental bursa, infront an alter of gems is Kalpataru the celestial of the crura of the diaphragm and the wishing tree, one of the trees of Indras commencement of the abdominal aorta and heaven, which grants what is asked, this between the suprarenal glands. The plexus gives us an induction of Cardiac plexus. and the ganglia receive the greater and Cardiac Plexus: The cardiac plexus is lesser of both sides and situated at the base of the heart and is di- some filaments from the right vagus and vided into a superficial part which lies in give off numerous secondary plexuses the concavity of the aortic arch and a deep along the neighbouring arteries. part, between the aortic arch and the tra- The celiac ganglia are two large irregularly chea. The two parts are however, closely shaped masses having the appearance of connected. lymph glands and placed one on either side The superficial part of the cardiac plexus of the midline in front of the crura of the lies beneath the arch of the aorta, in front diaphragm close to the suprarenal glands of the right pulmonary artery. It is formed that on the right side being placed behind by the superior cardiac branch of the left the inferior vena cava . The upper part of sympathetic and the lower superior cervi- 480 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 03; March - 2016

Jadhavviraj & Kadam Krishna: Anatomical Elucidation Of Chakras cal cardiac branch of the left vagus. A The anterior coronary plexus is formed small ganglion, the cardiac ganglion is oc- partly from the superficial and partly from casionally found connected with these the deep parts of the cardiac plexus. It ac- nerves at their point of junction. This gan- companies the right coronary artery and glion when present is situated immediately gives branches to the right atrium and ven- beneath the arch of aorta, on the right side tricle. of the ligamentum arteriosum. The super- Vishudha Chakra: Vishudha chakra is ficial part of the cardiac plexus gives situated within the sushma Nadi at the base branches. of the throat, kantha mula sthana. It is the a. To the deep part of the plexus center of Akasha Tattwa or akasha man- b. To the anterior coronary plexus and dal- round in the shape like full moon. The c. To the anterior Bija of Akasha tattva Ham is in the center, The deep part of the coronary plexus is on a white elephant. The Goddess is situated in front of the bifurcation of the Shakini, in her lotus hands. trachea, above the point of division of the She carries the bow, the arrow, the noose, pulmonary artery and behind the aortic the goad. The presiding adept is called arch. It is formed by the cardiac nerves Chagalanda. The presiding deity is Sa- derived from the of the dashiva, the great snow with Deva, three sympathetic and the cardiac branches of eyed and five faced with ten arms and the vagus and recurrent nerves. The only clothed in a tigers skin. cardiac nerves derived from the cervical Pharyngeal and Laryngeal Plexus: ganglia of the sympathetic and the cardiac The Pharyngeal branch, the principal mo- branches of the vagus and recurrent tor nerve of the pharynx, arises from the nerves. The only cardiac nerves which do upper part of the ganglion nodosum and not enter into the formation of the deep consists principally of filaments from the part of the cardiac plexus are the superior cranial portion of the accessory nerve. It cardiac nerve of the left sympathetic and passes across the internal carotid artery to the lower of the two superior cervical car- the upper border of the Constictor pharyn- diac branches from the left vagus, which ges medius, where it divides into numer- pass to the superficial part of the plexus. ous filaments, which join with branches The branches from the right half of the from the glasso pharyngeal, sympathetic deep part of the cardiac plexus pass, some and external laryngeal to form the pharyn- in front of and others behind, the right geal plexus. From the plexus, branches are pulmonary artery; the former, the more distributed to the muscles of the soft pal- numerous, transmit a few filaments to the ate, except the tensor veli palatine. A mi- anterior pulmonary plexus and are then nute filament descends and joins the hypo- continued onward to form part of the pos- glossal nerve as it winds around the occip- terior coronary plexus. ital artery. The posterior coronary plexus is larger The superior laryngeal nerve larger than than the anterior and accompanies the left the preceding arises from the middle of the coronary artery;it is chiefly formed by fil- ganglion nodosum and in its course re- aments prolonged from the left half of the ceives a branch from the superior cervical deep part of the cardiac plexus and by a ganglion of the sympathetic. It descends few from the right half. It gives branches by the side of the pharynx, behind the in- to the left atrium and ventricle. 481 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 03; March - 2016

Jadhavviraj & Kadam Krishna: Anatomical Elucidation Of Chakras ternal carotid artery and divides into two the larynx behind the articulation of the branches , external and internal. inferior cornu of the thyroid cartilage with The external branch, the smaller, descends the cricoid, it is distributed to all the mus- on the larynx, beneath the Sternothy- cles of the larynx excepting cricothyre- roideus to supply the Cricothyreoideus. It oideus. It communicates with the internal gives branches tothe pharyngeal plexus branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and and the Constrictor pharyngitis inferior gives off a few filaments to the mucous and communicates with the superior car- membrane of the lower part of the larynx. diac nerve, behind the common carotid As the recurrenr nerve hooks around the nerve, behind the common carotid artery. subclavian artery or aorta, it gives off sev- The internal branch descends to the hypo- eral cardiac filaments to the deep part of thyroid membrane, pierces it in company the cardiac plexus. As it ascends in the with the superior laryngeal artery and is neck it gives off branches, more numerous distributed to the mucous membrane of the on the left than on the right side to the mu- larynx. Of these branches some are dis- cous membrane and muscular coat of the tributed to the mucous membrane of the esophagous; branches to the mucous larynx. Of these branches some are dis- membrane and muscular fibres of the tra- tributed to epiglottis, the base of the chea and some pharyngeal filaments to the tongue and the epiglottic glands; others Constrictor pharyngis inferior. pass backward, in the aryepiglotic fold, to Chakra: Ajna chakra is situated supply the mucous membrane surrounding within Sushumna Nadi, between the two the entrance of the larynx. Of these eyebrows. This point is known as Trikuti. branches, some are distributed to the epi- Within this lotus dwell manas (subtle glottis, the base of the tongue and the epi- mind). Aum (Pranava ) is the Bijakshara. glottic glands; others pass backward in the The Sushumna goes along the spinal cord aryepiglottic fold to supply the mucous upto where the Brahmarandhra is situated. membrane surrounding the entrance of the Thence by a certain flexure it goes to the larynx and that lining the cavity of the lar- right side of the Ajna lotus, whence it pro- ynx as low down as the vocal folds. A fil- ceeds to the left nostril and is called the ament descends beneath the mucous mem- Ganges. The lotus which is situated in the brane on the inner surface of the thyroid Brahmarandhra is called . In the cartilage and joins the recurrent nerve. space in its center dwells the moon. From The recurrent nerve arises on the right the triangular place elixir is commonly ex- side, in front of the subclavian artery; uding. This Moon fluid of immortality un- winds from before the side of the trachea ceasing flows through the Ida. Going to behind the common carotid artery and ei- the left nostril it receives from the Yogis ther in front of or behind the inferior thy- the name Ganges. From the right side por- roid artery. On the left side, it arises on the tion of the Ajna Lotus and going to the left left of the arch of the aorta at the point nostril flows the Ida. It is here called Var- where the ligamentum arteriosum is at- una. The Pingala also comes in the same tached and then ascends to the side of tra- way from the left side portion of the Ajna chea. The nerve on either side ascends in lotus and goes to the right nostril and has the groove between the trachea and esoph- been called Asi. The lotus which is situ- agus, passes under the lower border of the ated in the Muladhara Chakra has four pet- constrictor pharyngitis inferior and enters als and in the space between them dwells 482 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 03; March - 2016

Jadhavviraj & Kadam Krishna: Anatomical Elucidation Of Chakras the Sun. From that sphere of the sun poi- The terminal filaments from the internal son extrudes continuously. carotid and cavernous plexuses are pro- That excessively heating venom flows full longed as plexuses around the anterior and through the Pingala and goes to the right middle cerebral arteries and the opthalmic nostril and the moon fluid of immortality artery; along the former vessels, they may goes to the left. Rising from the left side of be traced to the pia matter; along the latter, the Ajna lotus and going to the right nos- into the orbit, where they accompany each tril, this northward flowing Pingala has of the branches of the vessel. The fila- been called Asi. The presiding adapt is ments prolonged on to the anterior com- called Sukla Mahakala. The presiding de- municating artery connect the sympathetic ity, Paramshiva is in the Hansa. There is nerves of the right and left sides. Goddess Hakini(Sakti) , whose six faces Shasrara chakra: The word Sahasradala are like so many moons. She holds a skull, Padma denotes that this Chakra has 1000 a small drum, a rosary, a book , two other petals; one thousand Yoga Nadis emanate arms are lifted up in the gesture of dispel- from this centre. All the 50 letters of the ling fear and granting boons. The Yogis Sanskrit alphabet are reported here again describe three more sacred stages situated and againon all Yoga Nadis. It should be in this Lotus. They are called , Nada noted that the Sahasrara does not belong to and Sakti. the body and that it indicate a transcendent Cavernous Plexus: The cavernous plex- level. This Lotus has his head turned us (plexus cavernosus) is situated below downward. Within the full moon , it sheds and medial to that part of the internal ca- its ray in profusion and is moist and cool rotid artery which is placed by the side of like nectar. In this place it’s fulfilled the the sella turcica in the cavernous sinus and union of Shivaand Shakti. Inside the is formed chiefly by the medial division of Chandra Mandala constantly shining is the the internal carotid nerve. It communicates triangle and inside this, again shines the with the oculomotor, the trochlear, the great Void (Bindu). ophthalmic and the abducent nerves and Here is the Deva known to all as Parama with the and distributes Shiva. He is the Brahaman and the Atma filaments to the wall of the internal carotid of all beings. Sahasrara is the abobe of artery. The branch of communication with Lord Shiva. This corresponds to Satya Lo- the oculomotor nerve joins that nerve at its ka. When Kundalini is united with Lord point of division; the branch to the trochle- Shiva at the Sahasrara Chakra, the ar nerve joins it as it lies on the lateral wall loses his indivisuality in the ocean of Sat- of the cavernous sinus; other filaments are Chit- Ananda or the existence knowledge connected with the under surface of the Bliss Absolute and become one with th ophthalmic nerve and a second filament Lord or Supreme Soul. The wise Yogi joins the abducent nerve. speaks of it as the ineffable place of liber- The filaments of connection with the cili- ation. ary ganglion arise from the anterior part of Pineal Gland: The pineal body (corpus the cavernous plexus and enter the orbit pineale ; epiphysis) is a small, conical, through the superior orbital fissure; they reddish gray body which lies in the depres- may join the nasociliary branch of the oph- sion between the superior colliculi. It is thalmic nerve or be continued forward as a placed beneath the splenium of the corpus separate branch. callosum, but is separated from this by the 483 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 03; March - 2016

Jadhavviraj & Kadam Krishna: Anatomical Elucidation Of Chakras tela chorioidea of the third ventricle, the 1. Shatchakra Nirupanam- Goswami Pralhad lower layer of which envelops it. It Giri; Vedantkesari; Krishnadas Academy; measures about 8mm in length, and its Varanasi base directed forward, is attached by a 2. Essentials of clinical anatomy- Ger R. stalk or peduncle of white substance. The Abrhams, P, Oslon TR; The Parthenon group, New York. stalk of the pineal body divides anteriorly 3. Anatomy for Surgeons Vol. I, II and III into two laminae, a dorsal and a ventral, Henry Hollnshead Hoeber Medical Divi- separated from one anotherby the pineal sion, Hoeber Medical Division, Harper recess of the third ventricle. The ventral and Row Publishers, New York lamina is continuous with the posterior 4. Ashtang Shariram- Vaidyaratnam P. S. commissure; the dorsal lamina is continu- Warrior; Aryavaidyashala; Kottakal ous with the habenular commissure and 5. Pratyaksha Shariram; Volume I, II, III and divides into two strands, the medullary IV; Kaviraj Gananath Sen , striae, which run forward, one on either Krishndas Academy, Varanasi side, along the junction of the medial and 6. Brihatshariram- P. S. Warrior; Ar- upper surfaces of the thalamus to blend in yavaidyashala; Kottakal 7. Clinically Oriented Anatomy Moore KL, front with the columns of the fornix. Dalley AF Lippincott William and Wikins; DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Baltimore All the six chakras have been enumerated in their original form and an attempt has been CORRESPONDING AUTHOR made to understand them in the light of mod- Dr. Jadhav Viraj Associate Professor, ern anatomy. In the first instance, these chak- Department of Rachna Sharira, ras were considered to be autonomic nerve Rani Dullaiya Smriti Ayurved P.G. plexuses and they work independently. Keep- College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India ing in view the location and shape of the chak- Email: [email protected] ras as described in literature pertaining to Yo- ga, a humble attempt has been made to explain the chakras in the light of modern anatomy. Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None Declared REFERENCES

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