Sahasrara

What Does Sahasrara Mean?

Sahasrara is the Sanskrit name for the chakra located in the crown area of the skull. It is the seventh and highest of the seven primary chakras. It is usually represented by the color violet. This wheel, or vortex, of pranic energy is said to be the center of one's spiritual connection to the divine and yogic teachings assert that it gives us the ability to experience a connection with God, or the universal Consciousness.

Sahasrara may also be referred to as the crown chakra in English.

Yogapedia Explains Sahasrara

Meaning "thousand petaled," sahasrara is so termed because this chakra is said to be in the form of a lotus with 1,000 petals arranged in 20 layers.

In some yogic teachings, sahasrara is said to be located precisely four finger widths above the crown of the head, residing in the "plane of truth and reality." Believed to be the terminal point for Sushumna nadi, or the central energy channel, it is also described as being located within the crown of the head, specifically the fontanel area of the scalp.

When this chakra is balanced, it enables spiritual growth and one experiences connection with the higher or universal Consciousness. Also, one can feel deep serenity and joy because one is able to trust in the universe and live with gratitude and peace.

In Kundalini yoga, sahasrara is seen as the place where the Kundalini Shakti merges with Shiva, or where the individual consciousness meets the divine. It is said that this chakra is the point where immortality can be found. This is because when the Kundalini reaches the level of this chakra, illusions of one's self as an individual dissolves and one experiences samadhi, or pure bliss.

The mantra associated with sahasrara is “om,” and chanting it is thought to be one of the ways to bring this chakra into balance. Another way is to use violet gemstones or violet essential oils such as lavender. Visualizing a blooming lotus during meditation is also thought to help us connect with the sahasrara chakra.