In the Indo Aryan Civilization, Vedas are regarded to be among the earliest of literary records. They are also considered the most sacred texts by the Indian people. Their content is spiritual knowledge about every aspect of like. Also, they are the original scriptures of Hindu religion. These Vedic teachings have stood the test of times and are considered the highest religious authority for Hindus belonging to various sections. Also, these teachings apply to mankind in general and hence their universal appeal to several scholars beyond geographical, ethnical and linguistic boundaries.  Here is some basic information about Vedas, their meaning, origin, classifications that someone who is interested in learning about Vedas might benefit from.

Veda in its essence means vision, knowledge or wisdom and it is considered to be the manifestation of gods’ language in the speech of humans. The Vedas contain domestic, religious, social and legal customs of the Hindus and they regulate these laws even in the modern days. The duties of Hindus designated to them at various junctures of their lives like birth, death, marriage etc find their origin in the Vedic ritual. These are the thoughts and views of several generations compiled together and hence are multi layered. They are rich in both religious and philosophical readings and hence form an interesting read for inter disciplinary scholars.

The origins of Vedas still remain a mystery. These are known to be the earliest documentations of human thoughts. Ancient Hindus did not have records of their political, literary or religious realization and hence it is quite difficult to trace the origin of Vedas with accuracy. Historians have several guesses but none of it is accurate. It is also believed that Vedas were not composed by Humans but they were handed down from Gods to Sages or seers. This is the general belief about Vedic Hymns. As for the absolute truth, it still remains in question and in ambiguity.

Vedas are mainly classified into four categories namely: the Rig Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Atharva Veda and Sama Veda. They are also collectively known by the name Chaturveda. The Rig, Sama and Yajur agree as far as language, form and content goes. Each Veda is composed of four distinct parts namely: the hymns being Samhitas, the rituals being the Brahmanas, the theologies being Aranyakas and the Philosophies being Upanishads. Upanishads also form the end of the Vedas and therefore also known as Vedanta. They are the essence of the Vedic Teachings. Vedas also deal with mysticism and symbolism.

Vedas are not understood by everyone today and they are seldom read. However, they have formed the bedrock of universal Hindu teachings. They have been a guiding light for all religious pursuits and would continue to remain so for generations to come. Hence, they are rightly named and worshipped as the mother of all scriptures. Their validity is almost never questioned and they are only regarded with reverence by those who study them closely and those who admire them from distance.

• Breathing technique is the first and the foremost thing that needs concentration. Make sure that the breathing technique you follow is accurate to avoid kundalini syndromes. Experts recommend to sit cross-legged with your back straight and breathe slowly, focusing on exhaling the same amount of air through both the nostrils at the same time. Practicing this technique for 2 to 3 minutes is advisable until your body adjusts to it naturally.
• While on the process of kudalini yoga practice, it is advised to keep your body away from toxins. Focus on the holistic approach and avoid tobacco, drugs, alcohol and high-sugar diet as this may deter raising the kundalini energy. Morning, being a divine time is always more effective and beneficial in raising the kundalini energy and provides spontaneous results.
• Make sure that you do a warm up before applying kriyas associated with kundalini awakening. This will reduce stress levels and help raise the energy. Silence is an important part you need to pay attention on. As long as there is silence at the place where you are meditating, you will be able to achieve instant results.
• Listen to light music and focus on things happening in your body while meditating to sooth your nerves and inner soul. A few minutes spent meditating this way will help in the improvement of awareness in an individual. The yoga camel ride is also beneficial. These asanas mainly focus on stretching spine which relives you from blockage problems.
• The cat cow exercise though, is highly beneficial in the awakening process but practicing hatha, bhakta or jnana yoga can also be recommended to practice during morning hours. Before you practice any asana, make sure that you do not consume anything two to three hours before practicing. Connect yourself spiritually.
• The prominent exercises and yoga concepts associated with kundalini awakening are stretches, postures, meditation and relaxation. So, no matter, how long it takes, one must practice all of these according to their body requirements.

Chakra meditation or the energy system is one of the most important and interesting aspect of human body. This study states that human body has several points of energy, called the energy centers or chakras,  that largely impact our actions both at the conscious and the unconscious level. These chakras are unique in themselves and have their own significance. By understanding these chakras, one can awaken the energy points in the body and create positive energy and feeling in the body. One such chakra that forms part of this chakra system is the Sahasrara or the crown chakra.

Sahasrara, or the beautiful crown chakra is the last of the seven chakras that are associated with human existence. This is derived from the Sanskrit word that means one thousand folds or infinity. The significance of the number one thousand is that it is depicted as a lotus flower that has one thousand petals in it. This chakra is located at the top of the head and the energy system or the evolution journey of human beings terminate at this energy center. This is thought to be the source of universal light and energy that pours into the body and heals it from within.

Although the last in order, this does not at all signify the end of human evolution process, rather it depicts the beginning or the rebirth. This, being the highest point in human system, makes the highest link to the spirit or to the universal home. This signifies a new experience of life or a promise of infinity which can bring in enlightenment and wisdom to the human soul. Basically it is a deeper link and more prominent path on which humans can traverse to reach heaven. Through this chakra, the life can be fulfilled with joy, happiness and harmony.

The crown chakra is not only associated with the emotions, thoughts and feelings of the person but it is also related with the physical level of the human body. The upper skull, the skin, the nervous system and various other parts are affected by this energy center. Hence it is very important that the crown chakra is maintained in perfect balance and alignment so as to derive maximum benefits, happiness and prosperity in life. In this state, humans feel connected to God and are always in a state of gratitude. The perfect balance of the chakra is possible with free mind, firm focus and light heart.

People looking to focus and practice this form of energy center needs to follow some simple techniques. This does not require anything special and hence can be undertaken by any person who wishes to enlighten his life. One of the easiest methods to do this is through meditation. Meditation will not only help maintain the balance of this chakra but also the balance of all other chakras as well. Once a person is able to focus and balance this chakra, he will start feeling his divine purpose in life and will realize the higher self.

Chakras are nothing but the vertically assembled energy points or centers that are arranged from top of the body to the bottom in a particular order. These chakras are responsible for different parts of the body and they affect the working and the flow of energy associated with those parts. Primarily, these chakras are associated with flow of energy in the body and they help in regulating, monitoring and controlling this energy. There are seven main chakras in human energy system out of which the Ajna Chakra holds unique value and importance. These chakras play a very vital role in human evolution and hence their understanding is very critical.

The sixth chakra or the energy center in the human body is known as Ajna which means to know, to obey and to follow. The literal meaning of the word Ajna is to command or to monitor the activities taking place in the life of human being. Since it is located between the eyebrows, it is also sometimes referred to as the third eye. The Ajna chakra, as per religious context, is represented by the symbol Ohm which implies the beginning and end of everything. It is through the effect of this chakra that an individual is able to observe harmony within his own self.

It is through this Ajna chakra that most of the mental activities and thoughts originating in the human beings are controlled. The intuitive thoughts, memory and rational thoughts are all governed by the functioning of this chakra. The main impact and the significance of this chakra is that it promotes harmony in almost everything within the human life. Many people focus and practice this Ajna chakra when they want to bring in harmony and achieve positive results. It is necessary to honor and ensure balance of this chakra to derive maximum results and benefits.

People can easily practice the Ajna chakra simply by finding a comfortable position for themselves. Similar to meditation, it is practiced with light mind and body, firm determination and focus, deep breathing and closed eyes. By consciously following your body and bringing your attention near the eyebrows, you can feel the flow of energy that is centered near your third eye. This will be similar to the heat and intensity waves and may grow stronger with each practice. By doing this, a person may be able to feel his consciousness filling up the entire space around himself.

Awakening of the Ajna chakra is very essential from the human point of view. Every human has to pass through this chakra to reach the ultimate aim of spiritual well-being, which is achieved with the last chakra. Hence practicing this chakra with faith, respect, discipline and belief is very essential to move the life forward and take it ahead. Operation and functioning of Ajna chakra is really essential to develop superior perception and become aware of the path to spiritual goals. Opening of the Ajna chakra is essential to allow the flow of energy for human evolution.

The chakras form a very important part of human life and evolution. Every human being, in any part of the world, has to go through several stages or phases of energy centers. These centers are nothing but the chakras of energy or the imaginary circles of energy which revolve around the human life and impact it in some way or the other. In all there are total seven chakras and it is important to understand them. One of these Chakras is the Vishuddhi Chakra and it forms the fifth of the seven energy centers.

Vishuddhi Chakra, which is the fifth chakra in the energy system, is also referred to as the purification center. The term Vishuddhi has been derived from the Sanskrit word shuddhi which means purification. Through this chakra, the purification and the harmonizing of the opposites in the body takes place. This is also known as the poison and the nectar center. The nectar, present in the body, nourishes the whole body from within resulting in the growth, prosperity and longevity of the body. In this phase of Vishuddhi chakra, both the poison and nectar are present and are believed to be part of the cosmic human life.

The Vishuddhi chakra is known to be located at the thyroid gland near the neck area. The significance of Vishuddhi chakra is that it helps us to differentiate between the conscious state of mind that comes from high level of knowledge and the unconscious and the wishful thinking. Through this chakra or the energy system, a person may easily avoid the unpleasant aspects of life and focuses more on the pleasant and important parts. The Vishuddhi chakra represents the state of openness that may lead to greater understanding.

In traditional context, the Vishuddhi Chakra may be known to be represented by the dark grey colored lotus. This is sometimes also perceived as the lotus with purple petals arranged together. This energy center or the chakra is responsible for receiving the thought vibrations from the minds of other people. This acts as a connecting center through which the thoughts and vibrations of people present close by get easily connected. The vibrations flow at a certain tuning and this helps in establishing a psychological connection even with people standing far away. Thus the actual transmission and reception center of the thoughts is done through Vishuddhi center.

The thought waves are captured by the body and gradually traversed till the brain. Because of this process, the enlightenment as well as the awakening happens which results in self awareness of human being. It represents the state of cohesive nature of human being and the potential of the human being to rise above small differences and experience the unity of the spirit. It is important enough to maintain the balance of Vishuddhi chakra. A weakened or unaligned chakra may become the reason for several illness and troubles. Hence proper care, respect and focus needs to be given to Vishuddhi Chakra.

Sri Rudrashtakam :-

नमामीशमीशान निर्वाणरूपं ,विभुं व्यापकं ब्रह्म वेदस्वरूपं |

निजं निर्गुणं निर्विकल्पं निरीहं ,चिदाकाशमाकाशवासं भजेङहं ||१||

Namami shamishaan nirvaan rupam ,

Vibhum vyapakam brahma vedswaroopam |

Nijam nirgunam nirvikalpam niriham ,

Chidakash maakaash vasam bhajeham ||1||

निराकारमोंकारमूलं तुरीयं ,गिरा ग्यान गोतीतमीशं गिरीशं |

करालं महाकाल कालं कृपालं ,गुणागार संसारपारं नतोङहं ||२||

Nirakaram omkar moolam turiyam ,

Gira gyan goteetmisham girisham |||

Karalam mahakal kaalam kripalam ,

Gunagar sansar paaram natoham ||2||

तुषाराद्रि संकाश गौरं गभीरं , मनोभूत कोटि प्रभा श्री शरीरं |

स्फुरन्मौलि कल्लोलिनी चारु गंगा ,लसद्भालबालेन्दु कण्ठे भुजंगा ||३||

Tusharadri sankash gauram gambhiram ,

Manobhot koti prabha sri shariram |

Sfuranmauli kallolini charu ganga ,

Lasadbhalbalendu kanthe bhujanga ||3||

चलत्कुण्डलं भ्रू सुनेत्रं विशालं ,प्रसन्नाननं नीलकण्ठं दयालं |

मृगाधीशचर्माम्बरं मुण्डमालं ,प्रियं शंकरं सर्वनाथं भजामि ||४||

Chalatkundalam bhru sunetram vishalam ,

Prasannanam neelkantham dayalam |

Mrugadheesh charmambaram mundamalam ,

Priyam shankaram sarvanatham bhajami ||4||

प्रचण्डं प्रकृष्टं प्रगल्भं परेशं ,अखण्डं अजं भानुकोटिप्रकाशम् |

त्रयः शूलनिर्मूलनं शूलपाणिं ,भजेङहं भावानीपतिं भावगम्यं ||५||

Prachandam prakrushtham pragalbhaam paresham ,

Akhandam ajam bhanu kotiprakasham |

Trayam shoolnirmoolam shoolpani ,

Bhajeham bhavani patim bhavgamyam ||5||

कलातीत कल्याण कल्पान्तकारी ,सदा सज्जनान्ददाता पुरारी |

चिदानंद संदोह मोहापहारी ,प्रसीद प्रसीद प्रभो मन्मथारी ||६||

Kalateet kalyan kalpantkaari ,

Sada sajjan anand daata purari |

Chidanand sandoh mohapahaari ,

Prasid prasid prabho manmathari ||6||

न यावद उमानाथ पादारविन्दं ,भजन्तीह लोके परे वा नराणाम् |

न तावत्सुखं शान्ति संतापनाशं ,प्रसीद प्रभो सर्वभूताधिवासं ||७||

Na yaavad umanath padaarvindam ,

Bhajanteeh loke pare va naranam |

Na taavat sukham shanti santaapanasham ,

Prasid prabho sarvabhootadhivasam ||7||

न जानामि योगं जपं नैव पूजां ,नतोङहं सदा सर्वदा शम्भु तुभ्यम् |

जरा जन्म दुःखौघ तातप्यमानं ,प्रभो पाहि आपन्नमामीश शम्भो ||८||

Na janaami yogam japam naeva poojam ,

Natoham sada sarvada shambhu tubhyam |

Jara janm dukhaudh tatapyamanam ,

Prabho paahi aapan namamish shambho ||8||

रुद्राष्टकमिदं प्रोक्तं विप्रेण हरतोषये।

ये पठन्ति नरा भक्तया तेषां शम्भु: प्रसीदति||

Rudrashtakmidam proktam vipren hartoshaye |

Ye pathanti nara bhaktya teshaam shambhu prasidati ||

ॐ  कालिकायै  च  विद्महे श्मशानवासिन्यै  धीमहि  !

तन्नोअघोरा  प्रचोदयात  !

Aghora Kali Gayatri Mantra :-

Om kalikaayae ch vidhmahe shmashaanvaasinyae dhimhi !

Tannoaghoraa prachodyat !

The chakras are the energy centers which pull the necessary and useful energy in the body and circulate and regulate them to provide maximum benefits to the human mankind. Everything in human body can be thought to be made up of some form of energy. Our emotions, love, anger, thoughts and even spirit are also energy. Hence it is very important that this energy is always in proper and rejuvenated state so that the body, mind and the soul works properly. Energy revolves like the chakra and the human evolution has seven chakras associated with it. One such chakra is the Anahata chakra.

Anahata Chakra is another very important chakra that is found in human energy system. It is also sometimes referred to as the heart chakra. This is the fourth chakra and literally means unhurt or unstruck. This forms the middle of the seven chakras and is located in the chest close to the heart. This chakra is the point of union of the spiritual energy of the human system and the physical energy. This is known as Anahata because of its unique relationship with the heart that throbs, beats and vibrates at constant pace and rhythm.

Various types of human behaviors and feelings are associated with the Anahata chakra. Feelings such as unconditional love, tenderness, compassion and emotions are some of the common virtues related to this chakra. This chakra is used to provide balance to various contrasting aspects of life such as the practicality and the spirituality, the light and the shadow, the males and the females etc. As such, we should try and endeavor opening the heart chakra fully so as to develop the feeling of love, tenderness and compassion to full extent. Obviously any imbalance caused to this chakra may result in immune system or heart problems.

It is by practicing and focusing on this chakra that human beings become aware of their acts and deeds in their life. Any imbalance in any form of action may lead to adverse results. Thus this chakra focuses on creating balance between everything that we do and act upon. This chakra focuses more on the spirituality as compared to the material happiness. This chakra emphasizes on the need to act and do good deeds so as to achieve purity and happiness. This chakra is thought to be the residing place of our spirits. So it is important for us to have this chakra or energy centre open, balanced and functioning all the time.

The Anahata chakra focuses on loving and giving to others as much as possible. Self-love and love for others is very crucial aspect of this chakra. This chakra deals with respect, compassion, understanding, honesty, happiness, forgiveness, love and peace. These feelings are related with not only one particular individual body but the entire human chain as a whole. Located in the upper chest, it affects the heart, lungs, ribs, shoulders, hands, blood etc. in some way or the other. It is really important for every human being to protect and honor this chakra of energy.

प्रात स्मरामि गणनाथमनाथबन्धुम !
सिन्दूरपूरपरिशोभितगंडयुग्मं !!
उद्दंडविघ्नपरिखंडनचंददंड -
माखंडलादीसुरनायकवृन्दवन्द्दम !!

morning smarn Ganpati mantra:-

prath smarami gananathmnathbandhum !
sindoorpurparishobhit gandyugmam !!
oodhandvighn parikhandnchanddandh-
makhandladisurnayak varndavandham !!

The evolution of an average human being may consist of several stages and a long duration of time. One of the ways of studying and understanding these phases of life is through the study of chakras of life. The chakra system forms an integral part of every human being on earth and affects his day to day activities. These chakras are nothing but an imaginary circles or waves of energy that are found in and around the human body. There are seven chakras in all and Manipura chakra is one of the most important chakras in human life.

The third of the seven chakras in the human body system is known as the Manipura or the solar plexus. This chakra is also sometimes referred to as the naval centre and is located around the sternum. The word is derived from the Sanskrit word and means inner gem that glows brightly. Because of this reason, it is considered to be the source of fire energy in the body. This provides continuous fuel in the body in the form of energy which can awaken the human being and give him power to carry out his activities. This chakra is more concerned with the relationship of the person with self and how to promote the will power and the inner strength.

The energy associated with this chakra can have impact on the digestive system as well as the livers of the body. The energy that flows through the human system and that originates from the base chakra flows through this Manipura chakra as well. It is essential to note that this is associated with fire energy in the body. Hence it can be both powerful as well as destructive at the same time. The balance and the alignment of this chakra depend on the state of the person. A person may feel powerless and frustrated when this chakra is unaligned. It can even lead to several illnesses as well.

The fire energy associated with this chakra can help us be aware of our inner strength and personal power, have a true sense of our own self-worth, feel charged and empowered. All these things will ultimately lead to good and healthy digestive system and hence good health of the person. It is through this fire energy that person will continuously feel the urge to move forward. This is the transitional phase in the evolution of life and moving forward, person prepares himself for a higher frequency and advanced stages.

It is really important to work with your own chakras honestly and regularly. Working with the chakra is like honoring and respecting your own self. In the initial stages, the chakra world may seem complex and too profound to understand; however with the passage of time and with continuous practice, one can feel comfortable and accustomed with all the customs of chakra. Thus this practice of chakra in a way can help a person achieve his ultimate aims and goals in life and live a life full of happiness and prosperity.