The Solar Plexus Mudra, also known as the Manipura Mudra, is a powerful hand gesture that aims to unlock and balance the energies of the solar plexus chakra. Located in the upper part of the belly where the diaphragm rests, this chakra is the core of our personality, identity, and ego. The Solar Plexus Chakra Mudra is not just a symbol but a key to enhancing self-confidence, self-esteem, and the ability to assert oneself in the world.

Whether you’re new to the concept of mudras or a seasoned practitioner looking for ways to harmonize your energy centers, the solar plexus hand mudra offers a gateway to nurturing your inner strength and potential. In this article, we will delve into the origins, techniques, and benefits of the mudra for the solar plexus, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of this transformative practice.

Understanding the Solar Plexus Mudra

The Solar Plexus Mudra is powerful as it activates the third chakra, the Manipura. This chakra sits above your belly button and it’s the core of our power and confidence.

The mudra is a hand gesture and it influences energy flow and balance. It helps in boosting self-esteem and it also enhances willpower. The gesture is simple yet effective as it connects us to our inner fire and our personal power.

The mudra is rooted in ancient traditions. These traditions understand the body’s energy centers. Practicing the mudra can transform your life as it brings clarity and focus. It strengthens your sense of self.

The Solar Plexus mudra is easy to integrate into daily life. It can be done anywhere, anytime and it is a way to easily balance your chakras.

What is the solar plexus responsible for?

The solar plexus, or Manipura chakra, is responsible for personal power, self-esteem, and confidence. It governs our ability to assert ourselves, make decisions, and control our personal freedom. An imbalance can affect self-worth, motivation, and emotional stability.

What is the mantra for the solar plexus chakra?

The mantra for the solar plexus chakra, or Manipura, is “RAM.” Chanting this bija (seed) mantra can stimulate and balance the chakra, enhancing personal power, confidence, and the ability to convert intentions into action. It supports self-esteem and decision-making capabilities.

What are the benefits of the solar plexus?

Balancing the solar plexus chakra enhances self-confidence, decision-making skills, and personal power. It improves digestion, reduces stress, and fosters emotional balance. A strong solar plexus chakra leads to better leadership qualities, assertiveness, and the courage to face challenges with resilience and determination.

What does a blocked solar plexus chakra feel like?

A blocked solar plexus chakra can manifest as low self-esteem, difficulty making decisions, and feeling powerless or out of control. Physically, it may cause digestive issues. Emotionally, it leads to anger, frustration, and a lack of direction or purpose in life.

What mudra is specific to the Solar Plexus chakra?

The mudra specifically associated with the solar plexus chakra is the Surya Mudra. This gesture is known for its ability to increase the element of fire within the body, which aligns with the solar plexus chakra’s association with personal power, self-confidence, and the ability to assert oneself.

Practicing the Surya Mudra can help in activating and balancing the solar plexus chakra, encouraging the cultivation of inner strength, courage, determination, and willpower​​.

How to do the Suraya hand Mudra for the Solar Plexus chakra?

To perform the Surya Mudra, which is especially beneficial for activating and balancing the Manipura (solar plexus) chakra, follow these steps:

  1. Sit comfortably: Begin by finding a comfortable seated position. You can sit on the floor with your legs crossed or in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Ensure your spine is straight to promote the free flow of energy.
  2. Position your hands: Start with both hands resting on your knees or thighs, palms facing upwards.
  3. Form the hand Mudra: To form the Surya Mudra, you will use your thumb and ring finger. Bend the ring finger towards the palm and gently press the thumb over the ring finger’s base. Also another way is just to bring together the ring finger and thumb. The rest of the fingers should remain straight and relaxed.
  4. Breathing: Once in position, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Take deep, slow breaths to help center your mind and body. Visualize the solar plexus chakra area (above the navel and below the chest) being energized and balanced by the fire element, enhancing qualities like confidence, self-esteem, and personal power.

How much time should I do Surya mudra?

Hold this mudra for 5 to 15 minutes. You can practice it for longer if you feel comfortable. For the best results, it’s recommended to practice early in the morning, although it can be done at any time of day.

How often should I practice the Suraya Mudra?

You can practice the Surya Mudra daily to stimulate the solar plexus chakra and to encourage the qualities associated with this energy center.

Which chakra is activated by Surya mudra?

The third chakra, Manipura or Solar Plexus chakra, is activated by practicing the Suraya Mudra.

Incorporating the hand Mudra for the Manipura chakra into your meditation and yoga practice

Incorporating the Solar Plexus hand Mudra, also known as the Surya Mudra, into your meditation and yoga practices can significantly enhance the effects of your spiritual routine. This hand mudra is known to stimulate the Manipura Chakra, the energy center associated with personal power, confidence, and transformation.

Incorporating this third chakra Mudra during Meditation

In order to include the Solar Plexus or third chakra hand Mudra also known as Suraya Mudra during meditation I recommend following these steps:

  1. Intention setting: Begin your meditation by setting an intention related to the qualities of the Manipura Chakra. The intension can be increasing inner strength, self-confidence, or personal growth.
  2. Breathing technique: Adopt a comfortable seated position, form the Surya Mudra with each hand, and close your eyes. Focus on deep, diaphragmatic breathing to help center your mind and engage the solar plexus area in order to make this third chakra hand mudra more effective.
  3. Visualization: With each inhalation, visualize a radiant, golden or yellow light filling the area around your solar plexus, energizing and balancing your third chakra. Imagine this light growing brighter and stronger with each breath, empowering your sense of self.
  4. Mantra recitation: Incorporate the use of mantras that resonate with the Manipura Chakra, such as “RAM,” the bija (seed) mantra for this chakra. Chant silently or aloud, aligning the vibrations with your intention.

Read also: The power of visualization: Promoting relaxation and reducing stress

How to use the third chakra mudra during yoga?

The Suraya Mudra used for balancing the third chakra, known as the Solar Plexus or Manipura, can be used also the yoga sessions. This helps also to improve the negative effects of an unbalanced chakra.

Also know that an unbalanced or blocked Solar Plexus or Manipura chakra can affect the upper chakras.

Having this in mind, here are the steps for incorporating the Solar Plexus Mudra in your yoga sessions:

  1. Incorporate specific poses: Include yoga asanas that focus on strengthening the solar plexus region. Warrior poses, Bow Pose (Dhanurasana), and Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) are particularly effective. Perform these poses while holding the Surya Mudra to deepen the connection with the Manipura Chakra.
  2. Transition moments: Use the Surya Mudra during transitions between poses or during rest periods. It can be a powerful way to maintain focus on your Manipura Chakra throughout the session.
  3. End of practice: Conclude your yoga session with a seated meditation using the Surya Mudra. This allows for a moment of reflection on the practice and reinforces the energetic work on the solar plexus chakra.

Read also: How do you know if your heart chakra is blocked: Signs, causes, and healing practices