: Compiled around 1577 AD by Purnananda from Bengal. It originally formed the sixth chapter of his larger work, the Shri-tattva-cintamani Central Theme : The text describes the Shat-chakra-bheda
A twelve-petalled smoke-colored lotus containing a six-pointed star (Air element).
A ten-petalled blue-ish lotus containing a red downward-facing triangle (Fire element).
Originally, this text was not a standalone work but formed the sixth chapter of Purnananda's larger encyclopedic work, the . It gained global prominence in 1919 when Sir John Woodroffe (writing under the pseudonym Arthur Avalon ) translated it into English in his groundbreaking book, The Serpent Power . Core Content: Mapping the Subtle Body
Note: While it focuses on the six lower chakras, the text also describes the shat chakra nirupana pdf
Sacral center, six-petaled lotus representing the Water element.
You can view or download formatted versions on community-driven sites like HolyBooks.com Sacred Texts Archive: A digital transcript of the translation is hosted on Sacred-Texts.com Key Contents of the Piece
: The central channel running from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. It is the path through which Kundalini ascends.
A smoky purple or golden lotus with sixteen petals, housing all the Sanskrit vowels. : Compiled around 1577 AD by Purnananda from Bengal
The core of the essay—and indeed the text itself—is the detailed description of the six psycho-energetic centers. The "Shat Chakra Nirupana" provides a precise iconography for each, detailing the number of petals, the associated Sanskrit letters, the ruling deities, and the specific psychological states associated with each center.
: It holds the original teachings of Laya Yoga.
The text continues to serve as a primary source for authentic chakra study. It is frequently cited as a reference in academic works on yoga and tantra. For instance, the modern chakra system described in most contemporary books can be traced back to the detailed descriptions found in the verses of Purnananda, which have been preserved and propagated through Woodroffe's translations.
The Shat Chakra Nirupana is significant because it provides a detailed and comprehensive guide to understanding the chakra system. This text is considered to be a foundational text of yoga and spirituality, and is still widely studied and revered today. Originally, this text was not a standalone work
These are not metaphors for “personality types.” They are energetic intelligences you are meant to invoke.
: Earth element, represented by a yellow square. Seed Mantra : LAM Deity : Lord Brahma and the Shakti Dakini.
The (lit. "Description of the Six Centers") is a 16th-century Sanskrit text that serves as the definitive manual for Kundalini Yoga . Written by the Bengali sage Swami Purnananda in 1577 CE, it outlines the "inner pilgrimage" of consciousness as it rises through the six primary energy centers (chakras) of the human body. Historical Significance & Translations
Visual guides illustrating the geometry described in the text. Practical Application for Modern Yogis