Exploring physio-anatomical similarities between the Muladhara Chakra and the inferior hypogastric plexus: Evidence from a cadaveric study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v13i5.1797Keywords:
Chakra, Muladhara, dissection, hypogastric plexusAbstract
Background:
The concept of Chakras, particularly the Muladhara Chakra, is well-established in yogic and tantric literature. Traditionally described as an energy center located at the base of the spine, the Muladhara Chakra is associated with physiological functions such as excretion, reproduction, and foundational vitality. Despite extensive spiritual interpretations, limited attempts have been made to correlate its anatomical basis using modern science.
Objective:
This study aims to identify the anatomical equivalent of the Muladhara Chakra, with a specific focus on its correlation with the inferior hypogastric plexus and its sub-plexuses.
Materials and Methods:
A comprehensive review of classical tantric literature and modern anatomical texts was undertaken. Additionally, dissection of six cadavers was conducted at the Department of Sharira Rachana, Govt. Ay. College & Hospital, Patna. Anatomical landmarks corresponding to the traditional location of the Muladhara Chakra were identified, followed by detailed superficial and deep dissections. Observations were compared with descriptions found in both ancient scriptures and contemporary literature.
Results:
The anatomical location and triangular configuration of the inferior hypogastric plexus closely resemble descriptions of the Muladhara Chakra. The four petals (Dalas) of the Chakra—Vama, Sama, Shama, and Shhama—were found to align with four major pelvic sub-plexuses: the uterine, vaginal (or seminal), vesical, and middle rectal plexuses. This supports the hypothesis that the inferior hypogastric plexus serves as the anatomical basis for the Muladhara Chakra.
Conclusion:
The study provides a scientific perspective on the anatomical identity of the Muladhara Chakra, correlating it with the inferior hypogastric plexus and its four subdivisions. While these findings offer a new layer of anatomical understanding to ancient yogic knowledge, further multidisciplinary studies are recommended to explore other attributes and functional aspects of the Chakra.
References
Sharma R. The Subtle Body: An Introduction to the Chakras. J Yogic Sci. 2019;7(1):12–19.
Patnaik VVG. Anatomy of Yoga: Chakras and Nerve Plexuses. Int J Trad Med. 2016;5(2):45–48.
Ghosh SK. Tantric Anatomy: A Comparative View. J Ayurvedic Med. 2015;10(4):123–128.
Gupta A, Reddy K. Pelvic Plexuses and Their Functions: An Anatomical Insight. Clin Anat. 2017;30(6):745–750.
Banerjee R. Perineal Anatomy in Traditional and Modern Texts. Med Hist J. 2018;13(3):201–205.
Rao PV. Concepts of Vayu in Ayurveda. J Altern Complement Med. 2014;20(2):100–105.
Das A. Apana Vayu: Ancient Descriptions and Modern Correlations. J Integr Med. 2016;4(1):33–36.
Sen A. Sharira Vijnana: An Insight into the Human Body According to Ayurveda. 2nd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhamba; 2009.
Shat Chakra Nirupana: Translation and Commentary. New Delhi: Yoga Vidya Press; 2001.
Gray H. Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st ed. Elsevier; 2016.
Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita [Text in Sanskrit]. Reprint edition. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2012.
Romanes GJ, Cunningham DJ. Cunningham’s Manual of Practical Anatomy: Volume 2. 15th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2014.
Chaurasia BD. Human Anatomy: Regional and Applied. Vol. 2, Lower limb, abdomen, and pelvis. 7th ed. New Delhi: CBS Publishers & Distributors; 2016.
Shastri M. Muladhara Chakra aur Tantric Vyakhya. 1st ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati Academy; 2010.
Netter FH. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 7th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2019.
Athawale V, Mishra S. Drishtartha Shariram. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Series; 2005.
Mahendra M. Sharir Rachana Vigyan. 3rd ed. Jaipur: Ayurveda Publications; 2012.
Mauroy B, Pasquier JC, Lavallee S, Loubeyre P, Berger G. The inferior hypogastric plexus: Anatomical and radiological correlation. Clin Anat. 2007;20(2):167–175.
Joshi BC. Uttamangiya Shariram. Pune: Ayurved Granthmala; 2004.
Additional Files
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 VIKAS MISHRA, Shyam Sundar Gupta
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The author(s) will retain copyright and permit the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that permits others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the author and initial publication in this journal.
The entire contents of the JAHM are protected under Indian and international copyrights. The Journal, however, allows free, irrevocable, worldwide, perpetual right of access to, and a license to copy, use, distribute, perform and display the work publicly and to make and distribute works in any online website for any non-commercial purpose, subject to proper attribution of authorship and ownership of the rights. The journal also permits the right to make small numbers of printed copies for their personal non-commercial use under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.
In case of JAHM does not publish said work, the author(s) will be so notified and all rights assigned hereunder will be given back to the author(s).
All accepted works should not be published anywhere without prior written permission from JAHM. The author(s) hereby declare that they are sole author(s) of the work, that all authors have contributed and agree with the content and conclusions of the work, that the work is original, and does not infringe upon any copyright, propriety, or personal right of any third party, and that no part of it nor any work has been submitted to another journal.
