Left: Hindu symbol of the Manipura Chackra, as depicted by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. [Source: "Theories of the Chakras" by H. Motoyama, p223)
Description by various yoga texts:
Yoga-shikkā Upanishad description – Not referenced.
Shat-chakra-nirupana - Here abides Lākinī, the benefactress of all. She is four armed, of radiant body, is dark of complexion, clothed in yellow raiment and decked with various ornaments, and exalted by drinking ambrosia. By meditating on this Navel Lotus the power to destroy and create (the world) is acquired. Vānī (the Devī of Speech, that is, Sarasvatī) with all the wealth of knowledge ever abides in the Lotus of his face (that of Fire, represented by the seed-mantra "Ram"). [Verse 21]
Gorakshashtakam description – The Manipūraka (Manipūra) charka is like the morning sun; meditating (on it) with the gaze fixed on the tip of the nose one can stir up the world. [Verse 80]
Also known as: Power Center, Solar Plexus
Location: Solar Plexus
Associated Color: Yellow
Symbol & Element: Fire; Triangle
Astrology sign: Earth signs of Taurus, Capricorn and Virgo
Physiology influences: Stomach; liver; small intestine; digestion, the skin
Endocrine gland: The pancreas
Sense: Eyesight
Consciouse Development Aspect: This Chakra is known as the power Chakra, located in the solar plexus, it is said to rule our personal will and feelings of autonomy, as well as our metabolism. When healthy, this Chakra is believed to bring us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity, and non-dominating power. Some even claim clairvoyant ability is activated through this Chakra, although many disagree.
UMO Perspective: Continuing on from the previous two Chakras we can see a pattern beginning to emerge. As we ascend up each level, the individual begins to develop greater levels of self esteem. As our fear and insecurity brought about by our confused state of mind begins to dissolve, so our vitality and strength begins to increase. Personally we have not found that vitality increases directly after activating this Chakra as the above description may suggest. We recommend that one sees each Chakra as helping us to develop consciously so that we become stronger and more enlightened rather than a quick fix for physical conditions.
The Manipura is located above the Navel in the Solar Plexus region and is associated with the colour Yellow.
Left: C.W. Leadbeater's pictorial description of the Solar Plexus (Manipura) Chakra. [Source: "The Chakras" by C.W.Leadbeater].