Sairam, dear seekers,
After a brief hiatus, I’m delighted to return to my blog with a crucial topic in the realm of Kundalini Sadhana: the Granthis, or psychic knots. An understanding of these granthis is of paramount importance for anyone pursuing Kundalini practices, and in this article, I have sought to correlate these spiritual concepts with insights from medical science to offer a comprehensive perspective.
I am deeply grateful to elevated masters such as Swami Sivananda, Mata Nirmaladevi, Guru Amritananda of Devipuram, and Sri Vasudeva of Trinidad, whose teachings have guided my understanding of granthis. Their wisdom has illuminated the subtle nuances of Kundalini Sadhana, which are often misunderstood or overlooked.
I urge all seekers to exercise discernment, especially in an era where pseudo-gurus may offer misguided promises of instant siddhis without a true understanding of these spiritual subtleties. Authentic Kundalini Sadhana requires dedicated practice, sincere effort, and adherence to foundational principles, such as those outlined by Patanjali, including pranayama, asana, kriya and disciplined conduct.
Be mindful not to fall into the cycle of ignorance and attachment, which can keep one bound in the cycle of births and deaths. Blindly following a Guru who merely feeds the ego or provides temporary euphoria through superficial means can lead one down a path of illusion. Instead, let us strive for genuine spiritual growth, rooted in awareness, discipline, and truth.
Granthis:
In yogic tradition, granthis, or “knots,” represent blockages in the subtle energy channel, the sushumna nadi, which prevent the free rise of kundalini shakti (spiritual energy) and limit spiritual insights. These three primary knots—Brahma Granthi, Vishnu Granthi, and Rudra Granthi—are blockages formed by past karma, mental conditioning, and attachment. They symbolize realms of human experience, consciousness, and attachment.
To progress in spiritual evolution, these granthis must be “pierced” or untied through yogic practices like pranayama, bandhas (locks), and kriyas.
Each granthi is associated with specific realms (mandalas), layers of the body (koshas), and states of consciousness, deepening our understanding of their influence on both spiritual and physical health.
Life, much like music, is expressed through movement across various levels of consciousness (chakras), and individuals often oscillate between chakras, such as seeking power at the manipura chakra or nurturing love in the anahata chakra. Each granthi reflects a particular loop or entanglement we may find ourselves in—unknowingly, often deeply rooted in our psyche and behavior.
1. Brahma Granthi: The Knot of Brahma (Root Knot)
Governs: Primal instincts, survival, and physical identity
Associated Chakras: Muladhara (Root) and Svadhisthana (Sacral)
Tendency: Tamas – lethargy, fear, apathy, and ignorance
Associated Realm: Agni Mandala (Circle of Fire)
Koshas and States: Anna Kosha (Sheath of Food), Stula Deha (Physical Body), and Jagrat (Waking State)
Spiritual Significance
Brahma Granthi, named after Brahma, the creator, symbolizes attachment to the physical self and primal needs. This knot is associated with the Agni Mandala, or the Circle of Fire, representing the Earth Realm. The realms of physical sustenance and survival, linked to the Anna Kosha (Sheath of Food), keep the individual focused on bodily security and material existence. Brahma Granthi keeps one’s awareness primarily in the Jagrat (waking state), with identification closely tied to the physical body (Stula Deha).
Manifestations of Blockages
Muladhara Chakra Blockage: Can lead to risky behaviors, survival anxiety, and attachment to bodily security.
Svadhisthana Chakra Blockage: May result in an inability to mature beyond sexual identity, low libido, or emotional immaturity.
Medical Correlation
Limbic System and Fear Responses: This granthi corresponds to survival functions in the limbic system, particularly the amygdala, which regulates fear responses.
Endocrine System: Chronic anxiety and stress from attachment to survival issues can lead to adrenal fatigue and stress hormone imbalances.
Yogic Practices for Piercing Brahma Granthi Mula Bandha (Root Lock) and pranayama like Nadi Shodhana are instrumental in piercing Brahma Granthi. These practices allow kundalini to move beyond survival-based attachments, helping one transcend the waking state (Jagrat) and physical attachments.
2. Vishnu Granthi: The Knot of Vishnu (Sustenance Knot)
Governs: Love, power, and social identity
Associated Chakras: Manipura (Solar Plexus) and Anahata (Heart)
Tendency: Rajas – egoism, ambition, and attachment to powerAssociated Realm: Surya Mandala (Realm of the Sun)
Koshas and States: Prana Kosha (Sheath of Vital Energy), Sukshma Deha (Subtle Body), and Swapna (Dreaming State)
Spiritual Significance
The Vishnu Granthi, associated with Vishnu, the preserver, governs societal and emotional attachments. It is associated with the Surya Mandala, or Realm of the Sun, indicating the influence of social interaction and the vital forces that sustain relationships. The subtle body (Sukshma Deha) operates within the Prana Kosha (Sheath of Vital Energy), fueling the ego, ambition, and attachment to one’s societal role. Vishnu Granthi keeps the individual tied to the Swapna (dreaming state), the realm of thoughts and emotional attachments.
Manifestations of Blockages
Manipura Chakra Blockage: May result in a lack of personal power or tendencies toward victimization.
Anahata Chakra Blockage: Prevents true empathy, leading to conditional love and social dependence.
Medical Correlation
Emotional Regulation and Identity: The limbic system, prefrontal cortex, and bonding hormones like oxytocin are involved in social behavior and emotional attachment, and blockages here may lead to dependence on external validation.
Cardiovascular Health: The heart chakra’s balance affects cardiovascular health, with stress from ego-driven attachments contributing to heart-related conditions.
Yogic Practices for Piercing Vishnu Granthi The Uddiyana Bandha (Abdominal Lock) and pranayama practices like Bhastrika help unbind Vishnu Granthi, merging prana energies to foster genuine compassion and humility. By piercing this knot, the individual rises above the dream state and reaches an awareness of universal compassion.
3. Rudra Granthi: The Knot of Rudra (Transformation Knot)
Governs: Intellectual pride, self-reflection, and higher consciousness
Associated Chakras: Vishuddha (Throat) and Ajna (Third Eye)
Tendency: Sattva – purity, balance, higher awareness
Associated Realm: Chandra Mandala (Realm of the Moon)
Koshas and States: Vijnana Kosha (Sheath of Knowledge), Karana Deha (Causal Body), and Sushupti (Deep Sleep State)
Spiritual Significance
Rudra Granthi, named after Shiva (in his Rudra form as the destroyer of ignorance), is the final barrier on the path to enlightenment. Located at the throat and third eye chakras, it is associated with the Chandra Mandala, or Realm of the Moon, symbolizing cosmic knowledge and self-transcendence. The higher cognitive functions and spiritual insights reside in the Vijnana Kosha (Sheath of Knowledge) and Karana Deha (Causal Body). This knot is connected to the Sushupti (deep sleep state), where one experiences unity without ego.
Manifestations of Blockages
Vishuddha Chakra Blockage: Prevents empathy for the environment, supporting an exploitative worldview.
Ajna Chakra Blockage: Limits direct experience of cosmic intelligence, reinforcing intellectual pride and a materialistic worldview.
Medical Correlation
Higher Cognition and Thyroid Health: The prefrontal cortex supports self-reflection and abstract thought, while the thyroid governs metabolic balance.A blocked Rudra Granthi results in intellectual pride and materialistic limitations.
Thyroid and Hormonal Balance: The Vishuddha chakra governs thyroid function; unresolved self-expression or critical thoughts can lead to thyroid imbalances, manifesting as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Intellectual Humility: The third eye chakra’s clarity enables discernment between the transient and the eternal. Blockages here reinforce intellectual arrogance and materialistic perspectives.
Yogic Practices for Piercing Rudra Granthi Jalandhara Bandha (Throat Lock) and mudras like Kechari and Shambhavi dissolve Rudra Granthi, facilitating a state of unity and enabling kundalini to ascend to the Sahasrara (crown) chakra. The piercing of this knot enables one to transcend ego-bound consciousness and achieve oneness with the cosmic consciousness.
Siddhis:
As you evolve spiritually, it’s natural to begin acquiring certain siddhis, or spiritual powers. However, becoming obsessed or overly attached to these siddhis can prevent true spiritual progress. This attachment entangles you in the realm of ego and illusion, inhibiting the release of the Rudra Granthi, the final knot that binds us to intellectual pride and limited self-awareness.
The Rudra Granthi, located at the throat and third eye chakras, is associated with higher consciousness and self-transcendence. When this knot is unblocked, it allows one to go beyond ego-bound perceptions and experience unity with the Divine. However, when one becomes fixated on siddhis—whether for personal gain, validation, or control—this granthi remains tightly knotted, obstructing the path to true enlightenment.
True spiritual evolution involves transcending the allure of siddhis, recognizing them as natural byproducts of practice rather than ends in themselves. When you are free from attachment to these powers, the Rudra Granthi gradually loosens, allowing kundalini to rise unobstructed toward the crown chakra, leading to the ultimate state of union with the Divine. This unbinding is the gateway to a state of pure consciousness, where the ego dissolves, and one experiences the oneness beyond individuality.
In essence, let siddhis arise naturally, but stay focused on your ultimate goal: self-realization and liberation. Obsession with siddhis is like mistaking the signposts for the destination—they are merely indicators along the way, not the final purpose of the journey.
Summary Table of Granthis and Medical Correlations
Granthi | Associated Chakras | Deity | Governs | Medical Correlation |
Brahma | Muladhara, Svadhisthana | Brahma | Physical identity, survival instincts | Limbic system, adrenal glands (stress response) |
Vishnu | Manipura, Anahata | Vishnu | Social identity, emotional attachment | Cardiovascular health, emotional regulation |
Rudra | Vishuddha, Ajna | Rudra | Intellectual pride, higher consciousness | Thyroid health, higher cognition |
Conclusion
The granthis reveal the intricate relationship between physical health, emotional conditioning, and spiritual progress. By understanding each knot's symbolic realms (mandalas), bodily layers (koshas), and associated states of consciousness, practitioners can see the profound effect each granthi has on the psyche. Through disciplined yogic practice, these knots are gradually unblocked, allowing kundalini to rise and promoting a holistic evolution that integrates physical wellness, mental clarity, and spiritual awakening.
As each granthi is pierced, awareness rises through realms of existence—from physical needs and emotional attachments to intellectual pride and cosmic unity. In this process, life, like a piece of music, flows seamlessly across different notes, creating a harmonious journey toward enlightenment.
If you'd like to discuss this topic further, feel free to reach out to me. I'm here to support your journey and am always open to learning from meaningful conversations with fellow seekers. Whether you have questions about Kundalini Sadhana, the nature of granthis, or any other spiritual practice, please don’t hesitate to connect. May we continue to grow, support one another, and explore these profound teachings together.
Sairam 🙏
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