Manipura Chakra is the third chakra of the Kundalini Chakras which is located between the naval and the heart at the pericardium. It is also known as the Solar Plexus Chakra which refers to "Seat of the Soul" or the solar network. This Chakra is associated with the elements; fire and water and is connected to the internal organ; stomach.

Appearance of Manipura Chakra
Manipura Chakra is yellow in colour which has 10 petals dark-blue or black in colour resembling the heavily laden rainclouds. These petals has syllables like dda, ddha, nna, ta, tha, da, dha, na, pa and pha. They relates to the Vrittis of spiritual treachery, ignorance, sadness, delusion, disgust, shame, fear, foolishness, thirst and jealousy.

Function of Manipura Chakra
Manipura Chakra is the area that defines our self-esteem. During puberty the personality growth depends on this Chakra. The purpose of Manipura or Solar Plexus Chakra is to understand the emotional life. It also gives some spiritual lesson to accommodate oneself in the life stream. When the Chakra works properly one becomes confident, adventurous and able to take risks.

The physical dysfunction of Solar Plexus Chakra causes many diseases including stomach ulcers, intestinal tumours, pancreatitis, diabetes, indigestion, hepatitis, anorexia/bulimia, cirrhosis, adrenal imbalance, colon diseases, arthritis etc. The mental and emotional issues associated with malfunctioning of Solar Plexus Chakra are self-esteem, fear of rejection, fear of self-image, indecisiveness, over sensitivity to criticism and fear of secrets to be found out. Many information are stored inside the Solar Plexus Chakra like personal power, personality, consciousness of self within the universe i.e. sense of belonging to the universe and personal knowledge. The areas of body that are governed by the Solar Plexus Chakra are upper abdomen, umbilicus to rib cage, liver, gall bladder, middle spine, spleen, kidney, adrenals, small intestines and stomach.

Awakening of Manipura Chakra
With an open and balanced Solar Plexus Chakra, one can deeply fulfil the emotional life and possess an outgoing and sociable attitude to the world. Many foods stimulate Manipura or Solar Plexus Chakra, resulting in boosting of self-esteem and encouraging self-love. The grains include pastas, breads, cereal, rice, flax seed, sunflower seeds, etc; the Dairy comprises of milk, cheeses, yoghurt; and the spices include ginger, mints, chamomile, turmeric, cumin and fennel. The gemstones associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra are - Jasper, Golden Topaz and Yellow Tourmaline. The Chamomile, Golden Yarrow and Peppermint flower essence can stimulate Solar Plexus Chakra.

Exercise for Manipura Chakra
Practice of Yoga will build the strength necessary to support the movement of energy in this area. The most effective way to balance the energy centres is to do targeted yoga poses such as; Dhanurasana, Bhujangasana , Parvritta Trikonasana , Kapalabhati pranayama and mudras like Anjali mudra and Vajroli Mudra.