Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): Everything You Should Know About It

Meaning Characteristics Location Color Mantra Sign of Balanced Sign of Imbalanced How to Balance Crown Chakra

The Crown Chakra, known as Sahasrara in Sanskrit, is the seventh and highest chakra in the body’s energy system. Located at the top of the head, it represents pure consciousness, divine connection, and spiritual awakening.

This chakra is the gateway to higher states of awareness. It invites us to move beyond the ego and material identity to realise our unity with the universe. The affirmation most associated with this chakra “I am one with the universal consciousness” reflects the essence of this journey.

In this guide, you’ll learn the meaning, key qualities, and signs of imbalance in the crown chakra; along with practices to awaken and balance it.

Crown chakra or sahasrara: thousand petaled lotus

The Crown Chakra is the final step in the chakra ladder, which begins at the Root Chakra (Muladhara) and rises through the spine, progressing through each energy centre until it reaches the crown of the head the point of union with the divine source of creation.

As energy flows through this step-ladder system, it passes through the Ajna Chakra (third eye), which refines psychological and mental tendencies. This refined awareness then opens into Sahasrara, the seat of pure consciousness.

Key Points:

Sahasrara means “thousand-petaled”, symbolising a lotus fully blooming at the top of the head. It is the energy centre responsible for thought, wisdom, awareness, and our connection with the divine. This chakra is also known as Shunya (the void) or Niralambapuri (place without support), indicating freedom from attachment and the ego.

As energy flows upward through the chakras from survival to self-identity, love, and intuition, it ultimately reaches Sahasrara. Here, the soul experiences a sense of oneness with everything in existence.

When awakened and balanced, the crown chakra brings:

Deep inner peace A sense of unity and higher purpose Freedom from duality and ego Access to divine knowledge and universal truth

Sahasrara is the seat of pure consciousness the centre from which spiritual energy radiates. It does not depend on external input but arises through the awakening of inner awareness.

Characteristics of the crown chakra (sahasrara)

The Crown Chakra is the meeting point of the finite self (ego) and the infinite soul. It is where the cycle of life and death dissolves, and higher awareness begins. When the Sahasrara Chakra is balanced, it reflects the following core qualities:

1. Let go of possession

“Be — don’t try to become.”

The illusion of ownership causes stress and fear. What you possess today may belong to someone else tomorrow. A balanced crown chakra helps you detach from materialism and embrace impermanence.

2. Don’t take things personally

You are responsible for your actions, not the behaviour of others. Their responses are shaped by their own experiences. When your crown chakra is open, you stop internalising negativity and remain at peace.

3. Let go of dependency

You don’t need to become something you already are. You are complete. The world may offer fleeting pleasure or pain, but true joy comes from within, through connection with your soul.

4. Release discontentment

“Truth is not something outside to be discovered; it is something inside to be realised.”

Discontent keeps you seeking outside. When the crown chakra is active, you realise that contentment is a natural state not something to chase.

5. Have faith in yourself

Believe in your inner strength. You are more capable and courageous than you realise. A balanced crown chakra removes self-doubt and unlocks your highest potential.

6. Trust your Inner wisdom

The divine resides within you. When Sahasrara is in harmony, you stop depending on external validation. With faith, patience, and fearless action, you follow your true path.

Location of the crown chakra (sahasrara)

The Crown Chakra, or Sahasrara, is the seventh energy centre in the chakra system. It is located at the top of the head, and often described as sitting slightly above the crown, radiating upward like a luminous halo or a thousand-petaled lotus.

How to find the crown chakra

If you know the position of the Ajna Chakra (between the eyebrows), you can easily locate the crown chakra:

Place your wrist on your third eye (Ajna Chakra). Extend your fingers upward along the centre line of the head. The point where your fingers land is the crown of the head this is the seat of the Sahasrara Chakra.

In spiritual teachings, the crown chakra is believed to extend just above the physical head, forming an energetic opening to higher realms of consciousness.

Anatomical association

The crown chakra is closely linked with:

Pineal and pituitary glands Hypothalamus Brain and nervous system

These areas play a vital role in hormone regulation, intuition, and the body’s overall balance making Sahasrara deeply connected to physical and spiritual well-being.

Energetic flow and nadis

At the crown chakra, the two major energy channels, Ida and Pingala, which merge at the Ajna Chakra, finally unite with the central channel, Sushumna Nadi.

When these nadis are fully open and energy flows freely from the Root Chakra (Muladhara) up to Sahasrara, we experience a deep connection with the higher self, leading to spiritual awakening and enlightenment.

Crown chakra color significance

The Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) is associated with the colour violet the highest vibrational colour in the visible spectrum. Violet symbolises spiritual awareness, universal connection, and divine wisdom.

This colour represents our link to the energy of the cosmos, guiding us toward oneness, meditation, and higher consciousness. When you visualise or surround yourself with violet, it helps activate the Sahasrara and align you with your spiritual path.

Positive aspects of violet energy:

Deep appreciation for all life Ability to sacrifice for the greater good Strong sense of idealism Clear vision of what serves the higher self

Negative aspects of violet energy (when imbalanced):

Lack of empathy or concern for others Feelings of egoism or superiority Disconnection from reality or being overly materialistic

The violet frequency supports deep spiritual growth, but imbalance can lead to disconnection or excessive pride. Maintaining harmony in the crown chakra helps you stay grounded while being spiritually aligned.

Symbol of crown chakra

The symbol of the Crown Chakra is a thousand-petaled lotus, representing infinite awareness, spiritual awakening, and the soul’s connection to the divine source. It embodies an attitude of gratitude and a deep openness to higher consciousness.

Key elements in the sahasrara symbol:

Lotus with Thousand Petals: Symbolises the expansion of consciousness and the soul’s connection with infinity. Each petal reflects a layer of realisation and spiritual growth. Circle at the Centre: Represents the full moon, a symbol of wholeness, inner openness, and the awakening of the conscious mind.

The entire symbol mirrors the idea of enlightenment a state where the self merges with the universal truth.

Energy frequency & seed mantra of sahasrara

The energy of the crown chakra connects you with the entire cosmos. It brings the experience of mystical oneness with all living beings and nature.

Seed Sound: Ah Seed Mantra: OM (to be hummed silently during meditation) Frequency: 480 Hz Colour Frequency: Violet — the shortest wavelength and highest vibration in the visible spectrum, representing spirituality and transformation.

Chanting or meditating on OM helps activate the Sahasrara, leading to inner peace and expanded awareness.

Element Associated with Crown Chakra

The Crown Chakra is connected with the element of Light, but it also transcends all physical elements, representing the realm of pure consciousness.

Associations:

Physically: Linked to the cerebral cortex, skull, and brain Mentally: Brings clarity, curiosity, and expanded thinking Emotionally: Helps process deep grief and acceptance of life’s journey Spiritually: Inspires selfless giving without seeking recognition

How to know if your crown chakra is balanced

A balanced Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) brings a deep sense of inner peace, spiritual connection, and clarity of purpose. You feel aligned with your higher self, guided by divine wisdom, and less attached to the material world.

Signs Your crown chakra is balanced

You feel connected to something greater than yourself You experience peace, love, and gratitude effortlessly There is a strong sense of purpose and direction You trust life’s flow and surrender to what you can’t control You recognise that you’re a spiritual being in a human experience

Balanced Feelings

Connected – Guided – Wise – Spiritually Aware

When Sahasrara is in harmony, you understand that divine intelligence shapes your life path. You stop resisting and start flowing with life, making peace with both your past and present.

Karmic lesson of the crown chakra

“Let go of ego and attachment.”

The lesson of the seventh chakra is to release earthly bonds and embrace the truth that you are guided by a higher power. This allows you to rise above fear, control, and illusion and live with trust, surrender, and spiritual clarity.

Imbalanced crown chakra: symptoms and causes

An imbalanced Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) can lead to a disconnection from your higher self, spiritual confusion, or excessive attachment to ego and intellect. When blocked or overactive, it affects your sense of purpose, clarity, and inner peace.

Common causes of crown chakra imbalance

Spiritual awakening without grounding Rigid or limiting beliefs Persecution or trauma related to one’s spiritual path Emotional suppression or lack of connection with intuition

General symptoms of imbalance

Apathy or indifference Lack of compassion Excessive ego or superiority complex Insomnia or frequent nightmares Boredom with life or loss of interest Narrow-mindedness Existential or spiritual depression Disconnection from higher purpose Rigid identity or closed mindset Obsession with materialism Confusion or lack of clarity Feeling directionless or spiritually lost

Overactive crown chakra symptoms

An overactive Sahasrara Chakra may lead to excessive detachment from reality and an imbalanced focus on the spiritual realm.

Signs include

Difficulty staying grounded or focused “God complex” or superiority over others Obsession with spirituality, ignoring physical needs Disconnection from the physical world Struggles with empathy and personal relationships Negative or unhealthy beliefs about money or physical life

Underactive crown chakra symptoms

An underactive crown chakra leads to spiritual dullness and a lack of direction or inner connection.

Signs include

Feeling that life is meaningless Emotional numbness or feeling unloved Lack of balance or motivation Difficulty understanding abstract or spiritual ideas Resistance to inner exploration Excessive fear of death Blaming life or others for personal suffering

How to balance the crown chakra (sahasrara)

“The crown chakra is a doorway that leads into other dimensions, but one has to focus on them to the exclusion of everything else.”
— Frederick Lenz

The Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) is the centre of pure consciousness, where ego dissolves and unity with the divine self begins. When this chakra is balanced, it brings a deep sense of peace, clarity, and spiritual fulfilment.

Here are effective practices to restore and maintain balance in your crown chakra:

1. Stop Blaming — awaken the greatness within

Blaming others or external situations blocks the free flow of divine energy. Instead of holding onto painful thoughts, recognise the support the universe gives you. Every life experience shapes your path. Let go of blame and take full ownership of your journey.

2. Practise gratitude daily

“A rich life comes from giving.”

Every breath, every moment, is a divine gift. Feel grateful for the love and support you’ve received — from your parents, nature, and existence itself. Gratitude shifts your vibration and opens you to divine energy flowing through Sahasrara.

3. Meditate and chant “OM”

Silence and meditation are the most powerful tools to awaken the crown chakra. Chanting OM the universal sound aligns your frequency with cosmic energy. Regular meditation creates space for spiritual awareness and inner peace.

4. Surround yourself with violet

Violet is the colour of the crown chakra. Wearing violet clothes, using violet crystals, or visualising violet light during meditation helps activate and strengthen Sahasrara.

Yoga poses to balance the crown chakra

Certain yoga postures help direct energy toward the crown of the head, improving clarity and connection with your higher self.

Recommended crown chakra yoga poses

Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
Calms the nervous system and helps you stay present and grounded. Shashankasana (Rabbit Pose)
Sends fresh blood and oxygen to the brain, balancing the head region. Ardha Padmasana (Half Lotus Pose)
A powerful seated posture that fosters stillness and opens spiritual awareness. Ardha Sirsasana (Dolphin/Half Headstand Pose)
Aligns the spine and tones the back and neck, preparing for inversion. Salamba Sirsasana (Supported Headstand)
Reverses blood flow, drawing prana to the crown, activating deep spiritual connection.

Balancing the crown chakra is not just about practices it’s about living with awareness, humility, and surrender. The more you align with your inner truth, the more effortlessly Sahasrara opens to the divine.

Crown chakra stones: crystals for sahasrara healing

Crystals are powerful tools that can help restore and balance the energy of the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara). These stones promote spiritual awareness, inner peace, and connection to higher consciousness.

You can use them during meditation, place them on the top of your head, carry them with you, or keep them near your sleeping area.

Best crystals for crown chakra healing

Amethyst
Enhances intuition, calms the mind, and deepens spiritual connection. Selenite
Clears negative energy, brings clarity, and promotes divine communication. Danburite
A high-vibration crystal that opens spiritual pathways and encourages enlightenment. Charoite
Transforms fear into courage and strengthens spiritual insight. Labradorite
Supports awakening, protects the aura, and stimulates higher consciousness. Nuummite
Known as the “Sorcerer’s Stone,” it aids in deep meditation and accessing ancient wisdom.

These crystals resonate with the violet and white frequencies of the crown chakra and can help clear blockages, enhance meditation, and align you with your higher self.

Conclusion

The Crown Chakra is the gateway to spiritual awakening, divine wisdom, and a deep sense of oneness with the universe. When balanced, it brings peace, clarity, purpose, and a connection to your higher self.

By practising meditation, gratitude, chanting OM, wearing violet, and using healing crystals, you can activate and harmonise this powerful energy centre. Yoga postures and conscious living further support your journey toward enlightenment and inner freedom.

Remember, true spiritual growth begins with self-awareness. Keep your crown chakra open, and let the light of consciousness guide your path.

Crown Chakra(Sahasrara) FAQS

1. What happens when the crown chakra opens?

When the crown chakra opens, you feel spiritually connected, mentally clear, and deeply peaceful. It brings a sense of unity with the universe.

2. Can a blocked crown chakra cause physical symptoms?

Yes, it may cause headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbances, or a heavy sensation at the top of the head.

3. How to identify an overactive crown chakra?

You may feel detached from reality, neglect physical needs, or become overly focused on spiritual ideas.

4. Does the crown chakra affect sleep?

Yes, imbalances can lead to insomnia, vivid dreams, or mental restlessness at night.

5. Is it safe to open the crown chakra?

Yes, if done gradually with grounding practices like yoga and mindfulness to stay balanced.

6. What happens if the crown chakra is too open?

You may feel ungrounded, overly idealistic, or emotionally distant from others.

7. Can the crown chakra close?

Yes, it can become blocked due to trauma, spiritual disconnection, or rigid belief systems.

8. Which sound activates the crown chakra?

The seed sound “OM” activates the crown chakra. Chanting it during meditation enhances awareness.

9. How to ground yourself after crown chakra meditation?

Try yoga poses like Tadasana, walk barefoot, or eat grounding foods like root vegetables.