Understanding the Three Granthis in Yoga: Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra
In yogic philosophy, the human energy system has three major knots (Granthis) that block the free flow of Kundalini energy as it rises through the chakras. These energy knots, known as Brahma Granthi, Vishnu Granthi, and Rudra Granthi, represent different layers of attachment and ego that one must overcome for spiritual awakening and self-realization.
Let’s explore their meaning, significance, and ways to unlock them.
What are Granthis?
The word Granthi (गंथि) in Sanskrit means “knot” or “blockage.” These knots represent deep-seated physical, mental, and emotional barriers that prevent the free movement of Prana (life force energy) and spiritual progress.
Each Granthi is located at a specific point along the Sushumna Nadi (the central energy channel).
As the Kundalini energy rises, it must pierce through these knots to move towards enlightenment.
Overcoming these knots leads to freedom from fear, attachment, and ego.
The Three Granthis & Their Significance
Brahma Granthi (The Knot of Creation – Root & Sacral Chakras)
Location: Between the Muladhara (Root Chakra) & Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra)
Associated with: Survival, Material Attachments, Physical Desires
Represents: Fear, insecurity, attachment to worldly pleasures
Brahma Granthi is the knot of material existence. It keeps us bound to basic human instincts like fear, desire, and survival needs (food, money, relationships). This knot prevents spiritual growth by keeping the mind focused on physical comfort and external reality.
Signs of a Blocked Brahma Granthi:
Excessive fear, anxiety, or insecurity
Strong attachment to material possessions
Feeling stuck in worldly desires and pleasures
How to Overcome Brahma Granthi:
Pranayama: Bhastrika (Bellows Breath), Kapalabhati (Skull-Shining Breath)
Asanas: Grounding poses like Tadasana (Mountain Pose) & Malasana (Squat Pose)
Mantra: “LAM” (Root Chakra Bija Mantra)
Practice Detachment & Simplicity
Vishnu Granthi (The Knot of Preservation – Solar Plexus & Heart Chakras)
Location: Between the Manipura (Solar Plexus) & Anahata (Heart Chakra)
Associated with: Ego, Power, Emotional Attachments
Represents: Pride, identity, emotional dependencies
Vishnu Granthi is the knot of ego and emotions. It binds us to personal identity, social status, relationships, and emotional bonds. This creates dependency, fear of rejection, and attachment to recognition and control.
Signs of a Blocked Vishnu Granthi:
Strong need for approval or control
Fear of letting go and trusting the universe
Emotional instability (over-attachment or excessive detachment)
How to Overcome Vishnu Granthi:
Pranayama: Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing), Ujjayi (Ocean Breath)
Asanas: Heart-opening poses like Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) & Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
Mantra: “YAM” (Heart Chakra Bija Mantra)
Practice Selfless Service (Seva) & Unconditional Love
Rudra Granthi (The Knot of Transformation – Throat, Third Eye & Crown Chakras)
Location: Between the Vishuddha (Throat), Ajna (Third Eye), & Sahasrara (Crown Chakra)
Associated with: Spiritual Ignorance, Illusion of Separation
Represents: Ego identity, attachment to intellect, resistance to higher wisdom
Rudra Granthi is the final knot that blocks enlightenment. It prevents us from fully surrendering to divine consciousness and universal wisdom. The mind clings to intellectual understanding rather than direct experience. Breaking this knot leads to self-realization and union with the higher self.
Signs of a Blocked Rudra Granthi:
Over-reliance on logic and resistance to intuition
Fear of dissolving personal identity (ego death)
Lack of spiritual clarity and connection