Guide · 15 designs
Chakra and Spiritual Tattoos: The Seven Chakras, Om, Mandalas and Sacred Figures
A chakra tattoo shows the seven energy centres of Indian yoga and tantric traditions, usually as seven coloured symbols running up the spine from the root (base of the spine) to the crown (top of the head). It stands for balance, spiritual growth and alignment. Related spiritual designs include Om, mandalas and sacred figures such as Ganesha or the Buddha.
IThe seven chakras
From the bottom up, with the colours used in most modern designs:
1. Muladhara (root) - red - grounding, safety
2. Svadhisthana (sacral) - orange - creativity, emotion
3. Manipura (solar plexus) - yellow - will, confidence
4. Anahata (heart) - green - love, compassion
5. Vishuddha (throat) - blue - expression, truth
6. Ajna (third eye) - indigo - intuition
7. Sahasrara (crown) - violet - connection, spirit
The rainbow sequence is a 20th-century Western addition; older Indian texts describe the chakras with different colours, numbers of petals and seed syllables. Either version is fine for a tattoo - just know that the rainbow is modern.
IIChakras along the spine and arm
The spine is the natural placement because the chakras are imagined along it. A forearm column is a less painful alternative.
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illustrativeChakra Tattoo Ideas: Meaning, Designs & PlacementSeven coloured chakra symbols running up the spine.
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illustrativeSmall 7 Chakra Tattoo: Meaning & Design IdeasThe same column scaled down to the forearm.
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illustrative7 Chakra Tattoo Designs: Meaning, Placement & InspirationA watercolour chakra column with a soft colour wash.
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minimalist7 Chakra Tattoo Ideas: A Minimalist GuideA placement diagram showing the seven points along the back.
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illustrative · spineSpiritual Chakra Tattoo Designs for FemalesA rainbow lotus mandala: all seven colours in one flower - from the site's most visited chakra page.
IIIMandalas
A mandala is a circular diagram of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist practice; in tattooing it stands for wholeness and balance.
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illustrativeChakra Tattoo Ideas: Symbolism, Design & PlacementA coloured mandala between the shoulder blades.
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illustrative · backSpiritual Tattoos: Exploring Meaning & SymbolismA similar upper-back mandala in teal and red.
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illustrative · backTibetan Tattoos: Exploring Symbols, Meanings & Cultural SignificanceA bright mandala on the forearm.
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illustrativeSpiritual Tattoo Symbols & Meanings: A Journey of Self-DiscoveryA large black and grey petal mandala.
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dotworkChakra Tattoo Ideas: A Guide to Energy CentersFine-line mandala on the forearm.
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illustrativeDecoding the Spiritual Meaning of TattoosA black mandala design, line only.
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Designing Tattoos: A Photoshop Guide to Spiritual Geometry & SymbolismSacred geometry (the flower of life) glowing on a dark background.
IVOm and sacred figures
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illustrativeSacred Symbols: Sanskrit Words for Powerful TattoosOm, the sacred syllable of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, carved in relief.
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illustrativeHindu Tattoo Ideas: Divine Symbols & Spiritual MeaningsGanesha, the Hindu remover of obstacles, in full colour.
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traditional · armBuddhist Tattoo Symbols: A Guide for MenA Buddha face on the forearm in black and grey.
VWearing sacred images with respect
Om, Ganesha and the Buddha are living religious symbols for hundreds of millions of people. Many believers are glad to see them honoured, but placement matters: images of deities or the Buddha below the waist, on the feet, or anywhere that is sat on are widely considered disrespectful. Some Buddhist countries take Buddha tattoos seriously enough that tourists have been refused entry or deported over them. Put sacred figures on the upper body, and make sure an Om or Sanskrit word is drawn correctly - ask someone who reads Devanagari.
VIQuestions people ask
Where should a chakra tattoo go?
Along the spine is the traditional choice. A forearm or the side of the ribs works for a smaller column.
Is it disrespectful to get a Buddha tattoo?
It depends on placement and intent. On the upper body and treated with respect it is widely accepted; below the waist or as decoration it offends many Buddhists, and some countries act on it.