What is the Muladhara Chakra and where is it located?

The Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra) is the first and foundational energy center in the Hindu yoga system, located at the base of the spine near the perineum. The word comes from Sanskrit: Mula (root, foundation) and Adhara (support, base). The Sat-Cakra-Nirupana describes it as a four-petalled crimson lotus with the Sanskrit syllables VA, SHA, ShA, and SA on each petal. The bija mantra is LAM (pronounced with nasal resonance). The presiding deity is Lord Brahma (creator) with Goddess Dakini as the Shakti. The element is Prithvi (Earth). Physically it governs the skeletal system, legs, feet, large intestine, adrenal glands, and immune system. Psychologically it governs survival instincts, security, grounding, physical vitality, and connection to the earth. The Muladhara is where Kundalini Shakti lies dormant as a coiled serpent (Kundalini) — the energy that, when awakened through yoga and meditation, rises through all seven chakras toward Sahasrara for spiritual liberation (moksha).