Granthi

“Knot”. The three psychic knots that block the ascent of kuṇḍalinī through suṣumṇā.

The three granthis:

1. Brahma granthi: At mūlādhāra/svādhiṣṭhāna. Knot of identification with the body, survival and reproduction instincts.
2. Viṣṇu granthi: At maṇipūra/anāhata. Knot of emotional attachment, relationships, personal power.
3. Rudra granthi: At viśuddha/ājñā. Knot of attachment to siddhis (powers), spiritual experiences, spiritual ego.

Kuṇḍalinī must “pierce” (bheda) each knot to continue its ascent. Bhastrikā prāṇāyāma is especially effective for breaking the granthis.

Breaking these knots frees one from the corresponding limitations and allows the free flow of prāṇa toward sahasrāra.