Introduction to Panch Makar in Tantra
In the esoteric traditions of Vamamarga Tantra Sadhana, the concept of Panch Makar holds significant importance — especially at the experiential and transformative levels of spiritual practice. The term Panch Makar refers to five elements, all starting with the letter ‘M’ in Sanskrit, and are traditionally listed as:
Matsya (Fish)
Mamsa (Meat)
Madya (Alcohol)
Mudra (Mystic Gesture/Seal)
Maithuna (Sacred Union/Sex)
These elements are not to be interpreted at a merely literal or physical level — as is often misunderstood. In advanced Tantra, especially in Srividya tradition, they symbolize profound inner processes, psychophysical transformations, and spiritual realizations that go beyond mere rituals.
Understanding the Panch Makar
Let’s delve deeper into the symbolic and spiritual meanings behind each of these sacred “Makars.”
- Matsya (Fish)
In Tantra, Fish symbolizes the sperm or reproductive essence (Shukra) within the male body.
Just as fish move within water, the sperm swims in the seminal fluid and is stored in the testicles.
Through yogic practices like Asanas, Pranayama, Bandhas, and Mudras, this biological force is transformed into a spiritual force.
The sperm rises into the subtle nadis (energy channels) and becomes Ojas — the refined spiritual energy that supports Kundalini awakening.
It is this transformed vital force that ultimately becomes Brahma Tejas — divine radiance necessary for higher spiritual realization.
- Mamsa (Meat)
Meat symbolizes the gross to subtle transformation of the body’s elemental makeup and the awakening of the inner fire.
“M + Ansh” signifies the entry of consciousness into Maharlok (subtle dimension) via the Anahata (Heart) Chakra.
The Manipura Chakra (solar plexus) awakens the element of fire within the body.
This inner fire rises through the Sushumna Nadi, penetrating the Vishuddhi Chakra (throat) and ascending to the brain.
In this process, the yogi experiences the subtle burning of impurities — often symbolized as the smell of burning flesh — a metaphor for inner purification.
- Madya (Alcohol/Wine)
Symbolically, Madya represents the fermentation of Prana — the alchemical transformation of life force energy through yogic breath control.
The root sounds M + D (T) + Y correspond to spiritual components:
M: Maharlok, Anahata (Heart Chakra)
Y: Seed letter symbolizing unity of consciousness
D or T: Singularity
In this process, Keval Kumbhaka (a type of Pranayama involving breath retention) is practiced to attain Prana-Jay Siddhi — mastery over the life force.
This Siddhi becomes the foundation for higher powers, including the renowned Ashta Siddhis, and ultimately leads to Moksha (liberation).
- Mudra (Mystic Seals/Gestures)
Mudras are yogic gestures or seals that help redirect energy in the body and activate higher states of consciousness.
a) Chaitanya Yoga Mudras include:
Ashwini, Maha Mudra, Maha Bandha
Mahavedha, Shambhavi, Vajroli, Sahajoli, etc.
b) Raja Yoga Mudras include:
Khechari, Gochari, Dikchari, Bhuchari, Chanchari, Agochari, Unmani, etc.
These subtle energy locks are essential in controlling Prana, awakening Kundalini, and sustaining deeper states of Samadhi (meditative absorption).
- Maithuna (Sacred Union)
The most misunderstood of the Panch Makar, Maithuna, refers to the sacred union of Shiva (consciousness) and Shakti (energy).
In the left-hand Tantra, the female partner plays a significant spiritual role as an embodiment of Shakti.
The Shivlinga symbolizes this union — the merging of Purusha (pure consciousness) and Prakriti (dynamic nature) in the form of Ardhanarishwara.
This sacred union becomes the creative force behind all manifestation, and its practice (both internal and external) leads to transcendental states of bliss and supreme realization.
Srividya – The Ultimate Tantra
At the heart of these practices lies the mystical science of Srividya — one of the most refined paths within the Tantra tradition.
Srividya is centered on the worship and realization of the Divine Mother Tripura Sundari, who embodies beauty, wisdom, power, and bliss.
The Bindu (point of infinite potential) is the core of Srividya, and spiritual progress is marked by the practitioner’s relationship with this divine center.
The Sacred Seed Syllables:
Shreem – Desire (Ichha Shakti), emerging from the Nirguna Bindu.
Kreem – Power and transformation (Kriya Shakti), the force of action and manifestation.
Hreem – Illumination and wisdom (Jnana Shakti), the bridge between form and formless.
Through these Bija Mantras, the Sadhak travels from desire to realization, from duality to non-duality, culminating in Brahma Vidya — the ultimate knowledge.
Three Dimensions of Left-Hand Tantra Practice
- First Dimension – Kundalini Awakening
Activating the Kundalini Shakti
Transmuting sperm into spiritual force
Rising through Sushumna Nadi
Reaching Anahata Chakra, manifesting inner light (Jyoti)
- Second Dimension – Stabilization of the Self
Stabilizing the conscious soul in exalted states like Siddha, Indra, Rudra, Vishnu, etc.
Attaining powers (Siddhis) associated with those divine stations.
- Third Dimension – Supreme Realization
Entering Ajna and Sahasrara Chakras without desire or attachment
Dissolving into the Bindu, the void/fullness beyond form
Experiencing absolute bliss, beyond concepts, names, or positions.
Conclusion
The path of Panch Makar and Srividya is not for the faint-hearted. It requires deep detachment, discipline, and direct experience, not just theoretical understanding. But for the dedicated Sadhak, it opens the door to divine realization, cosmic bliss, and ultimate liberation.
Learn Authentic Tantra Yoga Online
If you’re ready to explore the authentic path of Tantra Yoga and Srividya, you can learn with expert guidance at:
🌐 Website: www.bgiyan.com
📲 WhatsApp: +61 416 491 008
Take your first step toward inner awakening and divine union.
