The 10th Gate, also known as Brahmarandhra, is considered the most sacred point in the human body according to the Tamil Siddhar tradition. This is the doorway through which consciousness can exit the physical body and merge with the infinite. Modern science has discovered that this region corresponds to the Pineal Gland - a tiny organ with extraordinary properties.
What is the 10th Gate?
In the Siddhar tradition, the human body is said to have 9 gates (openings) through which energy flows: 2 eyes, 2 ears, 2 nostrils, mouth, and the two lower openings. But there is a 10th gate - a subtle opening at the crown of the head that most people never activate.
This 10th gate is called:
- Patham Vasal - Tamil: "The 10th Door"
- Brahmarandhra - Sanskrit: "The aperture of Brahma"
- Sahasrara - The thousand-petaled lotus
- Crown Chakra - The highest energy center
The great Siddhar Agathiyar wrote that this is the point where the individual soul (Jeevatma) can unite with the universal soul (Paramatma).
The Pineal Gland: Science Meets Spirituality
Modern science has identified the Pineal Gland as a small, pine-cone shaped organ located deep in the center of the brain, exactly where ancient traditions placed the "third eye" or 10th gate.
Scientific Facts About the Pineal Gland
- Size: Only 5-8mm, about the size of a grain of rice
- Location: Center of the brain, between the two hemispheres
- Contains: Light-sensitive cells similar to the retina
- Produces: Melatonin (sleep hormone) and possibly DMT
- Unique: Not protected by the blood-brain barrier
- Calcification: Often becomes calcified with age due to fluoride and other factors
The DMT Connection
Dr. Rick Strassman's research suggests that the pineal gland may produce DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) - a powerful compound that creates profound altered states of consciousness. This could explain the mystical experiences reported during deep meditation, near-death experiences, and spiritual practices.
The Siddhars, thousands of years ago, described experiences that remarkably match modern DMT reports:
- Seeing brilliant white light
- Encountering divine beings
- Traveling through cosmic dimensions
- Experiencing timelessness
- Feeling unity with all existence
Why the 10th Gate Stays Closed
For most people, the 10th gate remains closed throughout life. The Siddhars identified several reasons:
- Unawakened Kundalini - The energy hasn't risen to the crown
- Blocked chakras - Lower chakras not cleared
- Impure lifestyle - Toxins, negative thoughts, unethical living
- Calcified pineal - Fluoride, processed foods, lack of sunlight
- Lack of practice - No sadhana or spiritual discipline
Decalcifying the Pineal Gland
Before attempting to open the 10th gate, it's important to decalcify and activate the pineal gland:
Dietary Changes
- Avoid fluoride - Use fluoride-free toothpaste, filter water
- Reduce processed foods - Especially with artificial additives
- Eat alkaline foods - Leafy greens, fruits, vegetables
- Consume activating foods - Raw cacao, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, chlorella
- Avoid alcohol and drugs - They damage the pineal
Lifestyle Practices
- Sungazing - Safe sun exposure at sunrise/sunset
- Complete darkness for sleep - Helps melatonin production
- Reduce screen time - Especially before bed
- Spend time in nature - Connect with natural light cycles
Siddhar Practices for Opening the 10th Gate
The Tamil Siddhars developed specific practices to gradually open the 10th gate:
1. Kechari Mudra
This advanced practice involves placing the tongue at the soft palate or into the nasal cavity. It stimulates a point that connects directly to the pineal region. The Siddhars said this mudra allows you to taste "amrita" - the nectar of immortality.
2. Shambhavi Mudra
Focusing the eyes at the third eye point (between eyebrows) while keeping them slightly open. This creates pressure that stimulates the pineal gland and ajna chakra.
3. AUM Chanting
The vibration of "MMMM" at the end of AUM resonates directly with the crown chakra and pineal region. Chant AUM 108 times daily, focusing the vibration at the top of the head.
4. Trataka
Candle gazing meditation. Stare at a flame without blinking until tears form. This practice powerfully activates the third eye and prepares for 10th gate opening.
5. Nada Yoga
Listening to the inner sounds. In deep meditation, you begin to hear subtle sounds - bells, flutes, thunder. Following these sounds leads to the 10th gate.
The Journey Through the 10th Gate
When the Kundalini fully rises and the 10th gate opens, the Siddhars describe profound experiences:
Stage 1: Pressure and Light
Intense pressure at the crown, followed by seeing brilliant white or golden light. Some describe it as "the sun inside the head."
Stage 2: Sound and Vibration
Hearing the cosmic sound - the "Pranava" or OM - as a continuous vibration. The body feels like it's dissolving into pure energy.
Stage 3: Expansion
Consciousness expands beyond the body. You feel yourself becoming infinite, while simultaneously feeling more present than ever.
Stage 4: Union (Samadhi)
Complete absorption. No separation between self and universe. The Siddhars called this "Sivam" - becoming one with Shiva consciousness.
Thirumoolar on the 10th Gate
"When you find the 10th gate, you find the deathless state. Through this door, the Siddhas traveled beyond birth and death. Close the nine gates, open the tenth, and you will know what the gods know."
- Thirumoolar, Thirumandiram
Precautions and Warnings
Opening the 10th gate is the culmination of years of spiritual practice. Important warnings:
- Don't rush - Premature opening can cause psychological disturbances
- Master lower chakras first - Build a stable foundation
- Seek guidance - A qualified teacher is invaluable
- Stay grounded - Maintain normal life activities
- Don't chase experiences - Let them come naturally
Modern Research and Ancient Wisdom
What's remarkable is how accurately the ancient Siddhars described the pineal gland's location and function, thousands of years before modern brain imaging:
- They knew it was in the center of the head
- They knew it responded to light and darkness
- They knew it produced altered states of consciousness
- They knew it was the gateway to transcendent experiences
- They developed practices that science is now validating
Beginning Your Practice
If you're drawn to explore the 10th gate, here's a safe starting path:
- Week 1-4: Clean up diet, remove toxins, decalcify pineal
- Month 2-6: Activate Mooladhara and practice basic chakra meditation
- Month 6-12: Add trataka and AUM chanting
- Year 2+: Begin more advanced practices under guidance
The 10th gate will open when you're ready. Trust the process.
Start With the Foundation
Before reaching the 10th Gate, master the Root Chakra. Get our FREE 7-Day Mooladhara Activation Guide.