(1) Coiled serpent.
(2) The same name is used to denote potent energy inside human body rising at the base of the spine. If uncontrolled awakening of Kundalinee takes place, it acts like a ferocious serpent resulting in complete moral and spiritual downfall. Controlled awakening is possible only under the guidance of a Guru, which can ultimately result in inner illumination. It requires a very unique frame of mind to believe in Kundalinee. People who follow occultism and Tantra are more prone to believe in Kundalinee.

It is the inner fire, the dormant fire, the coiled energy. In its dormant state, it resides at the base of the spine in an area called Kund (that is why it is called Kundalinee). By following a systematic discipline of Praanayaam, meditation and Mantra Jaap one prepares himself to awaken this power. At the completion of these practices, through the help of a competent Guru, this force is awakened and is led to Sahasraar Chakra where Jeevaatmaa unites with Brahm.

(3) In Sanskrit, Kundal means a coil, and so Kundalinee has been described as "that which is coiled". This is the traditional belief, but it has been incorrectly understood. The word Kundalinee actually comes from the word Kund, meaning "a deeper place, pit or cavity". The fire used in the ceremony of initiation, or any sacrifice (Yagya) etc is kindled in a pit called Kund. Similarly, the place where a dead body is burned is also called a Kund. So if you dig a ditch or a hole it is called Kund. Kund refers to the concave cavity in which the brain, resembling a coiled and sleeping serpent, nestles. (If you have the opportunity of examining a dissection of the human brain you will see that it is in the form of a coil or snake curled up upon itself.) This is the true meaning of Kundalinee.

The word Kundalinee thus refers to the Shakti or power when it is in its dormant potential state, but when it is manifesting, you can call it Devee, Kaalee, Durgaa, Saraswatee, Lakshmee or any other name according to the manifestation it is exhibiting before you.

In the Christian tradition, the terms "the Path of the Initiates" and "the Stairway to Heaven" used in the Bible, refer to Kundalinee's ascent through Sushumnaa Naadee. The ascent of Kundalinee and ultimately, the descent of spiritual grace, are symbolized by the cross. This is why Christians make the sign of the cross at Aagyaa, Anahat and Vishuddhi Chakra, for Aagyaa is the center where the ascending consciousness is transcended and Anahat is where the descending grace is made manifest to the world.

in Hindu mythology, Kundalinee corresponds with the concept of Kaalee. In the philosophy of Shaivism, the concept of Kundalinee is represented by the Shiv Ling, the oval-shaped stone or pillar with a snake coiled around it.

Kundalinee is awakened through Praanaayaam, Aasan and Mudraa by Hath Yogee, through concentration by Raaj Yogee, through devotion and perfect self-surrender by Bhakt or devotees; through analytical will, by the Gyaanee; by Jap of Mantra and by the grace of the Guru.

If you are pure and free from all desires, Kundalinee will awaken by itself and you will be benefited. If you awaken Kundalinee by violent methods or forcibly, when your heart is impure, when desires lurk in your mind, you will come across temptations of various sorts. When you move from plane to plane, you will have a downfall. You will have no strength of will to resist these temptations.

That aspirant who has firm faith in Yaugik Shaastra, who is courageous, devotional, humble, generous, merciful, pure and dispassionate, can easily awaken Kundalinee and attain success in Samaadhi. He should also be equipped with right conduct and self-restraint; he should constantly engage himself in the service of his Guru and be free from lust, anger, Moh, greed and vanity. When Kundalinee is taken to the Sahasraar Chakra, She is united with Lord Shiv, perfect Samaadhi (super-conscious blissful state) ensues. The Yogee drinks the nectar of immortality.