What is Kundalini? Kundalini, the cosmic energy, is symbolized as a female serpent coiled (Kundala means coil of rope) at the base of the spinal column Mooladhara Chakra. It has three and half coils like serpent. The coils represent the tri gunas-Satwa, Rajas and Tamas and half coil represents the evolutes of Prakriti This center of power is a gross form of Chitta or consciousness, which remains unexhausted and is static support of the all body activities including the five- fold Prana vital force.It is a fiery occult Power, which underlies all organic and inorganic matter. It is the cosmic power in individual body and the spiritual potential power. Prana, Ahankara, Buddhi, Indriyas, Manas, Pancha-Bhutas and Nadis are the products of the Kundalini. Kundalini maintains the individual soul through the subtle Prana.  

In Mythology, the cosmic energy, Shakti in other words Kundalini is symbolized by Kali, the Divine Mother, moving as the Kinetic Shakti on the breast of Sadashiva who is the static background of pure Consciousness.
The awakening of Kundalini Shakti: This latent energy has to be aroused by meditation and yogic techniques, and made to ascent the main spinal channel  Sushumna Nadi , through the Chakras, up to Sahasrara.
This is possible only by the practice of Kundalini Yoga, also known as Laya Yoga  Laya is the state of mind when one forgets all the objects of the senses and gets absorbed in the object of meditation), that Yoga which treats Kundalini Sakti, the six centres of spiritual energy Shat Chakras, the arousing of the sleeping Kundalini Shakti, and its union with Lord Shiva in Sahasrara Chakra, at the crown of the head.
Kundalini Yoga actually belongs to Tantrik Sadhana.
First the Yogi have to perform elaborated mystic preparations to purify mind and body, then assume special Asana, so Kundalini can be awakened and mastered. Then the Yogi obtain the Moksa  liberation, the reintegration with the Atman  Prime Cause of the universe
"The wise Yogi, whose nature is purified by the practice of Yama, Niyama, and the like, learns from the mouth of his GURU the process which opens the way to the discovery of the great liberation. The Yogi who has gained steadiness of mind makes offering to the Ista-Devatas in the six centres SatChakras - Dakini and others, with that stream of celestial nectar which is in the vessel of Brahmanada Kundalini, the knowledge whereof he has gained through the tradition of the Gurus". (Ram Kumar Rai)
Wake up Mother Kundalini, Thou whose nature is Bliss Eternal - the bliss of Brahman, Thou dwelling like a serpent asleep at the lotus of Muladhara, Sure affected and distressed am I in body and mind, Do thou bless me and leave thy place at basic lotus. Consort of Shiva, the Self-caused Lord of universe, Do thou take thy upward course through the central canal, Leaving behind Svadhishthana, Manipura, Anahata, Visuddha And Ajna, be thou united with Shiva, thy Lord the God, At Sahasrara - the thousand-petalled lotus in the brain, Sort there freely, O Mother, Giver of Bliss Absolute, Wake up Mother Kundalini,Wake up. (Sri Swami Sivananda)
Importance of awakening of Kundalini Shakthi: These chakras contain Kundalini Shakthi is the serpent power and it is the center for the static energy of the human body. Prana Shakthi is the vital force and is intimately connected with mind. In the yogic tradition the flow of prana with in the sushumna nadi represents the awakening of kundalini. Ayurveda recognizes that in the meantime health is dependent upon the natural, balanced flow of prana with in the Ida and Pingala nadis. This balance ensures the proper function of the ANS, and the resultant effects in the body. To maintain this balanced flow of prana, in yoga and Ayurveda applies a number of techniques like pranayama, nasya, nadi sodhana, asana, hearing music, meditation, mantra patana etc. Through this techniques the kundalini awakening, it helps in healing the diseases like cold, flu, asthama, sinusitis, hypertension, diabetis, Heart diseases, Arthritis, cancer etc.
1. Reader
HOD, Deptt.of Sharir Rachana
2. Astt.Professor
Deptt.of Sharir Rachana
Faculty of Ayurveda, I.M.S.
Banaras Hindu University
Varanasi.