मोक्ष पट्टम्
Interactive Moksha Pattam Board
Start from Square 1 (bottom-left) and journey upward to Square 72 (INERTIA)
Game Controls
Click the dice to begin your sacred journey!
Position: 0 | Moves: 0
What is Moksha Pattam?
Moksha Pattam, meaning "Map/Picture of Enlightenment and Liberation," is an ancient Indian board game that dates back over 2,000 years. Each square held a symbolic meaning — generosity, faith, and humility led you upward, while pride and drunkenness pulled you down. The ultimate goal? Reaching Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu.
The traditional game consists of 72 squares arranged in a 9×8 grid, each representing specific states of consciousness, virtues, or vices. Originally, the game was used as a part of moral instruction to children. The squares in which ladders start were each supposed to stand for a virtue, and those housing the head of a snake were supposed to stand for an evil.
🎯 Spiritual Teaching Tool
Every element carries profound philosophical meaning, teaching dharma, karma, and the path to moksha (liberation).
📿 Ancient Wisdom
Created by philosopher-saints who understood human psychology and spiritual development.
🇮🇳 Cultural Heritage
Represents India's tradition of using games to transmit profound wisdom across generations.
The Sacred Philosophy Behind the Game
Moksha Pattam embodies the Hindu concept of life as a journey through various states of consciousness toward ultimate liberation (moksha). The 72 squares represent the complete spectrum of human experience, from basic material existence to cosmic consciousness.
🔮 The Spiritual Symbolism
- 🏁 The Board: Represents the journey of consciousness through different planes of existence
- 🪜 Ladders (Sampat): Positive attributes including dependability, asceticism, faithfulness, generosity and knowledge
- 🐍 Snakes (Vipatti): Negative attributes and crimes including rebelliousness, vanity, crudeness, theft, lust, debt and violence
- 🎲 The Dice: Represents karma - the cosmic law of cause and effect
- 72️⃣ Square 72 (INERTIA): The highest state of spiritual consciousness and equilibrium
- 🔢 Each Square: Named after specific consciousness states, emotions, or spiritual concepts
🌟 Levels of Consciousness
🌍 Material Plane (1-18)
Basic physical existence, emotions, and earthly experiences like Genesis, Illusion, Anger, and the Physical Plane.
✨ Astral Plane (19-36)
Intermediate consciousness including Karma, Charity, Dharma, and various emotional and mental states.
🌟 Celestial Plane (37-54)
Higher awareness states including Awareness, Human Plane, Knowledge, and refined consciousness.
🕉️ Cosmic Consciousness (55-72)
Ultimate spiritual states including Reality, Cosmic Good, Absolute, and final INERTIA.
How to Play Moksha Pattam
🎮 Game Setup
- Moksha Pattam board with 72 squares (9×8 grid)
- One six-sided die (traditionally cowrie shells were used)
- Game pieces for each player (stones, shells, or tokens)
- 2-6 players can participate
📖 Gameplay Rules
- Start: All players begin at Square 1 (GENESIS) in the bottom-left corner
- Movement: Players take turns rolling the die and moving forward by the number shown
- Board Pattern: Follow the boustrophedon pattern - left to right on odd rows, right to left on even rows
- Ladders: Landing on the base of a ladder elevates you to the higher square
- Snakes: Landing on a snake's head brings you down to its tail
- Victory: First player to reach exactly Square 72 (INERTIA) wins
- Bounce-back: Rolling more than needed bounces you back from Square 72
🎲 Traditional Playing Method
- Use cowrie shells as dice (6 shells = 1-6 based on how they fall)
- Each player contemplates the meaning of their current square
- Discuss the philosophical implications of moves
- View setbacks (snakes) as learning opportunities
- Celebrate virtuous advances (ladders) as spiritual progress
The 72 Sacred Squares
Each square in Moksha Pattam represents a specific state of consciousness, virtue, or cosmic principle. Understanding these meanings enhances the spiritual journey of the game.
🔢 Complete Square Meanings
For Whom to Play
👨👩👧👦 Age Groups and Benefits
🧒 Children (6-12 years)
Teaches moral values, counting skills, and introduces cause-and-effect concepts. Develops patience and basic understanding of virtues and consequences.
🧑🎓 Teenagers (13-18 years)
Deeper understanding of moral choices and consequences. Character development and introduction to Hindu philosophy in an engaging format.
🧑💼 Adults (18+ years)
Spiritual reflection and meditation on life's journey. Self-examination tool and understanding of consciousness progression.
🧓 Elders (60+ years)
Wisdom sharing, contemplation of life's experiences, and preparation for higher spiritual states. Teaching tool for younger generations.
🏛️ Ideal Settings
- 🏠 Family Gatherings: Brings generations together while teaching traditional values
- 🏫 Educational Settings: Schools, ashrams, and spiritual centers for moral education
- 🕉️ Spiritual Centers: Meditation groups, yoga centers for philosophical discussions
- 🎊 Cultural Events: Festivals and cultural programs showcasing Indian heritage
- 🏥 Therapeutic Settings: Counseling sessions to discuss life choices and consequences
- 📚 Study Groups: Philosophy and religion classes for experiential learning
