chapter 5: mudra lakshana मुद्रा लक्षण🔗

Attributes of Mudras

Sadashiva says in the Shiva Samhita IV.18

In this way (Maha Mudra), even the most unfortunate Yogi might obtain success. By this means all the vessels of the body are roused and stirred into activity; life is increased and its decay is checked, and all sins destroyed. All diseases are healed, and the gastric fire is increased. It gives faultless beauty to the body, and destroys decay and death. All fruits of desire and pleasure are obtained, and the senses are conquered. The Yogi fixed in restful awareness acquires all the above- mentioned things, through practice. There should be no hesitation in doing so. 18

Mudras are a crucial component of the Yogic method for Kundalini Awakening. Kundalini is the ultimate inner potential bio-energy that is available to each one of us. It is the largest untapped natural resource lying with humanity. When Kundalini energy is awakened with the right knowledge, right context, right understanding, right technique, right process, and above all, through the direct deeksha (initiation) by a living Avatar, it can give us anything we want. Kundalini is Kalpataru, the wish fulfilling tree; it gifts us anything we want, and also the ultimate space of not wanting anything. This is the space where Manifesting Sadashivatva happens.

Sadashiva says in the Shiva Samhita IV.14:

Therefore, in order that the Goddess, who is asleep in the mouth of the Brahmarandhra (the innermost hollow of Sushumna) be awakened, the mudras should be practiced with the greatest care.

In this chapter we will explore the following Mudras:

Introducing three Bandhas and two Mudras

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Yogacudamanyupanisad 1.43

Technique to acheive Liberation

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Sandilyopanishad (7, 42-3)

Translation Placing the left heel on the seat of the genitals, well placing the right foot over the left thigh, in-filling the vital air and fixing the chin on to the chest, constricting the genitals, holding (the vital air) as far as possible in the middle of the mind, he should assume the attitude, ""I am the Brahman"". Thereby will be attained the non-vicarious accomplishment (of the Brahman).

Note: The Brahman referred in Upanishads is Pure Consciousness and Sadashiva is the source of the Pure Consciousness.

Mudras as a way to Awaken the Kundalini

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita-IV.14

Translation

Therefore, in order that the Goddess, who is asleep in the mouth of the Brahmarandhra (the innermost hollow of Sushumna) be awakened, the mudras should be practiced with the greatest care.

List of the best 10 Mudras

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita-IV.15

Translation

Out of the many Mudras, the following ten are the best:

Become a siddha through any one of the 10 mudras

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita-IV.58

The essential Mudras and Bandhas for Yogis

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Goraksh Paddhati 1.57

"Mudra practice for Kundalini Awakening"

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭhapradīpikā of svātmārāma (Chapter 5, Verse 5)

Translation One should put all the efforts in practicing the mudrās to awaken īśvari (kuṇḍalī), which lies dormant at the entrance of brahma-dvāra. 5

Mudras as a means to Awaken the Kundalini

Translation In order, therefore, to awaken this goddess, who is sleeping at the entrance of Brahma Dwāra (the great door), mudrās should be practised well.

about mudras

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण HathaYogaPradipika III.5

Mudras for Success in Yoga

Translation A yogi, who is well versed with the practices of Mahāmudrā, Nabhomudrā, Uḍḍiyāna, Jālandhara and Mūlabandha, becomes eligible for the success (siddhis) in yoga 11.

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण HathaYogaPradipika III.10

Power of Mudras explained by Sadashiva (Eight Shaktis)

Translation They have been explained by Adi Nātha (Śiva) and give eight kinds of divine wealth. They are loved by all the Siddhas and are hard to attain even by the marutas.Note: The eight Aiśwaryas are: Animā becoming small like an atom.Mahimā becoming great, like ākāś, by drawing in atoms of PrakritiGarimā light things, like cotton becoming very heavy like mountainPrāpti coming within easy reach of everything; as touching the moon with the little finger, while standing on the earthPrākāmya nonresistance to the desires, as entering the earth like waterĪsatā mastery over matter and objects made of itVaśitwa controlling the animate and inanimate objects

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण HathaYogaPradipika III.8

Mudras Secret

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण HathaYogaPradipika III.9

Translation These mudrās should be kept secret by every means, as one keeps one's box of jewellery, and should, on no account be told to any one, just as husband and wife keep their dealings secret.

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Dhyāna-bindu Upaniṣad (91-93)

Translation

The cleansing (with the Pranayama) of the heaps of impurities (in the Nadis), the bringing about of the union between the Moon and the Sun, the complete drying up of the Rasas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), is known as the Maha-mudra. With the chin laid on the chest, pressing the abyss of the genitals with the left foot, holding with the two hands the outstretched right leg, filling with breath the pair of bellies and holding it up, one should slowly expel it. This indeed is said to be the sin-destroying Maha-mudra for men.

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Haṭharatnāvalī Ch.II.37-42

Translation

Press the perineum with the left heel, extend the right leg and hold it with both the hands, inhale the air and apply jālandhara bandha and retain the air in the upper region. 37

Kuṇḍalī śakti becomes straight, just as a snake hit by a stick, becomes straight. 38

For such a person, there is nothing like recommended or prohibited food. All that is tasteless becomes tasty. Even deadliest poison is digested like milk. 40

All the ailments like consumption, skin disease, constipation, glandular enlargement, indigestion and many others are cured by the practice of Mahāmudrā. 41

Mahāmudrā removes old age and fear from death. Therefore, it should be carefully guarded and should not be imparted to all and sundry. 42

mahamudra

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Śāṇḍilyopaniṣhad (7, 42-2)

vāmapādamūlena yoniṃ saṃpīḍya dakṣiṇapādaṃ prasārya taṃ karābhyāṃ dhṛtvā nāsābhyāṃ vāyumāpūrya kaṇṭhabandhaṃ samāropyordhvato vāyuṃ dhārayet | tena sarvakleśahāniḥ | tataḥ pīyūṣamiva viṣaṃ jīryate | kṣayagulmagudāvartajīrṇatvagādidoṣā naśyanti | eṣa prāṇajayopāyaḥ sarvamṛtyūpaghātakaḥ || 42-2 ||

Translation

Pressing the genitals with the left heel, stretchingthe right leg and holding it by both hands, in-filling thevital air through the nostrils, having brought about theKantha-bandha (constriction of the throat), (the Yogin)should hold the vital air (in Kumbhaka) from above.By doing so, all troubles vanish. Thereafter, poisonwill be easily assimilated as nectar. Consumption,dyspepsia, constipation, affections of the skin and otherailments perish. This is the means to be employed forconquering the vital air and for the destruction of allforms of death.

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.16-17

Translation

My dearest, I shall now describe to you the Mahamudra, from whose knowledge the ancient sages Kapila and others obtained success in Yoga. 16. In accordance with the instructions of the Guru, press gently the perineum with the heel of the left foot. Stretching the right foot out, hold it fast by the two hands. Having closed the nine gates (of the body), place the chin on the chest. Then concentrate the vibrations of the mind and inspire air and retain it by kumbhaka (so long as one can comfortably keep it). Success in Yoga through Mahamudra

Translation My dearest, I shall now describe to you the Mahamudra, from whose knowledge the ancient sages Kapila and others obtained success in Yoga. 16. In accordance with the instructions of the Guru, press gently the perineum with the heel of the left foot. Stretching the right foot out, hold it fast by the two hands. Having closed the nine gates (of the body), place the chin on the chest. Then concentrate the vibrations of the mind and inspire air and retain it by kumbhaka (so long as one can comfortably keep it). This is the Mahamudra, held secret in all the Tantras. The steady-minded Yogi, having practiced it on the left side should then practice it on the right side; and in all cases must be firm in pranayama — the regulation of his breath.17

On Maha Mudra, Effect and Benefits

Translation In this way, even the most unfortunate Yogi might obtain success. By this means all the vessels of the body are roused and stirred into activity; life is increased and its decay is checked, and all sins destroyed. All diseases are healed, and the gastric fire is increased. It gives faultless beauty to the body, and destroys decay and death.

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.18

On Maha Mudra, Effect and Benefits

Translation All fruits of desire and pleasure are obtained, and the senses are conquered. The Yogi fixed in meditation acquires all the above-mentioned things, through practice. There should be no hesitation in doing so. 18

mahamudra

Yogi Crosses the Ocean of World/ life through Maha Mudra

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.19

Translation O ye worshipped of the Gods! know that this mudra is to be kept secret with the greatest care. Obtaining this, the Yogi crosses the ocean of the world.

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.20

Translation This Mudra, described by me, grants practitioners their every desire. It should be practiced in secrecy, and ought never to be given to everybody.

अथ महामुद्रा

Atha mahāmudrā

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā III.10

Translation

Pressing the Yoni (perineum) with the heel of the left foot, and stretching forth the right foot, its toe should be grasped by the thumb and first finger.

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā III.11

Translation

By stopping the throat (by Jālandhara Bandha) the air is drawn in from the outside and carried down. Just as a snake struck with a stick becomes straight like a stick, in the same way, śakti (suṣumnā) becomes straight at once. Then the Kuṇḍalinī, becoming as it were dead, and, leaving both the Iḍā and the Piṅgalā, enters the suṣumnā (the middle passage).

Instruction on breath in Maha Mudra

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.12

Tataḥ śanaiḥ śanaireva rechayennaiva veghataḥ Mahāmudrāṁ cha tenaiva vadanti vibudhottamāḥ

Translation

It should be expelled then, slowly only and not violently. For this very reason, the best of the wise men call it the Mahā mudrā. This Mahā mudrā has been propounded by great Masters.

Benefits of Maha Mudra

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.13

Iyam khalu mahāmudrā mahāsiddhaiḥ pradarśitāMahākleśādayo doshāḥ kshīyante maraṇādayaḥ Mahāmudrāṁ cha tenaiva vadanti vibudhottamāḥ

Translation

Great evils and pains, like death, are destroyed by it, and for this reason wise men call it the Mahā mudrā.

On Technique for Maha Mudra

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.14

Chandrāṅgghe tu samabhyasya sūryāṅgghe punarabhyaset Yāvattulyā bhavetsaṅgkhyā tato mudrāṁ visarjayet

Translation

Having practiced with the left nostril, it should be practised with the right one; and, when the number on both sides becomes equal, then the mudrā should be discontinued.

Maha Mudra destroys chemicals and poisons

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.15

Translation

There is nothing wholesome or injurious; for the practice of this mudrā destroys the injurious effects of all the rasas (chemicals). Even the deadliest of poisons, if taken, acts like nectar.

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.16

Translation

Consumption, leprosy, prolapsus anii, colic, and the diseases due to indigestion — all these irregularities are removed by the practice of this Mahā mudrā.

Maha Mudra as Giver of Siddhis

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.17

Translation

This Mahā mudrā has been described as the giver of great success (Siddhi) to men. It should be kept secret by every effort, and not revealed to any and everyone.

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.21

Translation

Then (after Mahamudra), having extended the (right) foot, place it on the (left) thigh; contract the perineum, and draw the apana vayu upwards and join it with the samana vayu; bend the prana vayu downwards, and then let the wise Yogi bind them in trinity in the navel (i.e. the prana and the apana should be joined with the Samana in the navel). I have told you now the Mahabandha, which shows the way to emancipation. By this, all the fluids in the vessels of the body of the Yogi are propelled towards the head. This should be practised with great care, alternately with both feet. 21

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.22

Translation

maha-bandha

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Saṁhitā(BA)-IV,23-24

Translation

O Goddess of the three worlds! when the Yogi, while performing the Mahabandha, causes the union of the prana and apana vayus and filling in the viscera with air drives it slowly towards the nates, it is called Mahavedha. 23. The best of the Yogis having, through the help of the vayu, pierced with this perforator the knot which is in the path of Sushumna, should then pierce the knot of Brahma. 24

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.25-26

Translation "He who practises this Mahavedha with great secrecy, obtains vayu-siddhi (success over the wind). It destroys decay and death. 25.The Gods residing in the chakras tremble owing to the gentle influx and eflux of air in pranayama; the great Goddess, Kunali Maha Maya, is also absorbed in the Mount Kailasa. 26"

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.27

Translation The Mahamudra and Mahabandha become fruitless if they are not followed by Maha-vedha; therefore, the Yogi should practise all these three successively with great care.27

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Saṁhitā(BA)-IV.28

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Saṁhitā(BA)-IV.29-30

Translation The Mahamudra and Mahabandha become fruitless if they are not followed by Maha-vedha; therefore, the Yogi should practise all these three successively with great care.27

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Saṁhitā(BA)-IV.45

अथ विपरीतकरणी मुद्रा

atha viparītakaraṇī mudrā bhūtale svaśirodattvā khe nayeccaraṇadvayam | viparītakṛtiścaiṣā sarvatantreṣu gopitā || 45 ||

Translation Putting the head on the ground, let him stretch out his legs upwards, moving them round and round. This is viparīt-karaṇa, kept secret in all the Tantras.

viparīta karaṇī

Conquer Death, Drink Nectar, Becomes an adept

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Saṁhitā(BA)-IV.46-47

etadyaḥ kurute nityamabhyāsaṁ yāmamātrataḥ | mṛtyuṁ jayati sa yogī pralaye nāpi sīdati || 46 || kuryte'mṛtapānaṁ yaḥ siddhānāṁ samatāmiyāt| sa sevyaḥ sarvalokānāṁ bandhamenam karoti yaḥ || 47 ||

Translation The Yogi who practises it daily for three hours, conquers death, and is not destroyed even in the Pralaya. 46.He who drinks nectar becomes equal to Siddhas; he who practises this Bandha becomes an adept among all creatures. 47.

Removes Diseases

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma V.110

ūrdhvanābhir-adhastālur-ūrdhvaṁ bhānur-adhaḥ śaśī | karaṇī viparītākhyā sarvavyādhi-vināśinī ||110||

Translation The practice, which puts the navel up and palate down, the sun up and moon down, is known as viparīta-karaṇī. It removes all diseases."

Daily practice of Viparita Karani

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma V.111

viparita karani

Adequate diet for practitioner of Viparita Karani

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma V.113

Translation An aspirant requires increased quantity of food. If one does not take sufficient food, fire quickly consumes the body. 112

Gradual practice of Viparita Karani

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma V.114

Translation One the first day, one should remain in the topsy-turvy position for a short time. Every day, one should retain the posture longer Increasing the time little by little. 113

Gradual practice of Viparita Karani

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma V.115

Translation Grey hair and wrinkles disappear in six months with the practice. By practising three hours each day one overcomes premature death. 114

एवं समाधिः केन सिध्यतीत्यलाह- संबद्ध्वेति । योगी सम्यक् सिद्धासनं बद्ध्वा मध्ये मेढ्रं तदधोध्वर्मङ्घ्रियुगलं च बद्ध्वेत्यर्थः । षण्मुखीमुद्रया वक्त्रेण वायुमापूर्य बन्धत्रयपूर्वकं मूर्ध्नि सहस्रारे दुर्ये दुर्यातीते वा मनो धारयेत् । एवं धारणा योगीश्वरो विशेषतत्त्वसमताम् अवशिष्टतत्त्वतुर्यातीतभाव यातीत्यर्थः ॥ ११४ ॥ षण्मुखीमुद्राभ्याससिद्धिः नादाभिव्यक्तिरित्याह- गगनमिति । हृदयावच्छिन्नाव्याकृतगगनम् ॥ ११५ ॥

evam samādhiḥ kena sidhyatītyatrāha- sambaddhveti | yogī samyak siddhāsanaṁ baddhvā madhye meḍhraṁ tadadhordhvamanghriyugalaṁ ca baddhvetyarthaḥ | ṣaṇmukhīmudrayā vaktreṇa vāyumāpūrya bandhatrayapūrvakaṁ mūrdhni sahasrāre turye turyātīte vā mano dhārayet | evam dhāraṇā yogīśvaro viśeṣatattvasamatām avaśiṣṭatattvaturyātītabhāva yātītyarthaḥ || 114 || ṣaṇmukhīmudrābhyāsasiddhiḥ nādābhivyaktirityāha- gaganamiti | hṛdayāvacchinnāvyākṛtagaganam || 115 ||

Translation Having assumed the (Siddhasana) posture with his genitals between the pair of heels, regulating the orifices of the ears, eyes and nostrils with his fingers, filling the vital air through his mouth and holding it in the chest, along with the Apana lead thither by frequent effort (and with the three kinds of Bandhas), one should fix the mind by Dharana in the (Turya,Turyatita or Sahasrara of the) crest. By so doing the Yogin with his mind intent on that (Supreme Tattva) attains equality with that Supreme Tattva (the Turyatita). When the vital air has reached the (Avyakrta) ether (of the heart), a great sound is produced, as of bells and other musical instruments. That is known as the accomplishment of the Nada.

Translation Having bound the ears and the other organs with his hands, according to the circumstances of the case, by him who brings his mind under his own control by adopting the prescribed methods, the Prana will, in virtue of the control over the mind become firmly established under his control by all means.

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Darshana Upanishad (6, 32-35)

Translation

Having assumed the Svastika posture and brought the mind well under control, forcing upwards the Apana little by little, (all the while) muttering the Pranava, (the Yogin) should hold the ear and other Karana-s (senses) with his hands, O sage' closing the senses of the two ears with his thumbs, the two eye with the fore-fingers, and the two nostrils with the other fingers, and retain (the forced up Apana) in the head, till the manifestation of Bliss; by this act also, O great sage! Prana (air) enters the crevice of the Brahman (Brahma-randhra).

O sinless one! When air enters the Brahmarandhra, Nada (sound) is also produced (there), resembling at first the sound of a conch-blast and like the thunder-clasp in the middle; and, when the air has reached the middle of the head, like the roaring of a mountain-cataract.

shan-mukhi mudra

Translation

Thereafter, O great wise one! The Atman, mightily pleased, will actually appear in front of thee. Then there will be the ripeness of the knowledge of the Atman from Yoga and the disowning (by the Yogin) of worldly existence.

mudra

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-V.22-26

Translation

Let him close the ears with his thumbs, the eyes with index fingers, the nostrils with the middle fingers, and with the remaining four fingers let him press together the upper and lower lips. The Yogi, by having thus firmly confined the air, sees his soul in the shape of light. 22

When one sees, without obstruction, this light for even a moment, becoming free from sin, he reaches the highest end. 23

The Yogi, free from sin, and practicing this continually, forgets his physical, subtle and causal bodies, and becomes one with that soul. 24

Translation

He who practices this in secrecy, is absorbed in the Brahman, though he had been engaged in sinful works. 25

This should be kept secret; it at once produces conviction; it gives nirvana to mankind. This is my most beloved Yoga. From practicing this gradually, the Yogi begins to hear the mystic sounds (nadas). 26

Note: The Brahman referred in Upanishads is Pure Consciousness and Sadashiva is the source of the Pure Consciousness.

shan-mukhi mudra

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Mandala-brahmanopanishad (3, 5)

Translation With internal introspection and with the eyes opening out, but devoid of the acts of opening and closing of the eyelids, this Shambhavi-mudra is assumed. This Maha-vidya (Great lore) is, of all the Tantras, what is worthy of being kept a profound secret. With the knowledge (proficiency) of this is attained freedom from the state of worldly existence. (By the Yogin becoming a votary of this), its worship bestows the fruit of liberation.

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma VII.36

shambhavi mudra

Sāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Hathatatvakaumudī (XLIX, 27)

Translation

When the yogī is in a state where both citta and prāṇa are merged in the internal object of concentration and the gaze is directed outwards but remains steady, seeing yet not seeing, that indeed is sāmbhavī mudrā, which is received only by the fortunate ones by the grace of the guru, who bestows upon the state of śāmbhavī, transcending both śūnya and aśūnya.

Basis for vajroli mudra: preserving bindu and life energy

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma V.119

Translation

vajrolī mudrā

Bindu is Life

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma V.121

Translation

Downward flow of the bindu leads to decay of the body, while it's preservation leads to life and creates pleasant smell in the body. So long bindu is retained in the body, there is no fear from death. 121

Raise and Preserve the Secretions

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭhapradīpikā of Svātmārāma V.118

Translation

One should effortfully blow into the urethra slowly to clear the passage for the flow of air and by appropriate contraction and manipulation of the pelvic organs, raises the secretions. 118

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.31

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.32

Other Benefits of Khechari Mudra and should be concealed

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.33-37

Translation

khecari mudra

Whether pure or impure, in whatever condition one may be, if success be obtained in Khechari, he becomes pure. There is no doubt of it. 33.

He who practises it even for a moment crosses the great ocean of sins, and having enjoyed the pleasures of a Deva-world is born into a noble family. 34.

He who practises this Khechari-Mudra calmly and without laziness counts as seconds the period of hundred Brahmas. 35.

He knows this Khechari-Mudra according to the instructions of his Guru, obtains the highest end, though immersed in great sins. 36.

O, ye adored of Gods! this Mudra, dear as life, should not be given to everybody; it should be kept concealed with great care. 37.

Description of Khechari Mudra

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.32

Translation The Khechari mudrâ is accomplished by thrusting the tongue into the gullet, by turning it over itself, and keeping the eyesight in the middle of the eyebrows.

khecarī mudrā

How to Accomplish Khechari Mudra

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.33

Translation To accomplish this, the tongue is lengthened by cutting the frænum linguæ, moving, and pulling it. When it can touch the space between the eyebrows, then Khechari can be accomplished.

Description of instrument and type of cut for Khechari Mudra

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.34

Translation Taking a sharp, smooth, and clean instrument, of the shape of a cactus leaf, the frænum of the tongue should be cut a little (as much as a hair's thickness), at a time.

Process of herb and time for Khechari Mudra

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.35

Six Months process for Khechari Mudra

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.36

Translation One should go on doing thus, regularly for six months. At the end of six months, the frænum of the tongue will be completely cut.

Placement of tongue in Khechari Mudra (Vyoma Chakra)

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.37

Translation Turning the tongue upwards, it is fixed on the three ways (oesophagus, windpipe and palate). Thus it makes the Khecharī mudrā, and is called the Vyoma Chakra.

Achievements for the Yogi in one minute of Khechari Mudra

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.38

Preventive and curative benefits of Khechari Mudra

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.39

Translation He who knows the Khechari mudrā is not afflicted with disease, death, sloth, sleep, hunger, thirst, and swooning.

Liberation from Diseases, Karma and Time by Khechari Mudra

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.40

Translation He who knows the Khechari mudrā is not troubled by diseases, is not stained with karmas, and is not snare by time.

Mind and tongue reach akasa through Khechari Mudra

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.41

chittam charati khe yasmājjihvā charati khe ghatā tenalshā khecharī nāma mudrā siddhairnirūpitā ||41||

khecarī mudrā

Achieving Control of Bindu through Khechari

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.44

khecharyā mudritam yena vivaram lambikordhvatah na tasya ksharate binduh kāminyāśleshitasya cha

Translation If the hole behind the palate be stopped with Khecharī by turning the tongue upwards, then bindu (seminal fluid) cannot leave its place even if a woman were embraced.

About Bindu and Yoni Mudra

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.45

chalitopi yadā binduh samprāpto yonimandalam vrajatyūrdhvam hrtah śaktyā nibaddho yonimudrayā

Translation Even though the fluid flows and comes down to the genital organ, still arrested by Yoni Mudra it is taken by force upwards.

Khechari Mudra - Conquering death in Five Days

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.46

Translation

How to Accomplish Khechari Mudra

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Hatha Yoga Pradipika III.47

Translation

Nectar From the Moon to Conquer Death

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-III.72

Translation

Pointing the tongue upwards, when the Yogi can drink the nectar flowing from the moon (situated between the two eye-brows), within a month he certainly would conquer death.

Yogi Drinking PranaVayu at the root of the palate

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-III.69

Translation

When the skilful Yogi, by placing the tongue at the root of the palate, can drink the prana vayu, then there occurs complete dissolution of all Yogas (i.e. he is no longer in need of Yoga).

Khecari mudra

Khecarī Mudra

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Dhyana-bindu Upaniṣad (79-83)

Translation

Neither does the nectar flow into the fire, nor does the vital air leap forwards, when the tongue enters the cavern of the cranium, moving contrariwise (backward). The eye-glance penetrating between the eyebrows is the (posture) Khe-carī-mudrā.

He who has mastered the Khe-carī-mudrā, for him there is no disease, nor death, no sleep, nor hunger, nor thirst, nor fainting; he who has the Khe-carī-mudrā is neither troubled with disease, nor defiled by Karma, nor bound by durations. As, during this (Mudrā), the mind moves in Ether, the tongue has moved into Ether, this Mudrā which is adored by the adepts, is known by the name of Khe-carī.

khecarī mudrā

Khecarī Mudrā

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Dhyāna-bindu Upaniṣad (79-83)

Having well drawn up the tongue from the root of the palate, the knower of the Atman should, for seven days, cleanse all impurities in the manner described by his Guru. Having brought a sharp-edged, well-oiled and clean instrument resembling the leaf of the milk hedge plant, he should then scrape off the froenum of the tongue, to the extent of the breadth of a hair (with the instrument).

Leaving off every other kind of work, he should treat with the application of the yellow myrobalam and rock-salt well-pulverized together. When seven days have elapsed, he should once again scrape it off, only to the extent of the breadth of a hair. In this manner, by degrees he should practise for six months, applying himself to it always with due care. In the course of six months the fold of skin (froenum) at the base of the tongue will vanish.

khecarī mudrā

The Yogin should then bandage the tip of the tongue with a piece of cloth and then should he draw it up gradually, after knowing the proper season, time and manner of action. In the course of the next six months, O Muni by thus daily pulling it up, it will reach the middle of the eye brows and obliquely up to the crevice of the ear. Being moved by stages, it will reach downwards as far as the root of the chin. In the course of the next three years it will, quite in a playful mood, reach up to the finge of the hair over the crest, and obliquely up to the root of the tuft and downwards up to the well of the throat. In the course of the next three years, it will undoubtedly reach the Brahmarandhra and stand surrounding it completely. Obliquely it will reach the outer surface of the crest, and stretch downwards up to the crevice of the throat and gradually will burst open the Maha-vajra door of the cranium.

khēcarī mudrā

The Perfection of Khecarī Mudra

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Dhyāna-bindu Upaniṣad (83-86)

Translation

For him (whose tongue enters) the hole (of the cranium), moving upwards beyond the uvula, whose semen does not waste away, even when he is in the embrace of a beautiful woman, as long as the semen remains firmly held in the body, so long, where is the fear of death for him? As long as the Khe-carī-mudra is firmly adhered to, so long the semen does not flow out.Even if it should flow and reach the region of the genitals, it goes upwards, being forcibly held up by the power of the Yoni-mudra (sanctified by the Vajroli).

khecarī mudrā

The Great Khecari Mudra for Yogis

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Yoga-Cūḍāmaṇy-Upaniṣad (52-58)

Translation

That forms the Khecarī Mudrā, wherein the tongue moves (backwards) in a manner which is the reverse of the natural one, and the sight has penetrated between the eyebrows. He who knows the Khecarī Mudrā is immune from disease, death, sleep, hunger, thirst and the fainting fit. He is not afflicted with disease of any kind, nor is he affected by the observance (or the non-observance) of rituals,

who knows the Khecari Mudra. For the reason that the (thinking) mind functions in ether, and the tongue moves in ether, for that reason the Khecari Mudra is adored by all accomplished Yogins. (Yogins who have assumed the Khecari Mudra) consider all bodies (constituting the fourteen worlds) from head to foot (as the body of the Maha-virad-atman), for the reason that all bodies wherein the (fourteen) Nadis are established take their origin from Bindu (the Is'vara). He, by whom the orifice above the Uvula has been planted with the Khe-chari Mudra, his Bindu (seminal fluid) does not waste away, even though he is in the warm embrace of the most beautiful woman. As long as the semen is conserved within the body, so long where is the fear of death? As long as the Khe-cari Mudra is assumed, so long the seminal fluid does not flow out.

khecarī mudrā

The sacred secret of Yogis

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Yoga-Tattvopanishad (112-115)

बन्धत्रयस्वरूपं तत्फलं च

bandhatrayasvarūpaṁ tatphalaṁ ca

Translation

the state of bliss

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Yoga-Śikhopanishad (5, 17-1)

Translation

Causing the pupil of the eye to be firmly fixed in the direction of the radiance (shining m the middle of the eyebrows), cast thy eyebrows a little upwards (and have a glance at the Turiya or the Turiyatita, shining m the Sahasrara, in the belief that the Atman alone remains). This, which alone forms the pathway to the practices aforesaid, will, in a trice, bring about the state of ecstasy (leading to the realization of thenon-differentiated Brahman). For that reason, (the Yogin) should practise the Khe-carī Mudra. Therefrom results the state of ecstasy, (when the mind will be rid of all functioning). Therefrom will result Yogic slumber, (the attainment of the non-differentiated state, wherefrom again the Yogin is rid of the doubt relating to the completion of his mental abstraction). For the Yogin, who has attained the state of Yogic slumber, there is no conception of the time (when he would be roused from his non-differentiated state). Note: The Brahman referred in Upanishads is Pure Consciousness and Sadashiva is the source of the Pure Consciousness.

Khecari Mudra - Going beyond death

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Yoga-Sikhopanishad (5, 38-42)

Translation

He should, with a firm mind and self-possessed, perform the Bandha (known as) the Khe-carī Mudrā. The tongue moving in the reverse direction enters thecrevice of the cranium. The eyes turn (inwards) into the interior of the eyebrows.

This forms the Khecarī Mudrā. When (by the Yogin) the crevice above the uvula is closed up with the Khecarī, the nectar does not fall over the fire, nor does the vital air leap forwards.

Neither hunger, nor thirst, nor sleep, nor sloth is produced. He who knows the Khe-carī Mudrā, for him there will be no death.

khēcari mudra

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Sandilyopanishad (7, 42-1)

bāhyakhecarīsiddhyupāyamāha- chedaneti | pratibhānuvāsaraṁ ṣaṇmāsāvadhi snuhipatranibhaśastreṇa romamātraṁ jihvāsirācchedanena pratibrāhme muhūrte jihvācālanataḥ prātaḥ saindhavapathyācūrṇato dohaiḥ kalāṁ parāṁ sūkṣmāṁ jihvāṁ kṛtvā dṛṣṭiyugmaṁ bhrūmadhye sthāpya ghaṇṭikārandhreṇa kapālakuhare jihvā viparītagā yadā bhavati tadā khecarīmudrā udeti | sahasrārajihvāpraveśato yogī kṛtakṛtyo bhavatītyarthaḥ || 42-1 ||

Making the tongue very thin by cutting (the frenum to the extent of the thickness of a hair, with the blade of a knife resembling the leaf of the milk-hedge plant, every Sunday for six months), moving it during successive Muhurta-s dedicated to Brahman, (between the fourth and the second Ghatika-s before Sun-rise) and making it water (profusely, by the application, early inthe morning, of pulverized rock-salt and myrobalan, Terminalia chebula or Citrine), fixing the pair of eyes on the middle of the eyebrows, when the tongue, with its motion reversed, enters the crevice of the cranium, then is brought about the Khe-cari Mudra.

Then the tongue, as well as the mind, moves in Ethereal space. By means of that, the man with the tongue upward is rendered immortal.

Note: The Brahman referred in Upanishads is Pure Consciousness and Sadashiva is the source of the Pure Consciousness.

khecarī mudrā

Conquering Death by Khechari Mudra

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(YV) III.76

dantairdantānsamāpīḍya pibedvāyuṃ śanaiḥ śanaiḥ | ūrdhvajivhaḥ sumedhāvī mṛtyuṃ jayati socirāt || 76 ||

Translation

When firmly closing the teeth (by pressing the upper on the lower jaw), and placing the tongue upwards, the wise Yogi drinks the fluid very slowly, within a short period he conquers death.

khecarī mudrā

Khechari Mudra for Six Months-Free from all sins and diseases

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(YV) III.77

ṣaṇmāsamātramabhyāsaṃ yaḥ karoti dine dine | sarvapāpavinimukto rogāñnāśayate hi saḥ || 77 ||

Translation

One, who daily continues this exercise for six months only, is freed from all sins, and destroys all diseases.

Khechari Mudra for One Year - Becomes Bhairava - Powers Anima, etc

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(YV) III.78

saṃvatsarakratā'bhyāsābdhairavo bhavati dhruvam | aṇimādiguṇāllabdhvā jitabhūtagaṇaḥ svayam || 78 ||

Translation

If he continues this exercise for a year, he becomes a Bhairava; he obtains the powers of anima etc, andconquers all elements and the elementals.

Khechari Mudra for Half a Second-Free From Disease, Death and Old Age

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(YV) III.79

rasanāmūrdhvagāṃ krtvā kṣaṇārdhaṃ yadi tiṣṭhati | kṣaṇena mucyate yogī vyādhimṛtyu jarādibhiḥ || 79 ||

Translation

If the Yogi can remain for half a second with his tongue drawn upwards, he becomes free from disease, death, and old age.

khecarī mudrā

Eternity Through Khechari Mudra

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(YV) III.80

Translation Verily, verily, I tell you the truth that the person never dies who contemplates by pressing the tongue, combined with the vital fluid of Prana.

Becoming Like Kamadeva through Khechari Mudra and Yoga

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(YV) III.81

Translation Through this exercise and Yoga, he becomes like Kamadeva; without rival. He feels neither hunger, northirst, nor sleep, nor swoon.

Through This Method Yogi Achieves freedom from all Obstacles

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(YV) III.82

Translation Acting upon these methods the great Yogi becomes in the world perfectly independent; and freed from all obstacles, he can go everywhere.

By This Practice, Yogi is never Reborn and Enjoys for ages with the Gods.

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(YV) III.83

Translation By practicing thus, he is never reborn, nor is tainted by virtue and vice, but enjoys (for ages) with the Gods.

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Goraksh Paddhati 1.58-62

Translation

Placing the chin on the chest, pressing continually the left heel against the perineum (yoni), and holding the extended right foot with the hands, [the Yogin] should, after inhaling the air and holding it on both sides of the chest, expel it gradually. This great seal is said to remove people's diseases. (1.58)After practicing [the Mahā-mudrā first] with the lunar part [i.e., the left nostril], he should practice it with the solar part [i.e., the right nostril]. He should discontinue this seal after achieving an equal number [of repetitions]. (1.59)

[For the adept who is successful in the practice of the Mahā-mudrā] there is no proper or improper [food]. All tastes are indeed without taste. Even virulent poison when swallowed is digested as if it were nectar (pīyūṣha). (1.60)

For him who practices the Mahā-mudrā, [all] diseases are eliminated, notably consumption, leprosy, constipation, abdominal swelling, and decrepitude. (1.61)

This Mahā-mudrā that has been described brings great accomplishments for people. It should be diligently guarded and not given to anyone. (1.62)

khecarī mudrā

Khecarī-mudrā - Sacred Secret Yogic Practice

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Goraksh Paddhati I.63-66

The Khecarī-mudrā consists in turning the tongue backward into the hollow of the skull while fixing the gaze between the eyebrows. (1.63)

He who knows the Khecarī-mudrā does not experience sleep, hunger, thirst, fainting, or death from disease. (1.64)

He who knows the Khecarī-mudrā is not troubled by grief, tainted by actions [or Karma], or bound by anything. (1.65)

The mind (citta) does not move because the tongue assumes the Khecarī. Because of this, the perfected Khecarī is adored by all the adepts. (1.66)

Khecarī-mudrā and retaining Semen - Essential for Yogis

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Goraksha Paddhati 1.67-69

Translation

The semen (bindu) is the root of [all] bodies in which the veins [i.e., the channels of the life force] are established. They constitute [all] bodies from the head to the soles of the feet. (1.67)

For him who [enters] the cavity above the uvula by means of the Khecarī-mudrā, the semen is not wasted, [even if he is] embraced by a woman. (1.68)

So long as the semen remains in the body, how can there be fear of death? So long as the Nabho-mudrā is maintained, the semen does not stir. (1.69)

khecarī mudrā

Vaisnavi Mudra

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Yoga-Sikhopanishad (5, 14)

Translation

The external vision of the Yogin, when it becomes fixed only on the one object in the interior, (with the mind concentrated on the Viraj, Sutratman, Bīja or the Turiya in the Muladhara, Anahata, Ājñā or Sahasrara) and in consequence devoid of shutting or opening the eyelids, this is the reputed Vaisnavi Mudra, which is well preserved as a secret in all the Tantra-s.

Shakti-Chalan Mudra: the giver of all powers

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.53

Translation Let the wise Yogi forcibly and firmly draw up the Goddess Kundali sleeping in the adhar lotus, by means of the apan vayu. This is Shakti-Chalan Mudra, the giver of all powers.

shakti-chalan mudra

Shakti-Chalan Mudra: increase life, destroy diseases

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.54

Translation He who practises this Shakti-Chalan daily, gets increase of life and destruction of diseases.

Kundalini goes up with Shakti-Chalan

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.55

Translation Leaving sleep, the serpent (i.e. the Kundali) herself goes up; therefore let the Yogi desirous of power practise this.

Obtain vigraha-siddhi with Shakti-Chalan

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.56

Translation He who practises always this best Shakti-Chalan according to the instructions of his Guru, obtains the vigraha-siddhi, which gives the powers of anima, etc., and has no fear of death.

Śāstra Pramāṇa - शास्त्र प्रमाण Shiva Samhita(BA)-IV.57

Translation He who practises the Shakti-Chalan properly for two seconds, and with care, is very near to success. This mudra should be practised by the Yogi in the proper posture.

Kundalini goes up with Shakti-Chalan

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭharatnāvali 118-123

Translation Just as one catches hold of the sleeping serpent by the tail and pulls it up, similarly, one should awaken the kuṇḍalī from its slumber. Then she suddenly rises up. 118

An expert of Haṭha should cover the tongue with a thin, smooth and clean cloth of twelve digits in length and six digits in width. 119

shakti-chalan mudra

Translation After spreading and covering the tongue with the cloth, a wise should firmly catch hold of it with thumb and index fingers of both the hands and frequently move it to right and left to the capacity 120

If one fearlessly undertakes this practice for six hours, kuṇḍalī rises a little and enters into suṣumṇā. A six month' s practice alone makes the śakti rising upwards. 121

One should inhale air through right nostril and activate the sarasvatī (kuṇḍalī), by manipulation of the tongue. Thus, the Yogī frees himself from the diseases. 122

A Yogī, who stimulates śakti (kuṇḍalī), accomplishes supernatural powers (siddhis). He easily transcends Kāla (death). 123

Atha athāmarolī

Āpta Pramāṇa - आप्त प्रमाण Haṭharatnāvalī 116-117

Translation "The first and the last flow, which is useless, should be avoided and the cool middle flow be consumed. Highly respected by the Khaṇḍa Kāpālikas. 116

While undergoing the course of Vajrolī, when one daily drinks and snuffs amarī (urine), it is called amarolī. 117 "

amaroli mudra

Translation Now I will describe these mudras with all the essential lineaments, one by one according to the timeless traditional order. The sadhaka should perform the due salutation, holding the namaskara mudra. He should practice meditation, holding the dhvaja mudra.

The internal correspondence between the sadhaka and the Deity should be maintained with the holding of sasakarnika mudra. In presenting the relevant seat to the invoked Deity, he should hold mukula mudra. In visualizing the seat mentally, he should hold padma mudra.

For invoking the Deity, he should hold avahana mudra. To stabilize the presence of the Deity and to ward off the obstacles, he should hold nishtura mudra.

To effect the consummate perfection of the worship of Siva, he should hold kalakanti mudra. To establish total identity between the form of Siva and the devotee, he should hold linga mudra.

on hand mudras

Śāstra Pramāṇa शास्त्र प्रमाण Raurava Agama - Mudra Laskanarn V.7

Translation Pressing together the palms of right hand and left hand and holding them in front of the heart (middle of the chest) is namaskara mudra. This mudra is to be shown by the sadhaka (who recites the mantras) at the time of making salutation accompanied with relevant mantra.

Śāstra Pramāṇa शास्त्र प्रमाण Raurava Agama - Mudra Laskanarn V.8

Translation Touching the left hand kept in front of the neck (heart) with fore finger and keeping the right thumb raised upright is known as dhvaja mudra. The sadhaka should commence the practice of meditation by holding this Dhvaja Mudra.

Śāstra Pramāṇa शास्त्र प्रमाण Raurava Agama - Mudra Laskanarn V.9-10

Śāstra Pramāṇa शास्त्र प्रमाण Raurava Agama - Mudra Laskanarn V.11

Translation Holding the open hands together so as to form a hallow, bringing them together up to the middle of the chest(heart), keeping the thumbs bent so as to touch the palms and keeping all other fingers close together - is avahana mudra. This mudra should be shown while offering a seat for the Deity.

Śāstra Pramāṇa शास्त्र प्रमाण Raurava Agama - Mudra Laskanarn V.12

Translation Nishthura Mudra is to be shown by keeping the thumbs bent, keeping them pressed within the closed hands and keeping this gesture turned towards the Deity. This mudra should be shown to stabilize the presence of the Deity in the image being worshipped.

Śāstra Pramāṇa शास्त्र प्रमाण Raurava Agama - Mudra Lakanam V.13

Translation Keeping the thumbs of both the hands bent and holding the hands turned towards the yogi (towards himself) is known as Kalakanthi Mudra. In order to mark the perfect completion of the worship, this Mudra is to be shown

Śāstra Pramāṇa शास्त्र प्रमाण Raurava Agama - Mudra Lakanam V.14-17

Translation Keeping the right thumb raised upright, clenching the fist of the right hand and placing this clenched fist within the left hand so as to be covered by the fingers of the left hand is said to be the linga mudra.

This Linga Mudra which possesses great vigor should be displayed duly in the worship of Lord Siva. All these mudras mentioned here should be shown in an orderly way while performing the worship of Siva the Supreme Lord, with the accompaniment of relevant mantras specifically formulated for these.

These specific and secret mantras have been enunciated here to be recited according to the context by the sadhakas. These mantras have their significant role in the system of Siva-worship.

Re-Aligning the Energy flow