Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Gheranda Samhita: Izsjd%& Uhjt VK Z Fuekz - Kdùkkz %& 'Kqhke Cjokyk %&
Gheranda Samhita: Izsjd%& Uhjt VK Z Fuekz - Kdùkkz %& 'Kqhke Cjokyk %&
Gheranda Samhita
☞ Gheranda samhita is a text on practical yoga by sage gheranda.
☞ The yoga taught in gheranda samhita is known as saptanga
yoga, seven limbs of yoga.
☞ In gheranda samhita,the cleansing practices for the
body,called shatkarma are discussed first(to purify the body)
☞ Next, asanas are discussed(for stability) In the third dimen
sion sage gheranda discusses twenty five mudras with which
the flow of prana inside the body can be controlled.
☞ After mudras, pratyahara is described as the fourth dimen
sion. In pratyahara,the senses are controlled and the mind
become internalize in a natural way.
☞ Sage gheranda includes pranayama as the fifth dimension,he
prescribe to perform pranayama practice with mantra in
order to feel vibrationand produce pranic energy.
☞ Dhyana is included as sixth dimension,when the prana is
awakened and the mind is internalize,meditation arises by it
self.
☞ Best wishes
VEDAMRITA YOGA
Gheranda Samhita
1
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Sapta Sadhan
2
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Shatkarma
3
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Antadhauti:-
4
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
B) Varisar Antadhauti
‘Vari’ means water, ‘Sar’ means element (essence), dhoti means wash, that
is, wash element with water.
This action is also known as ‘Kaya Kalpa’.
Aakantham Puryedavari Vakatren Ch Vibechchhanaiyah
Chalayedudrenaiv...... Chodararadrechayadadhah... (1.17)
Varisaram Param Gopyam Dehnirmal Kaarkam
Sadhayetprayatnen Devadeham Prapghate. (1.18)
Meaning: Drink water slowly; fill the food pipe with water up to the vocal
cords. After that, the water has to be removed from the downstream
by running the abdomen. This Varisar Antadhauti is the ultimate
secretive and cleanser of the body. The yogi, who tries this, gets the
same body as the deities.
⇒ Ιt is also called shank prakshalan.
⇒ Drink so much water that there is no desire to vomit.
Preparation
⇒ On the eve of practice one should eat light food. Like fruits or khichdi
etc.
⇒ Do not practice aasanas in the morning on the day of Varisar Dhauti
and remain empty stomach.
⇒ Light, loose and convenient clothes should be used while performing
the action.
Method of water preparation
⇒ Make lukewarm water by adding cold water to hot water. The water
should be as much hot as you can drink easily.
⇒ Add as much salt to make the water salty, but not too salty.
⇒ If there is waste in the water, then filter the water with a thin clean
cloth.
5
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Location and environment – The best place for the Varisar Dhauti is the
courtyard or verandah, so that you can get pure air. You have to take
care of the proximity of the toilet at the time of location selection.
Method – At first, drink the two glasses of lukewarm-salty water quickly and
without stopping. If you drink intermittently, this action will not be
done properly.
⇒ After that, to whirl the water in the abdomen, do the five aasanas
described below in a rapid motion, which causes the water to come
down from the stomach. These are the five postures. Each aasana
should be performed eight times.
1. Tadasana
2. Oblique Tadasana
3. Katichakrasana
4. Oblique Bhujangasana
5. Udarakarshan (Abdomen Stretch Pose)
⇒ After this, drink two glasses of water again; go for defecation after
drinking a total of six glasses of water.
⇒ After this drink two glasses of water and do aasanas and then go to
defecation.
⇒ Do not wait more than two minutes for defecation.If the excreta does
not come out, don’t force it.” You have to come to the toilet again by
drinking two glasses of water again.
⇒ If pressure is still not created then don’t stop. Then you have to come
and drink water and do postures again.
⇒ You should drink water and do aasanas until clean water comes out.
⇒ First, simple excreta will come out, then thin stool will come out. After
that yellow water will come out. One who removes the Pitta (bile),
with yellow water, particles of feces will be remove which are hidden
here and there.
6
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
⇒ During this process, you will see peels of many colored stools. Black,
brown, pink, red. It depends on your food.
⇒ Clean water comes out after drinking about 16-20 glasses of water,
then the action should be stopped.
⇒ You should drink up to 20 glasses of water, then stop drinking it.
Aasanas and their peculiarities of the shank prakshalna – The aasanas
should be done sequentially as described below, because each aasana
extends the small intestine, extends its walls and pushes the feces in it
towards the lower side.
1. First posture – Tadasana.
When we practice Tadasana, our food pipe, stomach and
intestines expand. These protrude the valve of the muscle between
the stomach and the esophagus, which is called the pyloric valve. When
it opens, the water passes through it and reaches the small intestine.
Therefore, when practicing Tadasana, the layers of muscles open slowly
and water enters there.
Aasana Method -
⇒ Stand straight, leaving a distance of 10 cm between your feet.
⇒ Make the body stable by putting the weight of the body equally on
both the legs.
⇒ Tuck the arms on top of the head by intertwining the fingers. The palms
remain upward.
⇒ Stabilize the vision at one place and lift the heels and put the entire
weight of body on the toes and fingers.
⇒ Stay in this state for a while, then come down.
Breathing – Do inhale while lifting the body up.
Stop breathing after raising the hands and body.
⇒ Exhale while bringing the body down.
7
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
8
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
ileocecal valve, opens so that water can enter the large intestine.
Aasana method: - In the case of Bhujangasana, bend your back slightly to
the right. Now fold the head and look at the left heel from the top of
the right shoulder to the back.
⇒ In the final state, the arms should remain completely straight and try
to bend the head and back without any force.
Breathing: - Inhale air while raising the body. Stop breathing in the final
state. Exhale, bringing the body back to the ground.
5. Fifth Practice: - Udarakarshan
‘Udara’ means stomach and ‘Aakarshan’ means stretching or
massaging.
⇒ During this aasana, the abdominal muscles are stretched and they get
a good massage.
⇒ During this aasana, there is gradual contraction and expansion of the
digestive organs, nerves and muscles, so it is particularly helpful and
effective for the treatment of stomach related disorders.
Aasana method: - Sit into a squatting pose keeping both feet a half meter
away from each other. Turning the torso from the waist as far back as
possible, look backwards and at the same time bend the left knee to
the ground. Then do it from the opposite direction.
⇒ With this aasana, water operates into the large intestine and pushes
the stool out.
After Shank prakshalna, two more actions are necessary.
1. Kunjal 2. Netikriya
Post-exercise relaxation: - After practice, rest for 45 minutes.
At this time your digestive system relaxes and after the release of toxic
substances, it acquires new energy.
⇒ Do not sleep for three hours after this, you can get a headache if you
go to sleep.
9
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Precautions: Warisar is a secret kriya. The secret is that its method is very
long and all of it don’t know.
10
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Benefits: It cleanses the body. This is the best action to purify, like the deity
expressed by it Divine, Kantimaan, gets vibrant and light body.
Meaning: - Exhale prana and Plant the navel in the spinal cord. This led to
Agnisar’s cognizance it happens.
11
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
this, the navel area has been asked to be join a hundred times with
spinal cord.
Posture:-
Precautions:-
F) Bahishkrit Antadhauti: -
Dharayedradhyamam Tu Chalayeddhovartmna.
Fill the abdomen with air by making lips like a crow’s beak.
Stop that inhaled air in the stomach for half an hour (one-half
12
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
and hour) and circulate it and leave it out through anus. It is called
top secreat Bahishkrit Dhauti.
13
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
in which two dhautis are considered occurring from the pits of both
ears. Thus five happened.
A) Dantamool Dhauti -
Khadiren Rasenath Shuddhmritikaya Tatha.
Marjayeddantamoolam Ch Yavatkilvishmaharet.(1.26)
Dantamoolam Paradhautiriyoginam Yoga Sadhane.
Nityam Kuryatprabhate Ch Dantrakshacha Yogavit.
Dantamoolam Dhavnadikaryeshu Yoginam Matam. (1.27).
Meaning – The roots of teeth should be rubbed with Khadir juice or pure
soil until the dirt is left.
⇒ Yogis must use this tool to protect their teeth every morning. Men
who know yoga consider this dental work to be the main deed. (1.26-
27)
B) Jivhamool Dhauti -
Explanation – According to Maharshi Gheranda, Jivhashodhan means
hygiene of the tongue. Jivhashodhan increases the length of jivha and
keep away from disease, old age and death.
⇒ “The index finger, the middle and the ring finger, with these three
fingers, should be cleaned the root of the tongue. Rubbing gently with
softness relieves Kapha dosha. When cleaning and rubbing are finished,
then apply a little butter in the tongue. Perform an activity as milk
churning again. After that, grab the tongue with iron tweezers and pull
it out. By doing the practice daily at sunrise and sunset, the length of
the tongue increases.29-31.
C) Karnarandhra Dhauti: -
This is the third and fourth type of Dantadhauti. The method is the
same, but Maharshi Gheranda considers them the process of serial
number 3 and number 4 respectively for two ears.
14
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Tarjanyanamika - Yoganamarjayetkarnarandhrayo.
Nityambhyas Yogen Nadantaram Prakashyet. (1.32)
Meaning: By index finger and ring finger, yogis clean the holes of both ears.
Continuous practice of this yoga method leads to a feeling of Nada
(sound).
D) Kapalarandhra Dhauti
Varddhadgushthen Dakshen Marjaybhadalarandharakam.
Evambhyasayogen Kafadosham Nivaryet. (1.33)
Nadi Nirmalatam Yati Divyadrishti Prajayate.
Nidrante bhojnante Ch Divante Ch Dine-Dine.(1.34)
Meaning: The fingers of the right hand should be made and made into a cup
shape and filled with water in the hand containing the shape of that
cup, and should be dipped in your Kapalrandhra and Bahyarandhra.
This type of practice provides relief from Kaphadosha. The nadis (blood
vessels) above the skull become pure and attain divine vision.
⇒ To pallet your skull at the end of sleep, after meals and before sleep
and at the end of the day.
3. Hridauti: -
Hridauti Trividham Kuryadandavamanavassa (1.35)
Meaning - There are three distinctions of Hridauti - Dand dhauti, Vaman
dhauti and Vasan dhauti i.e. clothing dhauti,
(A) Dandadhauti
Rambhadandam Hariddandam Vetradandam Thathaiv Ch.
Hrnmdhye chalayitva Tu Punah Pratyaharechchharaneh. (1.36)
Kapham Pittam Tatha Kledam Rechyedurdhvavartmna.
Dundhouti Vidhanen Hridrogam Nashyed Dhruvam. (1.37)
Meaning: The banana poles, turmeric sticks or flexible sticks should be
inserted into the heart repeatedly and removed slowly. Then Kapha,
15
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
16
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
⇒ Amateur practitioners should use the first one inch wide and three
yards long bandage. When this practice starts easily, then the length
and breadth of the cloth can be increased.
⇒ This bandage should be of cotton and very soft and four fingers wide
and 22.5 feet long.
4. Moolshodhan:
Apanakrurta Tavadyavanmoolan Na Shodhyet.
Tasmatsarvaprayateen Moolashodhan Macharet. (1.42)
Peetmulasay Danden Madhyamad, Gulinappi Va.
Yatenen Kshalayedguham Varina Ch Punah Punah. (1.43)
Varayetakoshtkathinayamajivarna Nivaryet.
Karanam Kantipushtyoshch Deepan Vahinamandalam.(1.44)
Meaning: Till the original refinement, the cruelty of your air is not destroyed.
Therefore, one should do basic refinement.
⇒ Ablution from water is necessary through the root of turmeric or the
middle finger.
⇒ This method strengthens the gastroenteritis by removing the problems
of lack of stool, dryness of stool, excretion of feces, and amoebiasis
etc. 42-44
Explanation: Moolshodhan is the last method of the dhoti process.
⇒ Its meaning is - the cleansing of the root organs of body. The root part
of our body is the anus. Therefore, Moolshodhan means: - Cleansing
of the anal area.
⇒ In the 42nd verse it is said that until the root part is not cleaned, then
disorder arises in your air, or your air becomes cruel.
Vasti:-
Jala vasti Shushakvastirvasti Ch Dividau Smritau.
Jala Vastim Jale Kurmachhuk Vasti Sada Kshitau. (1.45)
Meaning: There are two types of Vasti Karma.
17
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
18
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Explanation:
Method: - To practice this system, sitting in Paschimottanasana on the
ground, practicing Ashwini mudra, make expansion and contraction of
the anus.
Netikriya: - The main purpose of this process is to clean the area of the
head, the skull. Neti kriya is helpful in sensitizing internal channels or
blood vessels.
⇒ Neti kriya acts like E.N.T.
Vitastimanam Sukshamsutram Nasanale Parveshyet.
Mukhagnirgamayetpashchat Prochyate Netikarmam. (1.50)
Sadhananetikarayasya Khechrisiddhimapnuyat
Kaphadosha Vinshyanti Divyadrishti Parjayate. (1.51)
Meaning: Take a long thread and insert into the nose and pull it out from
the mouth. This is called neti karma. By practing of this, the attainment
of khechari cure of kapha doshas and divine vision is achieved.
Special: - Only the sutra neti is discussed in the netikriya.
Lauliki (Nauli) Karma: -
Amandevagen Tundam Bhamayedubhapashvioh.
Servarogannihantih Dehanalivivvardhanam. (1.52)
Meaning: The abdomen should rotate very quickly in both the sides. This
Lauliki means Nauli Karma is the destroyer of all diseases and the
stimulant of Jatharanal.
Types of Nauli: - There are four types of Nauli.
1. Normal or Moderate: In the event of a Udiyan bond, an effort is made to
pressurize the muscles from side to side and bring them in the middle.
2. Left Nauli: - With the practice of moderate nauli, let loose the muscles of
the right side. In addition, the muscles on the left side should be
contacted. As a result, the abdominal muscles will naturally shift to
the left. This was the practice of Left Nauli.
19
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
3. Dakshin Nauli: - After the practice of left nauli, relax the muscles of the
left side of the abdomen and compress the muscles of the right side.
This is the position of South Nauli.
4. Bhramar Nauli:
Method: 1. First do the moderate (madhyam) nauli.
2. Then do left nauli.
3. Then Udiyan bond.
4. Then practice the South Nauli.
5. Finally the moderate Nauli.
⇒ In this way it was a process of rotating the abdominal muscles. All actions
must be done sequentially. Boost this process and turn it in the opposite
direction also. This is the method of Bhramar Nauli.
Trataka:-
Nimeshonmeshak Vyaktva Sukshamlakshyam Nirikshayet.
Patanti Yavadtruni Tratakam Prochyate Buddhaî. (1.53)
Evambhyasayogen Shambhavi Jayate Dhruvam.
Netraroga Vinshyanti Divyadrishti Prajayate. (1.54)
Meaning: By stopping Nimesh-Ummesh, staring at a subtle target till the
tears start falling is called Trataka. The fulfillment of Shambhavi Mudra
is done by this practice. One gets divine vision by removing the defects
of the eye.
According to Yoga Shastra three types of trataka are considered.
1 Bahir Trataka: - For this, we take any real thing or tangible form like: Sun,
Moon, stars, trees, idols etc. It is also called as Purnima Drishti.
2. Antar Trataka: In this, let close the eyes, awakening the imaginations of
the mind and let do focus on a sight. For this we can choose the internal
or mental symbol.
⇒ It is also called Ama Drishti.
20
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Meaning: You have to inhale through the Eda pulse (left nostril) and exhale
through the Pingala pulse (right nostril). Then inhale from the Pingala
and exhale from the Eda. Supplementary and laxative actions should
not be done with swiftly. With the practice of this activity, one gets
relief from cold and cough.
⇒ This practice is similar to Nadi-shuddi pranayama.
2. Vayutkarma Kapalbhati: -
Nasabhyam Jalmakrishya Punarvaktren Rechyet.
Payam Payam Vayutkarmen Shleshmadosham Nivaryet. (1.58)
Meaning: Suck water by both the nostrils and drain it from the mouth and
vice versa. This inverse Kapalbhati prevents kapha doshas.
Explanation: - By this action, not only the nasal cavities, but also the throat
and mouth are treated.
21
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
⇒ Like the practice of neti, water comes out of the mouth making the
nasal passages clean.
3. Sheetkarma Kapalbhati- In this kapalbhati, water is sucked in through
the mouth and expelled out of the nose.
Meaning:
one should take water through the mouth and remove it through
the nose. This action is called Sheetkarma Kapalabhati. Through this,
the body of the seeker becomes beautiful like cupid and prevents old
age. Cleanliness arises in the body and prevention of phlegm.
Some important things to remember about this practice (Shatakarma).
1. Its sequence is very important Dhauti, Vasti, Neti, Nauli, Trataka and
Kapalbhati.
2. The length of sutra neti is 9 inches.
3. Length of cloth dhauti 22.5 feet.
4. The Dhauti Kriya is most elaborated in the Gheranda Samhita.
5. Varisar dhauti is known as cshank prakshalan.
6. There are two types of Vasti.
7. Neti is of only one type - Sutraneti
8. There are three types of Kapalbhati.
22
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Chapter 2
Aasana
23
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
1. Siddhasana - 2.7-2.8
Yonisathan Kamadghrimool Ghatitam Sampiday Gulphateram.
Medroparyaya Sannidhyaya Chibunk Kritwa Hridi Sthastiam. (2.7)
Sthanu Symmetriandriochaldsha Pashyanabhruvurutram.
Hotanomokshatvatabhedankaram Siddhasanam Prochayate. (2.8)
Meaning: Jitendriya Yogi should put the heel of one foot between the scrotum
and the rectum and put the heel of the other foot in the center. Keep
the chin on the heart and remain steadily upright. See the vision in the
middle of the fixed eyebrows. By attaining perfection one attains
moksha. This is called Siddhasana.
⇒ Put the heel of one foot on the sivani (the middle part of the genitals
and the anus) and pressurize the genitals with the heel of the other
foot.
Benefits: - This asana provides moksha when proven. This is the best posture
for meditation.
⇒ It is a symbol of strength and dexterity, hence this posture was named
Siddhasana.
Caution: This asana should not be done if there is sciatica or there is a
disturbance in the lower part of the spinal cord or the testicles are
enlarged.
2. Padmasana – 2.9
By placing the left foot on the right thigh and the right foot on
the left thigh, inversely move the hands to the back part and with the
right hand firmly hold the toe of the right foot and the toe of left foot
24
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
with the left hand and attach the chin to the heart and look at the tip
of nose.
25
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
26
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Benefits: - This is the best practice of relaxation. This makes the muscles
strong. Relieves fatigue, anxiety and stress.
⇒ There is great practice for spondylitis, writers cramp (sometimes a lot
of writing and pain in the joints of hands), etc.
9. Veerasana: 2.18
Putting one leg close to the thigh of
the other leg causes Veerasan by pulling the
other leg backwards.
27
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Explanation: - In this posture, the feet are kept under the thigh, there is an
attempt to keep the claws, heels and calves hidden under the thigh,
that is why it is called Guptaasana.
13. Matsyayan: -2.22
In the position of Padmasana, wrap the head with the elbows of
the hands and lie on the ground. This is called matsyasana, which
destroys diseases.
Benefits: - By this asana, the intestines and stomach organs are expanded
and it is beneficial for all stomach diseases.
⇒ It cures piles and bloody piles.
⇒ It boosts the functioning of thyroid gland and strengthens the immunity
power by stimulating the thymus gland.
⇒ Extremely beneficial in asthma, bronchitis and cough diseases.
14. Matsyendrasana 2.23-2.24
Pulling the abdomen towards the back, keeping the back straight,
keep the heel of the left foot on the right thigh and place the right
elbow on it and keep the chin on the right shoulder and stabilize the
vision in the middle part of the eyebrows. This is called Matsyendrasana.
Benefits: - It cures liver and bladder functioning.
⇒ It is panacea for the treatment of diabetes. It is particularly beneficial
in diseases of digestive system.
Caution: - People suffering from ulcers, hernia, hyper thyroid should practice
it under the guidance of a qualified teacher.
Do not practice in cytica, heart patients, pregnancy etc.
15. Gorakshasan: 2.25-2.26
Method: - By bending both knees, fixing soles, lift the heels up. Knees and
toes remain on the ground. In this, the pelvic region, buttocks and
progenitors remain behind the heel. The hands are placed behind the
28
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
buttock in such a way that the fingers remain outward, tilting the body
in front and raising it so that the feet are perpendicular to the ground.
⇒ Crossing both the wrists in front of the navel, hold the left heel with
the right hand and the right heel with the left hand.
Benefits: - By practicing this asana, control over reproductive senses, sexual
desire and ejaculation is achieved.
Caution: - Do not do knee patients.
⇒ Eyesight should be on the tip nose.
16. Paschimotanasana Posture: -2.27
Spread both feet on the ground in a smooth manner and hold
both the toes. Then place the head in the middle of both thighs, it will
be the Paschimotanasana posture.
Benefits: - It massages the entire stomach and pelvic region as well as the
liver by providing strength to pancreatic, spleen, renal and adrenal
glands.
⇒ Reduces abdominal fat.
⇒ It is very beneficial in Diabetes, colitis, bronchitis and eosino filia.
Caution: - It is prohibited for the patients of heart disease, high blood
pressure and backache.
17. Utkatasana: 2.28
Sit on toes and sustain it and do not allow the heels to stick on the
ground and place the anus on the ankles, it will be called a utkatasana.
Benefits: - Increases physical balance and makes muscles of thighs strong.
18. Sankatasana 2.29
Wrap the left leg with the right leg on the ground, and then put
both hands on both knees. This is called Sankatasana.
29
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Benefits: - Strengthens the muscles, provides boost to the nerves and makes
the joints of the feet relaxed and flexible.
19. Mayurassan: 2.30
Place both elbows in the navel side by resting the palms of
both hands on the ground. Then lift both legs backwards in the same
way as the pole. It is called Mayurassan.
Benefits: - The nerves of the liver, bladder, intestines, stomach and nervous
system are also affected.
⇒ Increases the production of hormones.
⇒ Best for the digestive system. It also digests poisonous toxins (the toxins
present in the stomach).
Caution: - Prohibited for heart patients, high blood pressure, hernia, slip
disc patient and immediately after meal.
20. Kukkutasana: 2.31
Kukkuta means cock. In this posture, the physical
configuration is like that of a rooster.
For this reason it is called Kukkutasana.
Method: - Sit in Padmasana. Remove both the hands from the thighs and
calves on the ground. Lift the body up in the air by resting both palms
on the ground.
Benefits: - This posture provides strength to the muscles of the arms and
shoulders.
21. Koormasana: 2.32
Putting both the heels under the two testicles in reverse
and sit with upright body, head and cervix is called koramasana. Koorma
means tortoise.
30
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
31
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Special: - The posture which Maharshi Gheranda has explained here under
the name of Vriksasana. Now it is popularly known as Vatayanasana.
Benefits: - This asana is practiced to strengthen the muscles of the legs and
the abdominal area, to achieve balance. This reduces the proactivity of
the kidney and bladder. It develops the ability of semen for celibacy.
26. Garudasana: 2.37
Press the earth with both thighs and knees and keep the body
stable and sit with both hands on both the knees.
Special: - The process of Garudasana described by Maharshi Gheranda is
different from the usual prevailing process.
⇒ The other name of this asana is Shaktikathalana Asana.
Benefits: - Helpful in treating sciatica, rheumatism and hydrocele.
27. Vrishasana: 2.38
Place the anal gate on the right heel, the left heel on the left side
of the anus. The opposite side of the soles remain on the ground. This
is called Vrishasana.
28. Shalabhasana: 2.39
One have to lie flat on the ground. The face will be towards the
ground. Have both hands next to the chest. Keep the palms well
grounded. In this state, elevate your feet.
Benefits: - It cures the Para sympathetic nervous system.
32
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
⇒ This asana is very useful to relieve back pain, sciatica and slipdisk.
Caution: - prohibited for patients of high blood pressure.
29. Makarasana: 2.40
Lying on the stomach, the hands rest in the chin. The elbows
rests on the ground and the face between the two palms, leaving your
body relaxed at this stage. This is Makarasana which intensifies the
physical fire.
Benefits: - It is beneficial for Slipdisk, sciatica, lower back pain and lung
diseases.
30. Ustrasana: 2.41 Lie on the stomach and pull both legs on the back and
hold the feet with your hands and shrink the face and feet firmly, this is
called Ustrasana.
Special: - The Ustrasana described by Maharshi Gheranda is slightly different
from the Utsrasana prevalent today.
Benefits: - Particularly beneficial in the treatment of heart disease and back
diseases.
31. Bhujangasana: 2.42-2.43
Place the body in L-shape on the ground and raise the head as
high as a snake by resting the palms on the ground. It is called
Bhujangasana.
⇒ This asana enhances the physical fire and is the destroyer of all diseases.
⇒ This awakens the Kundalini Shakti.
Benefits: - Helpful in destroying all diseases and awakening the Kundalini
Shakti. It cures the back pain and strengthens the digestion system.
32. Yogasana: 2.44-2.45
Sit in Sukhasana and place your hands on the knees. Now pull the air in
through the filler and do the Kumbhak while looking at the nasal tip.
Special: - The state of Yogasana is similar to the prevailing half-padmasana.
Benefits: - Increases concentration and stability.
33
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Chapter 3
Mudra and Bandha
34
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
for Pranothan and Kundalini awakening. Research has shown that the
practice of postures and bandhas also help in curing diseases.
1. Moolbandha - 3.6-3.9
Compress the anal cavity with the left heel and press it by applying
the navel gland to the spinal cord and press the subsurface firmly with
the right heel. This is the Moolbandha.
⇒ It destroys old age.
⇒ Those are hoping to cross the world ocean should hide in forest and
practice this mudra.
⇒ There is a definite Marut Siddhi by its practice. Therefore, practice it
diligently and silently.
Benefits - The practice of moolabandha provides many benefits at the
physical, mental and spiritual level. This action provides strength to
the muscles of the anus and reproductive organs.
⇒ Its regular practice activates the process of intestinal sequestration
which gives relief from constipation and piles.
⇒ It also cures Prostate Gland and UTI Infections of urinary excretion
system.
⇒ This practice activates the Muladhara Chakra and helps in awakening
the Kundalini Shakti.
2.Jalandhar Bandha - 3.10-3.11
Narrow the gorge and place the chin on the heart, then the
jalandhar bandha is done. This allows sixteen bases to be controlled.
This pose named Jalandhar Bandh also conquers death.
⇒ Jalandhar bandha provides perfection to yogis and by practicing it for
six months, a yogi must become perfect.
Benefits- This practice is related to the purification cycle, at this place there
are thyroid and parathyroid glands. It balances the hormones of those
glands.
35
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
36
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
⇒ The seeker who performs this pose wanders on the earth becoming
immortal.
2. Ambhasi dharna- 3.19-3.21
Like conch, moon or kunda there is water of shubra color. The
ambhasi dharna is also called Jal dharna.
“Beej Mantra - ‘VUM..’
“God - Vishnu
“Do concentration by holding this ambhasi dharna in the heart, hold
the soul for two hours with Kumbhak.
Benefits- By this dharna, sorrow, heat and sin are destroyed and there is no
harm even in deep water.
3. Agnayee - Mudra (Agni dharna) 3.22-3.23
⇒ The area of fire is the navel.
⇒ Its color is red.
⇒ Its device is a triangle.
⇒ The mantra is ‘RUM…..’ and the deity is Rudra.
Keeping this element in mind, do Kumbhak for 2 hours.
⇒ Another name for this dharna is also the Vaishvanari dharna.
Benefits- This fire element is bright, light and beneficial.
⇒ There is no fear of time due to its practice and fire does not cause any
harm.
4. Vayaviya dharna - (Vayu dharna) 3.24-3.26
The color of air is light black like the color of smoke.
⇒ Beej Mantra – YUM…
⇒ “Guna- Satva
⇒ “When it is realized by the force of yoga, concentrate the prana vayu
for two hours by concentrating with the Kumbhak.
Benefits- Through its practice, the seeker gets the power of sky-movement
and this dharna just destroys death.
37
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
16 types of mudras
1. Mahamudra - 3.29-3.31
Mahamudra is a combination of two Sanskrit words- Maha and
Mudra. Maha means highest and Mudra means mental state, means
to say, Mahamudra is the condition whereby human consciousness
moves to the highest level.
Method -spread both legs in front and sit down. After this, keep your left
heel in the anal part and keep the right leg straight and while exhaling
in the same position, bend forward and hold the claw of the right foot
with both hands. This is the position of the posture.
⇒ Now two bandhas and one mudra are practiced in it. Bandhas are -
Moolbandha and Jalandhar and the mudra is Shambhavi.
⇒ In this state, breathing can be stopped easily, for as long as possible,
practice the Moolbandha. Simultaneously practice Shambhavi mudra.
Similarly, this action is also done in bahya (exhalel) Kumbhak.
⇒ Initial practice is carried out 3 times with each leg and gradually this
practice is carried up to 12 times. This exercise should be done on an
empty stomach.
38
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Benefits - The practice of Mahamudra provides benefits in cough, piles,
tuberculosis, diseases of the spleen, diseases of the throat and fever,
etc., which are related to the digestive system.
⇒ Balance is attained in the compassionate and paranormal system.
Caution - Individuals suffering from high blood pressure and heart disease
do not have to do this exercise.
2. Nabhomudra – 3.32
In all the works and wherever it is located, the yogi should lift his
tongue and put it in the palate with the Kumbhak, now it is going to
destroy all the diseases of Nabhomudra Yogi.
3. Khechari Mudra - 3.33 - 3.40
Continuously move the tip of the tongue by piercing the pulse
that mixes the tongue and the root of tongue and pull it with an iron
tweezers while tapping the butter.
⇒ Practicing it daily increases the tongue. It should as lengthy that it
can reach the middle of the eyebrows.
⇒ Thus, enter slowly in the palate root, the tongue should be moved
upward to Kapalandhra. At that time, keep an eye in the middle part
of both eyebrows. It is khechari mudra.
⇒ The seeker who proves khechari does not suffer unconsciousness,
hunger, thirst, laziness etc.
⇒ There is no fear of disease, old age and death.
⇒ Poison does not have any effect on snake bite.
⇒ The body is full of grace and immortal samadhi.
⇒ There is a feeling of new bliss and many types of juices taste, initially
the taste of salty tart, astringent, butter, ghee, milk, curd, honey and
then nectar juices are produced.
39
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
40
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
41
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
42
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
43
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Benefits- Pashini mudra makes the body strong. It brings balance and
stability to the nervous system. Provides strength to reproductive
organs.
Cautions - People suffering from hernia, slipdisk, sciatica, high blood
pressure, spinal diseases, especially arthritis of the neck, should not
practice it.
14. Kaki Mudra - 3.86-3.87
Make the mouth like a crow’s beak and inhale air through it
slowly. This is the Kaki mudra that destroys all diseases.
Benefits- Kaki Mudra reduces mental stress by bringing peace in body and
mind, preventing diseases like high blood pressure etc.
⇒ Increases digestive power, makes blood pure.
Caution - Kaki mudra should not be practiced in a polluted environment
and extreme cold.
⇒ Even a person suffering from low blood pressure and chronic
constipation should not do this exercise.
15. Mantagini Mudra - 3.88-3.91
Stand in the water upto the chin,pull the water through nose
and then withdraw from the mouth and vice versa. Then draw water
44
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
45
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Aatamlaya Tatva - 4.4-4.5
Remove the mind from fragrance and odor, remove the mind from
sweet, acid, etc. juices and subdue the soul.
⇒ Remove the mind from all these, this is pratyahar.
Chapter 5
Pranayama
46
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
47
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Garlic, Kamarkha, Piyar, Asafoetida, Bean, Bada etc. is prohibited in
the beginning.
⇒ Marga-gaaman (long journey), female movement, and fire (tapana)
are also not suitable for a yogi.
Avoid butter, ghee (milk), jaggery, sugar, lentils, amla, acid juice, etc.
⇒ Do not consume five types of bananas, coconut, pomegranate, fennel
etc.
⇒ Do not consume cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, stimulants, berries,
jambool, myrabalan and dates.
⇒ Do not eat hard things, contaminated things, hot, stale, cold and very
hot things that generate excitement and sensuality.
⇒ One should give up the actions which cause pain to the body such as
early bath and fasting.
⇒ Eating once, stay without food or eating after every hour is also
avoidable in yoga.
In this way, one should practice Pranayama by law and before
starting Pranayam, consume ghee, milk every day and have meal both
midday and evening time.
Special-Maharshi Gheranda has stated both milk and ghee prohibitory and
dietary.
Reason- Maharshi Gheranda has stated that milk and ghee are prohibited
in the beginning of yoga. Because milk increases sexual desire. But
after the practice of shatakarma, asana, mudra, pratyahara, sexual
desire turns into spiritual desire. Then Maharshi Gheranda has said
that the consumption of milk and ghee is dietary and said that before
pranayama, the consumption of milk ghee is mandatory because heat
is produced by pranayama and that heat starts burning the fat of the
body. Hence the habit of eating ghee among the practitioners of
Pranayama.So that the power of the body can compensate.
48
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
49
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Quantities
Three types -
Purak Kumbhak Rechak
Perfect 20 80 40
Medium 16 64 32
Adham 12 48 24
Suryabheda - Inhaling the air through the Surya Nadi, do Kumbhak with
Jalandhar bandha and keep holding the wind by the Kumbhak till you
sweat from hair to the feet.
⇒ While doing Kumbhak, one should lift the equal air from the umbilical
cord through the sun pulse and lax it slowly with the left nostril. Then
do Purak with the right nostril. Laxate from the left nostril.
Benefit- This destroys the fear of death. Kundalini is awakened.
⇒ 5.59–60 describes the five Pranas and the five Upapranas
3. Ujjayi Pranayama - 5.70- 5.73
Pull out the external air from both the nasal cavities, draw the
internal air from the heart and glottis and hold it with Kumbhak.
⇒ Then after cleaning the mouth, apply Jalandhar Bandh and hold the
air as powerfully as possible without disturbance.
It is called Ujjai Kumbhak.
⇒ It cures Kapha disease, cruel air and indigestion.
⇒ It destroys Rheumatism, caries, rashes, fever, spleen, diseases etc.”
⇒ If Ujjayi Kumbhak is proven, no fear of death.
4. Sheetali Pranayama - 5.74-5.75
Fill the abdomen by pulling air through the tongue. Then, after
holding the air for some time, remove the air through both the nasal
holes. This is called Sheetali Pranayama.
⇒ It does not cause indigestion and cough- pitta disorders.
50
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
51
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Chapter 6
Dhyana (Meditation)
52
Gherand - Samhita www.vedamrita.com
Chapter 7
Samadhi
53
D;k gS osnke`rk \
osnke`rk vkt ls 5 o"kZ igys 'kq: dh gqbZ laLFkk
Neeraj Arya Shubham Barwala
gS] ftls vkt ge lc daiuh ds :i esa ns[k jgs gS-- Director Director