जालन्धर बन्ध

Jālandhara Bandha

The net-holding lock

Sources: Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.70-75 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.12-13

Meaning

Jāla (जाल) means “net” or “web”; dhara (धर) means “holding” or “flow”. Bandha (बन्ध) is “lock”, “seal” or “bond”. Thus, Jālandhara Bandha is “the lock that holds the net” —a reference to the network of nāḍīs (subtle channels) that converge at the throat.

Another etymological interpretation connects jālandhara with jāla (net, trap) + dhara (stream), indicating that this lock “traps” the flow of nectar (amṛta) descending from the brain, preventing it from falling into the digestive fire and being consumed.

Technique

  1. Sit in a stable meditative posture (Siddhāsana, Padmāsana or Vajrāsana)
  2. Place the palms on the knees
  3. Inhale deeply and retain the breath (kumbhaka)
  4. Lower the chin toward the chest, pressing firmly against the sternum
  5. The back of the neck lengthens; do not force the flexion
  6. Keep the shoulders relaxed and the spine erect
  7. The tongue may press against the palate (khecarī mudra)
  8. Hold the retention as long as comfortable
  9. To release: raise the head first, then exhale slowly

Note: It is primarily practiced during retention with full lungs (antara kumbhaka), although later texts also include it in retention with empty lungs.

Effects

Physical level

  • Compresses the carotid arteries, stimulating the baroreceptors in the carotid sinus
  • Reduces heart rate and blood pressure during retention
  • Stretches the cervical spine and relieves neck tension
  • Stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands through gentle compression
  • Prevents retention pressure from rising to the brain

Energetic level

  • Closes the passage of prāṇa upward, sealing viśuddhi chakra
  • Activates jālandhara granthī (the throat knot)
  • Together with the other bandhas, directs prāṇa toward suṣumṇā nāḍī
  • Retains the nectar (amṛta, soma) descending from bindu in the brain

Effects mentioned in the texts

The HYP (3.72-73) states that Jālandhara Bandha:

  • Destroys all diseases of the throat
  • Closes the sixteen ādhāras (bases or supports)
  • Leads to the nectar of immortality

In practice

Jālandhara Bandha is applied automatically in most prāṇāyāmas during kumbhaka. It is considered mandatory when retaining the breath, as it protects the heart and brain from the pressure generated.

It combines naturally with:

  • All formal kumbhakas (Ujjāyī, Nāḍī Śodhana, etc.)
  • Mahā Bandha (the three bandhas together)
  • Mahā Mudrā and Mahā Vedha

In āsana practice, a gentle Jālandhara appears in postures such as Sarvāṅgāsana (shoulderstand), Halāsana (plow) and Setu Bandhāsana.

In the classical texts

“Contracting the throat, the chin should be pressed firmly against the chest. This bandha is called Jālandhara and destroys old age and death.” — Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.70

“Jālandhara Bandha closes the sixteen bases (ādhāras). This mahāmudrā destroys death.” — Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.71

“This Jālandhara Bandha is the giver of success to yogis. The practitioner should perform it at the end of inhalation. Contracting the throat, one should hold prāṇa firmly.” — Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.12

Precautions

  • Severe hypertension or hypotension: stimulation of baroreceptors may cause dizziness
  • Cervical problems: disc hernias, spondylosis or neck injuries
  • Heart problems: consult a doctor before practicing long retentions
  • Glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure
  • Active throat or thyroid infections

Learn with a qualified teacher. Long retentions with bandhas are advanced practices requiring progressive preparation.