Jalandhara Bandha

“Net lock” or “water lock”. Throat contraction with chin toward chest, sealing the upper torso.

Technique:

1. Inhale
2. Contract the throat
3. Lower the chin toward the sternum
4. Press the tongue against the palate
5. Hold during kumbhaka
6. Release before exhaling

The HYP (3.70) describes:

“Contracting the throat and fixing the mind firmly on the heart — this bandha destroys suffering and affliction.”

Effects:

• Seals the “net” of nāḍīs in the throat
• Retains the nectar (amṛta) descending from bindu
• Regulates pressure during kumbhaka
• Protects the heart and brain during prolonged retentions

The three bandhas together (mūla, uḍḍiyāna, jālandhara) form mahābandha.