मुद्रा
Mudrās
The energetic gestures of Haṭha Yoga. Techniques that seal, channel and awaken the flow of prāṇa, preparing body-mind for higher states of consciousness.
Mudrās (literally "gestures" or "seals") are practices that combine body positions, breath control, bandhas and mental concentration. The Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā dedicates its entire third chapter to these techniques, considering them essential for the awakening of kuṇḍalinī śakti.
Unlike āsanas (which primarily work the physical body) and prāṇāyāma (which works vital energy), mudrās integrate both levels with the mind, creating conditions for spiritual transformation.
Classical texts warn that these practices should be learned from a qualified master, as their effects are profound and can be destabilizing without proper preparation.
Major Mudrās
The main techniques described in Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā chapter 3, ordered according to their appearance in the text.
Mahā Mudrā
The great gesture
Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.10-18 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.6-8 · Śiva Saṃhitā 4.21-25
Mahā Bandha
The great seal
Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.19-25 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.18-20
Mahā Vedha
The great piercing
Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.26-31 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.21-24
Khecarī Mudrā
The gesture of one who moves through space
Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.32-53 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.25-28 · Śiva Saṃhitā 4.31-37
Viparīta Karaṇī
The inverted action
Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.78-82 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.33-35
Vajrolī Mudrā
The thunderbolt gesture
Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.83-103 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.45-48 · Śiva Saṃhitā 4.78-104
Śakti Cālana
The awakening of energy
Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.104-130 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.49-60
Śāmbhavī Mudrā
The gesture of Śiva
Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 4.34-37 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.65-67 · Śiva Saṃhitā 5.22-26
Minor Mudrās
Complementary techniques that appear in various texts and prepare for the major practices.
Mudrās in context
The Mahā trilogy
The first three mudrās form an integrated sequence:
- Mahā Mudrā — Purifies the channels
- Mahā Bandha — Seals the energy
- Mahā Vedha — Pierces the knots
Classical sources
- Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā — Chapter 3
- Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā — Chapter 3
- Śiva Saṃhitā — Chapter 4
- Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha — Bihar School