महा बन्ध

Mahā Bandha

The great seal

Sources: Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.19-25 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.18-20

Meaning

Mahā Bandha appears in chapter 3 of the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā as the second of the main mudrās. Although it shares its name with the practice of the three combined bandhas (described in the bandhas section), here it is presented as a specific mudrā with its own differentiated technique.

The context of HYP chapter 3 is important: mudrās are presented as techniques for awakening kuṇḍalinī. Mahā Bandha as a mudrā is the natural continuation of Mahā Mudrā and preparation for Mahā Vedha.

Technique

Position

  1. Sit with legs extended
  2. Place the right foot on the left thigh (half lotus)
  3. The left heel firmly presses the perineum
  4. Keep the spine erect

Practice

  1. Inhale deeply
  2. Apply Jālandhara Bandha (chin to chest)
  3. Retain the breath (antara kumbhaka)
  4. Apply Mūla Bandha (perineum contraction)
  5. Apply Uḍḍīyāna Bandha (abdominal retraction)
  6. Focus the mind on suṣumṇā or the eyebrow center
  7. Hold according to your capacity
  8. Release the bandhas in reverse order: Uḍḍīyāna, Mūla, Jālandhara
  9. Exhale slowly
  10. Repeat switching leg positions

Sequence with Mahā Mudrā

Traditionally, Mahā Bandha is practiced immediately after Mahā Mudrā, forming a sequence:

  1. Mahā Mudrā with left leg bent (3 times)
  2. Mahā Mudrā with right leg bent (3 times)
  3. Mahā Bandha with left leg over right
  4. Mahā Bandha with right leg over left

Effects

Physical level

  • Tones the entire autonomic nervous system
  • Massages the abdominal organs
  • Stimulates the endocrine glands
  • Improves circulation in the pelvic region
  • Strengthens the core muscles

Energetic level

  • Seals energy at the three main points (throat, navel, perineum)
  • Forces prāṇa and apāna to unite at the navel
  • Intensifies the inner agni (fire)
  • Prepares kuṇḍalinī for its ascent
  • Purifies suṣumṇā nāḍī

Effects mentioned in the texts

The HYP (3.24-25) states that Mahā Bandha:

  • Stops the breath from flowing through iḍā and piṅgalā
  • Makes prāṇa flow through the central channel
  • Frees from the bonds of death
  • Allows attainment of siddhis

Important distinction

It is crucial to distinguish between:

Mahā Bandha as bandha: The simultaneous application of the three bandhas (Jālandhara, Uḍḍīyāna, Mūla) that can be practiced in various postures. It is described in HYP 3.61 and forms part of many prāṇāyāma practices.

Mahā Bandha as mudrā: The specific technique described in HYP 3.19-25, which includes a particular posture (heel in perineum, other leg in half lotus) and forms part of the trilogy Mahā Mudrā → Mahā Bandha → Mahā Vedha.

Both are valid and complementary, but have different emphases. The mudrā is a complete practice in itself; the bandha is a component integrated into other practices.

In the classical texts

“Place the left heel in the perineum and the right foot on the left thigh. Fill with air, apply Jālandhara Bandha, retain the breath and contract the anus. This is Mahā Bandha, the destroyer of decay and death.” — Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.19-20

“Mahā Bandha is the great bandha that destroys old age and death. Therefore, the wise yogi practices it.” — Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.25

“By the practice of this Bandha, the vital air enters neither Iḍā nor Piṅgalā, but flows through Suṣumṇā.” — Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.20

Precautions

  • Hypertension or heart problems
  • Hernias of any type
  • Retina problems or glaucoma
  • Active stomach ulcers
  • Pregnancy
  • Menstruation (avoid intense version)

Breath retention with the three bandhas is an advanced practice. It should be developed gradually after mastering each bandha individually. Never retain to the point of strain or dizziness.