विपरीत करणी

Viparīta Karaṇī

The inverted action

Sources: Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.78-82 · Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.33-35

Meaning

Viparīta (विपरीत) means “inverted”, “opposite” or “reversed”. Karaṇī (करणी) means “action” or “practice”. Viparīta Karaṇī is “the inverted action” —a mudrā that inverts the normal relationship between sun and moon, between fire and nectar.

Although in modern yoga practice it is understood as a posture (legs up the wall), in classical texts it is presented as a mudrā with a specific esoteric understanding.

The concept of sun and moon

The texts describe an inner cosmology:

  • Chandra (moon) resides in the palate or upper part of the skull (bindu). It produces amṛta, the nectar of immortality. Its nature is cool.
  • Sūrya (sun) resides at the navel (maṇipūra). It is the digestive fire (jāṭhara agni). Its nature is hot.

In the normal body position, the lunar nectar constantly drips downward and is consumed by the solar fire. This causes aging and death. Viparīta Karaṇī inverts this relationship: the sun is above and the moon below, stopping the loss of nectar.

Technique

Classical version

  1. Lie on your back
  2. Raise legs and hips, supporting hands on the lower back
  3. Legs are raised at an angle (not completely vertical as in Sarvāṅgāsana)
  4. The body forms an angle from shoulders to feet
  5. The chin does not press the chest (unlike Sarvāṅgāsana)
  6. Breathe normally and maintain the position

Accessible version

  1. Lie near a wall
  2. Raise legs and rest them against the wall
  3. Buttocks can be touching the wall or slightly separated
  4. Arms rest at the sides of the body
  5. Maintain for 5 to 15 minutes

Traditional progression

The HYP recommends gradually increasing duration:

  • Start with a few minutes
  • Increase day by day
  • After six months, wrinkles and gray hair disappear
  • Whoever practices three hours daily conquers death

These statements should be understood in their symbolic context: prolonged inversion deeply calms the nervous system and modifies the relationship with psychological aging processes.

Effects

Physical level

  • Facilitates venous return from the legs
  • Relieves swelling of feet and ankles
  • Calms the sympathetic nervous system
  • Activates the parasympathetic system (relaxation response)
  • Benefits the pelvic organs
  • Relieves menstrual pain (in gentle versions)

Energetic level

  • Inverts the flow of prāṇa
  • Stops the “dripping” of amṛta
  • Balances solar and lunar energies
  • Transforms apāna vāyu into prāṇa vāyu
  • Stimulates viśuddhi chakra and ājñā chakra

Effects mentioned in the texts

The HYP (3.80-82) describes:

  • Wrinkles and gray hair disappear in six months
  • Three hours of daily practice conquers death
  • Digestive fire increases, so more food is required
  • It is the secret that destroys old age and death

Integration in practice

Viparīta Karaṇī is especially appropriate:

At the end of āsana practice: as a transition toward śavāsana and meditation.

As a restorative practice: to recover energy, especially in the afternoon.

In menstrual practices: gentle versions may be appropriate (consult with a qualified teacher).

Before sleep: calms the nervous system and prepares for deep sleep.

It can be combined with:

  • Visualization of the lunar nectar filling the body
  • Conscious breathing
  • Khecarī Mudrā (tongue on the palate)

In the classical texts

“The sun resides at the root of the navel; the moon, at the root of the palate. The sun devours the nectar, and thus the human being falls into the clutches of death.” — Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.78

“There is a process by which the sun is brought upward and the moon downward. This is Viparīta Karaṇī, the secret mudrā in all Tantras.” — Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.79

“The first day, keep the head down and feet up for a moment. Increase gradually each day.” — Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.80

“After six months of practice, wrinkles and gray hair undoubtedly disappear. Whoever practices three hours daily conquers death.” — Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā 3.81-82

Precautions

  • Uncontrolled hypertension
  • Heart problems
  • Glaucoma or retina problems
  • Ear infections
  • Heavy menstruation (some traditions)
  • Advanced pregnancy
  • Hiatal hernia

During menstruation, opinions vary. Some traditions advise against inversions; others consider gentle versions beneficial. Consult with a qualified teacher.

For beginners, the version with legs on the wall is more accessible and safe. Always keep breathing fluid; if there is pressure in the head or neck, come out of the posture.