Pañcamopadeśaḥ (Prāṇāyāma) · Verse 16
भस्त्रिका कथ्यते देवि महापातकनाशिनी | तत्प्रकारं प्रवक्ष्यामि शृणु त्वं कमलानने ||
bhastrikā kathyate devi mahāpātakanāśinī | tatprakāraṃ pravakṣyāmi śṛṇu tvaṃ kamalānane ||
Bhastrikā — the bellows. Rapid and rhythmic breathing, active and vigorous, like the bellows of a blacksmith.
“Destroyer of great sins” — it has intense purifying power. It dramatically activates prāṇa and eliminates blockages.
It is a warming and activating prāṇāyāma. It generates internal heat and stimulates all systems. It should not be practiced in excess or by those with high blood pressure or heart problems without supervision.