Mūrcchā — the fainting, the syncope. It is prāṇāyāma with retention so prolonged that it produces a slight state of fainting or loss of environmental awareness.

It is an advanced practice that requires extensive preparation. It is not for beginners or for practice without supervision.

The “fainting” is a gateway to deep meditative states. When retention is perfect and prāṇa flows through suṣumnā, the yogi transcends ordinary consciousness.