When the abdomen is full of air, then quickly one should close the nostrils firmly, except with the index and middle fingers.

This verse describes the hand technique for closing the nostrils during bhastrikā’s kumbhaka. When the abdomen is completely full (pūrṇam) of air (anilena), the nostrils are closed (dhārayet) firmly (dṛḍham).

The instruction about the fingers is technical: tarjanībhyāṃ vinā — “except the index fingers.” This describes viṣṇu mudrā or nāsāgra mudrā, where the thumb closes the right nostril, the ring and little fingers close the left, while the index and middle fingers remain folded or extended.

Laghu (quickly) indicates that the closure must occur immediately after completing the inhalation, without loss of air. This smooth transition is important for maintaining the internal pressure necessary for bhastrikā’s energetic effects.