Dvitīyopadeśaḥ (Prāṇāyāma) · Verse 70

कुण्डलीबोधकं क्षिप्रं पवनं सुखदं हितम् | ब्रह्मनाडीमुखे संस्थं कफाद्यर्गलनाशनम्

kuṇḍalībodhkaṃ kṣipraṃ pavanaṃ sukhadaṃ hitam | brahmanāḍīmukhe saṃsthaṃ kaphādyargalanāśanam

It rapidly awakens kuṇḍalinī, is pleasant and beneficial, removes the obstructions of kapha and other impurities at the entrance of brahma nāḍī.

This verse reveals the supreme purpose of bhastrikā: kuṇḍalībodhaka — awakening kuṇḍalinī. Kṣipram (rapidly) indicates that bhastrikā is one of the most direct and powerful methods for activating this dormant energy.

Brahmanāḍīmukha refers to the entrance of brahma nāḍī, the most subtle channel within suṣumnā. The obstructions of kapha (kaphādyargala) blocking this entrance are removed by the heat and intensity of bhastrikā. These obstructions include both physical impurities (mucus) and subtle ones (saṃskāras).

Sukhadam hitam — “pleasant and beneficial” — indicates that bhastrikā, despite its intensity, produces agreeable sensations when practiced correctly. The heat generated is invigorating, not exhausting. Practitioners report states of clarity, energy, and joy after sessions.