Abundant food should be provided for that practitioner.If little food is taken, Viparīta destroys without a doubt.

This verse contains a crucial warning and apparently contradicts the usual recommendations for dietary moderation.The practice of Viparīta Karaṇī intensifies the metabolism and digestive fire.If there is not enough fuel (food), the fire will consume the body’s own tissues.

Bahula āhāra — abundant food — must be understood in context.It does not mean overeating or any food, but ensuring adequate and substantial nutrition to sustain intense practice.Tradition recommends nutritious sattvic foods: milk, ghee, cereals, fruits, fresh vegetables.

Alpāhāre kṛte hanyāt — “if little food is taken, it destroys” — is a serious warning.Prolonged inversions with insufficient diet can cause severe weakness, vāta dosha imbalance, and physical deterioration.This is another reason why guru guidance is emphasized: an experienced teacher adjusts the practice according to the student’s constitution and circumstances.