Satyori — Maha Bandha Pranayama Pranayama Quick Card
Pranayama Quick Card
Maha Bandha Pranayama
Maha Bandha Pranayama · Maha means 'great'; Bandha means 'lock' — the great lock that seals prana in the central channel by engaging all three bandhas simultaneously
About
Maha Bandha Pranayama is the simultaneous application of all three major bandhas — Mula Bandha (root lock), Uddiyana Bandha (abdominal lock), and Jalandhara Bandha (chin lock) — during breath retention, creating a complete energetic seal that traps prana in the central channel (sushumna nadi) and directs it powerfully upward. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika (3.19-25) describes it as the practice that conquers old age and death, bestows great powers (siddhis), and should be kept secret by the wise yogi.
How to Practice
This practice requires prior mastery of each bandha individually and comfortable kumbhaka of at least 30 seconds. Sit in Siddhasana or Padmasana — Siddhasana is traditionally preferred because the heel pressing into the perineum supports Mula Bandha. Take several deep preparatory breaths.
Benefits
Maha Bandha produces the most concentrated pranic effect of any single technique in Hatha Yoga. The triple lock creates a sealed chamber that amplifies the effects of breath retention exponentially compared to retention without bandhas.
Contraindications
Maha Bandha carries all the contraindications of its component bandhas combined. Strictly avoid during pregnancy, menstruation, with hernia, peptic ulcers, acute inflammatory conditions, uncontrolled hypertension, heart disease, stroke history, epilepsy, glaucoma, and recent surgery (abdominal, thoracic, or cervical).
Dosha Effect
Maha Bandha is tridoshic when practiced by an advanced practitioner with balanced doshas, as it directs and concentrates prana rather than generating heat or cold specifically. The heating component (from Uddiyana and kumbhaka) is balanced by the cooling and stabilizing component (from Jalandhara).
Classical Source
Described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (3.19-25) as one of the great mudras. Also detailed in the Gheranda Samhita and Shiva Samhita.
Dinacharya Guide
Maha Bandha Pranayama is one piece of a complete daily practice. The Dinacharya Guide gives you the full rhythm — ideal wake time, pranayama sequence, meals, movement, and evening practices matched to your dosha.