An Analytical Exploration of Pranayama in Eight Classical Texts of Hatha Yoga: A Review

Background: Pranayama has been described in detail in Hatha yogic texts. In this study, eight texts ofHatha Yoga (Hatha Yoga Pradeepika, Gherand Samhita, Shiva Samhita, Gorakshapaddhati, Yoga Beej,Vashishtha Samhita, Hathratnavali, Siddhasiddhanta Paddhati) have been taken. Eight Kumbhakashave been described in Hatha Yoga Pradeepika. Eight types of Pranayama have been described inGherand Samhita. Nadi Shodhan Pranayama is described in Shiva Samhita. Nadi Shodhan Pranayamais also described in Goraksha Paddhati. Two types of Kumbhakas i.e. Pranayama have been describedin Yoga Beej, whereas Vashishtha Samhita has described Pranayama as containing Omkar and dividedit into three stages. Nine types of Pranayama have been described in Hathratnavali and inSiddhasiddhanta Paddhati, stability of Prana has been called Pranayama. In the above-mentionedscriptures, Pranayama, Kumbhaka and purification of the body's nerves have been described asessential for self-realization and health. With the regular practice of Pranayama, it is possible to achieveNadi Shodhana, Kundalini Awakening and deep states of meditation. Which leads the seeker towardsself-realization.Objectives: The objective of this study is to present the types of Pranayama and their form describedin the eight scriptures of Hatha Yoga in a simple way at one place. By keeping the Pranayama describedin all the scriptures at one place, a comparative understanding can be developed in them.Method: After critically studying the eight texts of Hathayoga (Hathayoga Pradipika, GherandSamhita, Shiv Samhita, Gorakshapaddhati, Yoga Beej, Vashishtha Samhita, Hatharatnavali,Siddhasiddhanta Paddhati), the form of Pranayama has been published from them.Result: Critical study of Pranayam in selected texts of Hatha Yoga has helped us in comparative anddetailed understanding of Pranayam propounded in different texts.