Bhastrika Pranayama, or Bellows Breath, is a powerful breathing technique described in classical hatha yoga texts. The term 'bhastrika' means 'bellows,' referring to the rapid, forceful inhalations and exhalations that characterize this practice. According to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (2.59-67), bhastrika is a kumbhaka (breath retention) technique that should be performed with awareness, and it is said to pierce the three granthis (knots) and awaken kundalini. The Gheranda Samhita (5.53-58) similarly describes bhastrika as a method to purify the nadis and generate internal heat (ushna).
While specific mantras are not always prescribed, tradition holds that the practitioner may chant 'Om' or the bija 'Ram' (the fire seed syllable) mentally during the practice. The bija 'Ram' is associated with Agni, the fire deity, and is believed to kindle the digestive and pranic fires. The rapid breathing itself is considered a form of mantra, as the sound of the breath (pranava) is a manifestation of Om. The purpose of bhastrika is to energize the body, purify the pranic channels, and awaken the dormant kundalini shakti at the muladhara chakra.
It is traditionally practiced in the morning on an empty stomach, in a clean and well-ventilated space, after asanas and before meditation. The recommended count is three rounds of 10-20 breaths, with retention after inhalation. Cautions include avoiding practice by those with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or during pregnancy. The technique should be learned under the guidance of a qualified guru, as improper practice can lead to dizziness or pranic imbalance.
Salutations to Agni, the fire deity, with the seed syllable Ram.
The bija 'Raṁ' is the seed syllable of Agni, the fire element, and is used to kindle internal heat and purify the nadis.