Viparita Karani Dhyana Mantra is a meditative invocation associated with the advanced yogic practice of Viparita Karani, the 'inverted gesture' or 'reversing flow.' This practice is detailed in classical hatha yoga texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (3.78-82) and the Gheranda Samhita (3.33-36), where it is described as a method to reverse the natural downward flow of prana (life force) and redirect it upward through the sushumna nadi. The mantra is chanted to invoke the grace of Shiva and Shakti, the dual aspects of consciousness and energy, to aid in the mastery of this inversion. The practice is traditionally held to counteract the aging process by preserving the bindu (vital essence) and awakening kundalini shakti. The dhyana mantra typically includes visualizations of the practitioner as a radiant being with inverted energy currents, often accompanied by the beej mantra 'Hrim' or 'Om.' Phonetically, the mantra emphasizes resonant nasal sounds (anusvara) and long vowels to stabilize the mind during the inversion.
The recommended chanting context is during the actual practice of the asana, ideally at dawn or dusk, with a count of 108 repetitions using a japa mala. The practitioner should maintain a steady inverted posture (either headstand or shoulder-stand variation) while mentally reciting the mantra. Cautions include avoiding practice by those with high blood pressure, neck injuries, or during menstruation. The mantra is also used in tantric rituals for reversing negative karma and purifying the nadis.
According to the Shiva Samhita (4.45-48), Viparita Karani is one of the most secret practices, and the dhyana mantra should be received from a qualified guru. The Gheranda Samhita emphasizes that this practice, combined with the mantra, can grant siddhis (supernatural powers) and liberation. The deity association is primarily Shiva as the supreme yogi and Shakti as the dynamic energy; the mantra harmonizes their union within the practitioner's body. The traditional purpose is to arrest decay, stimulate the ajna chakra, and prepare the mind for deeper meditative states.
The mantra is chanted with a specific rhythm synchronized with the breath, often in a slow, resonant tone. It is considered a powerful tool for reversing the effects of time and awakening the dormant spiritual potential.
Om, salutations to the goddess of the inverted gesture, Hrīṁ.
The mantra contains the beej mantra 'hrīṁ', which is the seed syllable of Bhuvaneshvari and represents the transformative power of Shakti. It purifies the nadis and awakens kundalini.