Agni Purana — Yoga & Brahma-vidya, Shloka 9
Āsana–Prāṇāyāma–Pratyāhāra
Posture, Breath-control, and Withdrawal of the Senses
न भुञ्चति न गृह्णाति वायुमन्तर्वाहिःस्थितम् सम्पूर्णकुम्भवत्तिष्ठेदचलः स तु कुम्भकः
na bhuñcati na gṛhṇāti vāyumantarvāhiḥsthitam sampūrṇakumbhavattiṣṭhedacalaḥ sa tu kumbhakaḥ
ਜਦੋਂ ਨਾ ਸਾਹ ਬਾਹਰ ਕੱਢਦਾ ਹੈ ਨਾ ਅੰਦਰ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਅਤੇ ਵਾਯੂ ਅੰਦਰ ਹੀ ਟਿਕਿਆ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਤਦ ਪੂਰੇ ਭਰੇ ਘੜੇ ਵਾਂਗ ਅਚਲ ਰਹਿਣਾ—ਇਹੀ ‘ਕੁੰਭਕ’ ਹੈ।
Lord Agni (teaching in the Agni Purana’s instructional dialogue, traditionally to Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Ayurveda","practical_application":"Technique of kumbhaka: suspend both inhalation and exhalation so the breath remains motionless within, like a fully filled jar.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Kumbhaka—breath retention like a full jar","lookup_keywords":["kumbhaka","breath-retention","kumbha-upamā","niḥśvāsa-rahita","acalatā"],"quick_summary":"Kumbhaka is defined as the motionless retention where one neither inhales nor exhales, maintaining inner breath-stillness like a completely filled vessel."}
Dosha: Vata
Alamkara Type: Upama
Concept: Stillness of prāṇa supports stillness of mind; kumbhaka is the disciplined pause that deepens dhāraṇā/dhyāna.
Application: Introduce brief, relaxed retentions after smooth inhalation/exhalation; keep posture unmoving and attention inward to prevent strain.
Khanda Section: Yoga-Pranayama (Hatha/Yoga-vidya within the encyclopedic teachings)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A perfectly still yogin in seated posture, no visible breath movement, with a full water-jar (kumbha) beside as metaphor for complete, motionless retention.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, yogin in profound stillness, full kumbha placed near, subdued palette, minimal motion cues, sacred quiet atmosphere","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, yogin with luminous gold aura, ornate kumbha with gold detailing, symmetrical composition emphasizing immobility and fullness","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, calm instructional scene: yogin seated, chest steady, kumbha as visual analogy, soft gradients and clean lines","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, tranquil interior with patterned rug, full jar rendered with fine detail, yogin motionless, delicate negative space conveying silence"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Darbari Kanada","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: वायुम्+अन्तः → वायुमन्तः; अन्तः+वाहिः+स्थितम् → अन्तर्वाहिःस्थितम् (र्-सन्धि); सम्पूर्णकुम्भवत्+तिष्ठेत् → सम्पूर्णकुम्भवत्तिष्ठेत्; तिष्ठेत्+अचलः → तिष्ठेदचलः (त्→द्)
Related Themes: Agni Purana 372.6 (prāṇāyāma definition); Agni Purana 372.7 (recaka); Agni Purana 372.8 (pūraka)
FAQs
It gives a precise technical definition of kumbhaka in prāṇāyāma: a controlled suspension where neither inhalation nor exhalation occurs and the prāṇa is held steady within.
Alongside ritual, polity, medicine, and arts, the Agni Purana also codifies yogic technology—here, a clear operational definition of breath-retention—showing its coverage of inner disciplines as practical knowledge.
Steady kumbhaka is presented as a means to still the mind by stabilizing prāṇa; such restraint supports purification, concentration, and meditative absorption, thereby aiding spiritual uplift.