Prāyaścitta: Catalogue of Sins, Narakas, and Graded Expiations
Kṛcchra–Cāndrāyaṇa–Japa
प्राणायामत्रयं कुर्यात्खरयानोष्ट्रयानगः / नग्नः स्नात्वा च सुप्त्वा च गत्वा चैव दिवा स्त्रियम्
prāṇāyāmatrayaṃ kuryātkharayānoṣṭrayānagaḥ / nagnaḥ snātvā ca suptvā ca gatvā caiva divā striyam
खरयानोष्ट्रयानगः प्राणायामत्रयं कुर्यात्। नग्नः स्नात्वा च सुप्त्वा च दिवा स्त्रियम् गत्वा च एव॥
Lord Viṣṇu (in dialogue instructing Garuḍa/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Threefold prāṇāyāma functions as prāyaścitta/śauca after certain acts considered polluting or socially improper.
Vedantic Theme: Prāṇa-niyama supports mind-clarity; outer śauca paired with inner śuddhi via regulated breath.
Application: Use brief, structured breath practice as a corrective ‘reset’ after impure/unstable states; maintain awareness of context-appropriate conduct.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.105 (purificatory acts; prāṇāyāma as expiation)
This verse presents prāṇāyāma as an immediate inner purification practice (śauca/prāyaścitta) to restore ritual fitness after certain actions and bodily states.
Rather than describing afterlife scenes, it addresses conduct (ācāra): actions that disturb ritual purity are balanced by disciplined breath-control, reinforcing dharmic self-regulation that supports good karma.
Use brief, mindful breath regulation as a reset after sleep or bodily agitation, and treat it as a reminder to maintain self-discipline and cleanliness before spiritual practice.