Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 22
Yati-dharma
The Dharma of the Renunciate Ascetic
प्रत्येकं त्रिविधं सोपि पूरकुम्भकरेचकैः पूरणात् पूरको वायोर् निश् चलत्वाच्च कुम्भकः
pratyekaṃ trividhaṃ sopi pūrakumbhakarecakaiḥ pūraṇāt pūrako vāyor niś calatvācca kumbhakaḥ
ప్రతి (ప్రాణాయామ) మూడు విధములు—పూరక, కుంభక, రేచక. శ్వాసతో నింపుటవలన ‘పూరక’; వాయువు నిశ్చలమగుటవలన ‘కుంభక’ అని చెప్పబడును.
Lord Agni (instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Operational breakdown of pranayama into inhalation–retention–exhalation with etymological cues; used to structure breath cycles safely and consistently.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Prāṇāyāma Triad: Pūraka–Kumbhaka–Recaka (with Etymology)","lookup_keywords":["puraka","kumbhaka","recaka","pranayama","breath retention"],"quick_summary":"Pranayama is practiced through three phases: filling inhalation (pūraka), motionless retention (kumbhaka), and controlled exhalation (recaka)."}
Concept: Mind steadies through regulated prāṇa; defining the phases makes practice measurable and repeatable.
Application: Practice in a stable seat: inhale smoothly (pūraka), pause without strain (kumbhaka), exhale evenly (recaka); prioritize steadiness over duration.
Khanda Section: Yoga-pranayama (Prana-vidya / Hatha-yoga techniques)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A seated yogin with three sequential overlays: arrows entering (pūraka), a still circle at the navel/heart (kumbhaka), arrows leaving (recaka), emphasizing calm retention.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, iconic seated yogin, stylized breath arrows, circular motif at abdomen for kumbhaka, bold contours, temple interior feel","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central yogin with gold accents, three small medallions around showing inhale-hold-exhale, ornate border, luminous stillness","mysore_prompt":"Mysore instructional painting, clear diagrammatic arrows and labels pūraka/kumbhaka/recaka, accurate posture, minimal background for clarity","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, yogin in pavilion, subtle translucent arrows indicating breath phases, fine botanical border, calligraphy cartouche with the three terms"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सोपि → सः + अपि; पूरकुम्भकरेचकैः = पूरक + कुम्भक + रेचक (इतरेतर-द्वन्द्व) + तृतीया बहुवचन; वायोर् → वायोः (रेफ-सन्धि); चलत्वाच्च → चलत्वात् + च
Related Themes: Agni Purana 161 (pranayama phases and definitions)
FAQs
It defines the three operational phases of prāṇāyāma—pūraka (inhalation/filling), kumbhaka (retention/holding the breath), and recaka (exhalation)—and gives the technical rationale for the names pūraka and kumbhaka.
By including precise yogic terminology and functional definitions of breath practices, the Agni Purana extends beyond myth and ritual into applied psycho-physical discipline (yoga-śāstra), exemplifying its multi-disciplinary, encyclopedic scope.
Correctly distinguishing and practicing the phases of breath-control supports purification and mental steadiness, making the mind fit for dhyāna (meditation) and thereby aiding spiritual progress through disciplined regulation of vāyu (prāṇa).