Viparit Karani

A pose full of mystery and benefits

- Shri Suren Rao

उर्ध्वनाभेरधस्तालोरूर्ध्वं भानुरधः शशी।
करणी विपरीताख्या गुरूवाक्येन लभ्यते ॥ ७९॥

वलितं पलितं चैव षण्मासोर्ध्वं न दृश्यते। 
याममात्रं तु यो नित्यमभ्यसेत् स तु कालजित् ॥ ॥

Viparita Karani is described in five Shlokas in the third Chapter of Hathayoga Pradipika. The above Shloka 3.79, when translated, means that the sun and moon assume exactly opposite positions i.e. the navel (sun) is above and the moon (palate) below. Viparita Karani can only be learnt from a Guru.

Whilst practicing this Asana increase the duration gradually every day.

The second aforesaid Shloka 3.82 states that after six months of regular practice, wrinkles and grey hair disappear. He who practices this for a Yama (three hours daily) conquers death.

However, for inexplicable reasons, the aforesaid Shlokas or the commentaries there on, do not elaborate what Sun or Moon is or their positions in reference with the human anatomy and the Viparita Karani Asana. One simple common sense explanation could be that if the secret was given away, death would have become conquerable (an impossibility so far, although scientific research to enhance longevity is in an advanced stage) and the planet earth would have been destroyed by the burden of overpopulation and its unimaginable consequences.