Introduction
Shanmukhi Mudra is a Raja Yoga Practice. It is also practiced in Nada Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. Precisely termed, this practice is a Pratyahara (sense withdrawal) technique that leads to the withdrawal of senses from its objects. In other words, it aids the highest form of meditation. It physically blocks the sensory organs, directs the mind inward, and enables the performer to achieve Dharana (Focus), the next rung in the ladder of Raja Yoga. So, to progress on the path of Raja Yoga and to achieve the highest form of mediation, Shanmukhi Mudra is one of the crucial practices.
Medieval Yoga Texts like Gheranda Samhita call this practice Yoni Mudra.
This article explores its significance, the steps to practice, and the benefits.
Shanmukhi Mudra Meaning
What is Shanmukhi Mudra?
Let us look at the meaning of the Sanskrit word Shanmukhi Mudra. It combines the three terms: Shan meaning six, Mukhi meaning headed, and Mudra meaning a Yoga Seal or Gesture. It is a six-headed or six-faceted yoga seal or gesture. How does it become a six-faceted Yoga Gesture? Let me explain.
This practice effectively obstructs all five sensory gateways, which include the ears, eyes, nostrils, mouth, and the body. It solely addresses the physical closure of these five gates. This raises the question of why, then, it is referred to as a six-faceted yoga seal. The sixth aspect pertains to the mind, which interprets experiences through these sensory organs. When the five sensory organs cease to function, the mind as a result also halts its activity. Hence, this technique is recognized as a six-faceted Yoga Mudra, leading to its designation.
It is common for a specific uncertainty to emerge at this point. Allow me to elaborate to dispel this uncertainty. In this practice, both thumbs are used to obstruct the ears. Similarly, the index fingers are employed to cover the eyes. The middle fingers serve to block the nostrils, while the ring fingers seal the upper portion of the mouth, and the little fingers obstruct the lower part. Thus far, this practice engages only four organs. This raises the question: what about the body? The sensation of touch continues to be registered by the mind. In other words, the mind remains receptive to bodily signals, such as touch-related ones. The mind must focus on an internal object to inhibit these signals. By doing so, the mind and body cease receiving external signals.
The other names of this Mudra include Parang Mukhi Mudra and Yoni Mudra.
Misconceptions and Myths about Shanmukhi Mudra
Many people interpret the Sanskrit word Shan in this Mudra as meaning “seven,” but it means “six.” Even prominent yogis like Satyananda Saraswati of the Bihar Yoga School translate it as “Seven Gates.” (Refer to his book: Asana, Pranayama, Mudra Bandha, Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India, 1969). But, his disciple, Swami Niranjananta Saraswati rightly translates the term “Shan” as six. (Refer to his book Gheranda Samhita: Commentary on the Yoga Teachings of Sage Gheranda, Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India, 1992). Also, refer to a similar word: Shanmatra meaning Mix matras. Likewise, Lord Shanmuga has six heads. It is evident that the term ‘Shan’ refers to Six and not Seven.
Another aspect of misunderstanding is the list of the six organs. The common understanding is that two ears, two eyes, the nose, and the mouth are referred to as six gates. But it is not so. The six organs are
- Ears that receive sound from outside
- Eyes that receive the sights from outside
- The nose that receives smell from outside
- Mouth that receives taste from outside
- The body that receives touch from outside
- Mind that receives all the inputs from the above five organs
Understanding Shanmukhi Mudra
The sense organs are naturally inclined to seek external stimulation—ears tune into sounds, eyes seek sights, and so on, making the mind wander outward. For instance, when you sit for meditation and hear a sound, your mind starts to analyze it, generating a stream of thoughts. This continuous thought activity is known as Chitta Vritti, which Patanjali describes as the main obstacle in meditation. According to Patanjali, Yoga (Yoga here means Meditation, not Yoga Poses) is the cessation of Chitta Vritti (Continuous modifications of the mind).
To deepen meditation, one must redirect the senses inward, preventing them from chasing external inputs. This withdrawal from sensory engagement is called Pratyahara. Pratyahara allows the mind to turn away from distractions and focus within. Without it, Dharana (focused concentration) cannot be achieved, which is essential for reaching Dhyana (meditation). Dhyana ultimately leads to the dissolution of the mind, known as Samadhi—the highest state of meditation.
Shanmukhi Mudra is a Pratyahara technique that facilitates progress toward Samadhi by blocking external stimuli and directing awareness inward.
In Kundalini Yoga, the practice diverges slightly, with Dharana focused on the Chakras.
Shanmukhi Mudra Procedure
Precautions and Contraindications
The contraindications of Shanmukhi include the following health conditions.
- Ear Infections: Performing this Mudra during ear infections tends to intensify the pain. So it is better to avoid this Mudra during such health conditions.
- Eye diseases: People with eye diseases like Glaucoma should avoid this Mudra as it may increase intraocular pressure. They should address the eye issue first. After curing it, they can p[perform this Mudra.
- Common Cold: Runny and stuffy nose are common symptoms. It is not practicable during the common cold, cough, or continuous sneezing.
- Anxiety and Depression: This Mudra may not be suitable for people who are having symptoms of these common mental conditions.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant people should avoid this practice as this may alter breathing patterns.
- The incorrect performance of this Mudra by putting pressure upon the eyeballs may result in abnormal perspiration and heart rate. Hence, one should learn this from a competent Yogi.
Shnmukhi Mudra Steps
How to do Shanmukhi Mudra?
Posture
Siddhasana, Easy Pose, and Lotus Pose are suitable yoga poses for this Mudra. You can start this mudra with any of these sitting yoga poses you are comfortable with. Keep a straight back and relax your shoulders. Align your spine and neck with your head.
Hands and Fingers
Raise your hands to the face and position your elbows out to the sides. Then, place your thumbs over the ear cartilage and press them to close the ears.
Close your eyes and place your index fingers on the eyelashes and the lower part of the eyelids. Also, ensure that there is no pressure on the eyes.
Place your middle finger on the bottom side of the nose blocking one nostril at a time. In other words, if you block the left nostril with the middle finger of the left hand, your right nostril should be open. Still, your right middle finger touches the bottom of the right nostril. Alternate the blocking of the nostrils suitably to align with your breathing.
Likewise, press the upper lip with your ring fingers and the lower lip with your little fingers.
Focus
Fix your mind on an internal object like the third eye. Or focus on your breathing. The breathing should be slow and deep.
Release
Relax your fingers and release your hands. Continue the slow and deep breathing. Then, open your eyes. Keep the posture until you reconnect with the surroundings.
Shanmukhi Mudra Steps in Kundalini Yoga
In a seated Siddhasana position, close your ears using your thumbs, cover your eyes with your index fingers, press the sides of your nose gently with your middle fingers, and place the ring fingers above and little fingers below your lips. This practice is known as Shanmukhi Mudra.
Before closing the mouth with your fingers, draw in the Prana Vayu using Kaki Mudra. In this technique, kaki means crow—curve your lips into a shape resembling a crow’s beak and inhale through this “beak.” Next, unite this Prana Vayu with Apana Vayu, located in the lower abdominal region below the navel. To lift Apana Vayu, expand the abdomen and practice Moola Bandha, reversing the natural downward flow of Apana Vayu. Then close your lips and slowly exhale through the nose. Once you are comfortable with this basic practice, incorporate breath retention and Chakra Rotation with the Ajapa Japa mantra Soham as follows: hold the breath within, uniting prana and Apana Vayus, and rotate your awareness through the Chakras while mentally repeating the mantra So.
The consciousness moves sequentially from Mooladhara to Swadhisthana, then to Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddhi, and finally Ajna Chakra. Hold the breath within for six gari (about six seconds), applying Moola Bandha and letting the awareness touch each psychic center. When the awareness reaches Ajna Chakra, close the mouth and exhale through the nose, accompanied by the mantra Ham. Alternatively, you can use the reverse mantra Hamso.
The Kundalini Yoga practice is described in Gheranda Samhita. The text calls this technique Yoni Mudra.
Shanmukhi Mudra Duration
Initially, one may practice for six minutes and gradually he may increase the duration to 12 minutes, Similarly, he can practice up to three hours. This can be possible only under the guidance of a competent Yogi who has already mastered this technique.
Shanmukhi Mudra and Om
When combined with japa, or the repetition of the mantra “Om,” Shanmukhi Mudra can deepen the meditative experience. The mantra Om can be chanted mentally or out loud, allowing the mind to concentrate further as the senses turn inward. Repeating Om while holding Shanmukhi Mudra enhances focus and helps balance mental energy, bringing the practitioner into a state of calm and heightened inner awareness.
Shanmukhi Mudra and Bhramari Pranayama
Once in Shanmukhi Mudra, begin practicing Bhramari by taking a deep inhale. On the exhale, produce a soft humming sound, like a bee, with the mouth closed. The vibration of the hum reverberates through the head and ears, intensifying sensory withdrawal and promoting inner peace. Repeat this process for several rounds, focusing on the calming sound and the vibrations it creates within, which can help reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance self-awareness.
Benefits Of Practicing Shanmukhi Mudra
It blocks the gates of the five senses and leads to the state of sense withdrawal.
Also, the diminished gross sensory inputs rejuvenate the nervous system.
It stimulates the vagal nerves resulting in the dominance of the Parasympathetic Nervous System. This reduces the heart rate, and blood pressure and also aids in the digestive processes.
The tender touch of the fingers and hand stimulates and relaxes the nerves of the face.
It allievates vertigo.
The Kundalini Yoga technique awakens Kundalini and helps to activate the Chakras or energy centers. One can achieve different states of consciousness by practicing this Mudra.
In Raja Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga, It helps to achieve Samadhi. Also, it helps to attain the Nada Anubooti, the experience of subtle Nada.
Incorporating Shanmukhi Mudra into your daily routine
Are you looking to unlock inner clarity and find peace amidst the chaos of your daily routine?
Shanmukhi Mudra might just be the answer you’ve been seeking. This ancient yogic hand gesture has been used for centuries to calm the mind, reduce stress, and bring a sense of equilibrium to all aspects of life.
Incorporating this Mudra into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. By gently closing off the five sensory gates, this mudra helps to redirect your focus inward, allowing you to detach from external distractions and connect with your inner self. It is like creating a sacred sanctuary within yourself, where you can experience a deep sense of peace and tranquility.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting on your spiritual journey, embracing this Mudra can bring mindfulness to every aspect of your life. From your morning meditation to your evening wind-down routine, this simple yet powerful practice can help you stay grounded and present, even amid life’s challenges. So, if you’re ready to experience the transformative power of this Mudra, incorporate this practice into your daily routine.
Conclusion
Shanmukhi Mudra is an advanced Yoga practice performed in Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Nada Yoga. It helps one achieve the ultimate goals of Yoga. Hence, one should start practicing the simpler techniques first. After successful learning and practice, the aspirant may approach a competent Yogi and perform further practices under his guidance.
