Shanmukhi Kriya - A subtle kriya for cleansing

By Tanmay Bhati -

    Shanmukhi Kriya is a traditional yogic practice rooted in the concept of Pratyahara—the withdrawal of senses. The “Shanmukhi” is a Sanskrit word meaning "six-faced" or "facing inward from all six gates", i.e., two eyes, two ears, one nostril, and one mouth. It is a powerful meditative kriya that seals off external sensory distractions, turning awareness inward to experience deep inner silence and mental clarity.


Sanmukhi Kriya

Origin and Scriptural Reference - 

Sanmukhi Kriya derives from the yogic technique Sanmukhi Mudra, which is mentioned in classical texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita. It is often used to prepare for Nada Yoga (inner sound meditation) and Bhramari Pranayama, facilitating a gateway to deeper meditative states.


Shanmukhi Kriya Benefits

How Sanmukhi Kriya Works (Breathing & Awareness)-

Breathing - Involves slow, deep nasal breathing or Bhramari humming breath in the advanced stage.

Awareness - Fixed on the Ajna Chakra (third eye centre) or the sound of breath within.

Time - Begin with 5 minutes daily, gradually increasing to 15–20 minutes.


Shanmukhi Mudra (Hand Gesture) -

  • Use both hands to gently close the six sensory gateways.
  • Thumbs close the ears.
  • Index fingers touch the upper eyelids (gently).
  • The middle fingers rest on the sides of the nose (without blocking nostrils).
  • Ring fingers touch the upper lip.
  • Little fingers rest on the chin.

    This mudra is symbolic of internalisation and sensory withdrawal.


Step-by-Step Guide to Perform Shanmukhi Kriya -

  • Sit in a meditative posture (Padmasana or Siddhasana).
  • The head should be in line with the erect spine. 
  • Close your eyes and relax your breath.
  • Bring your hands up to the face in Sanmukhi Mudra.
  • Inhale deeply and close all sensory gates using fingers as described.
  • Focus on the inner space between the eyebrows.
  • Exhale slowly; optionally chant a low humming sound (Bhramari).
  • Continue for 5–15 minutes, maintaining inner sound or breath awareness.

    The gesture should be gentle yet firm, and pressure should be exerted on the ears and eyes. 


Subtle Energy and Pranic Flow

  • Shanmukhi Kriya redirects prana from bahya vritti (external wandering) to antara vritti (internal flow). 
  • It improves vision.
  • Brightens face and eyes. 
  • It Activates the Ajna Chakra
  • Harmonizes Ida and Pingala nadis
  • Creates Pranic insulation, fostering silence and inner light

   

 Avoid if suffering from an ear infection, high eye pressure (glaucoma), or recent facial surgery.



- Tanmay Bhati 

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