Maha Vedha

Maha Vedha Mudra is an important physical exercise or `Yoga` which must be practised regularly for enhancing the physical and mental agility of the human body. `Maha` is a Sanskrit term which implies `great` while `Vedha` means `piercing`. The aim of performing this particular yoga posture is to channelise the `Prana` or life-energy which has been accumulated inside the body by means of the Mudras `Maha Bandha` and `Maha Mudra`. This Yoga should be performed immediately after practising Maha Bandha Mudra and Maha Mudra. Maha Vedha is performed in the following manner:

One must sit in the posture of `padmasana` or Maha Bandha prior to commencing this Yoga and close his eyes while calming his body. The hands must be kept over the floor, resting beside the thighs and fingers must point forward with the knuckles facing down. The arms must be relaxed. One must inhale deeply through the nose and retain his breadth inside for a while, practising the `Kriya` process of `Jalandhara Bandha`. Thereafter, the body should be gradually raised by putting the weight on the hands. The buttocks must be struck gently on the ground four times, following `Mooladhara Chakra`, with a straight spine. The posterior portion of the thighs and the buttocks must gain contact with the ground simultaneously. Now, the buttocks must be allowed to rest on the floor and the person needs to exhale out deeply and slowly, which marks the conclusion of the first round of the asana. `Ida` and `Pingala`s union is affected in order to bring about immortality. When the air becomes lifeless then it should be expelled. The entire process should be repeated after the breathing becomes regular. Four rounds of Maha Vedha Mudra must be done initially, and with the passage of about six months, it must be increased to twelve rounds.

Benefits of Maha Vedha
By practicing Maha Vedha old age can be delayed, grey hair and shaking of the body. As it destroys old age, the appetite is increased. It can be practiced in eight ways. By performing it, good actions increase and evil ones are discouraged, automatically. Practising Maha Vedha Mudra helps awaken psychic consciousness and the dormant `Kundalini` energy which is believed to reside in the Mooladhara Chakra. The pineal gland is activated upon performing Maha Vedha which greatly aides the endocrine system. Thus, the pituitary gland is brought under control which indirectly impacts the secretion of hormones and checks catabolism, thereby slowing the process of ageing. Maha Vedha can also be practised by keeping the legs outstretched. However, the last technique is considered to be much less beneficial.