Mahamudra (Hatha Yoga)

Mahamudra is a

Hatha Yoga Pradipika

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes Mahamudra as follows:^[2]

• Pressing the Yoni (perineum) with the heel of the left foot, and stretching forth the right foot, its toes should be grasped by the thumb and first finger.
• By stopping the throat (by
  Kundalini, becoming, as it were, dead, and leaving both the Ida and the Pingala
  , enters the Sushumna (the middle passage).
• It should be expelled then, slowly only and not violently. For this very reason, the ancient yogis called it the Mahamudra and has been propounded by great masters.
• Great evils and pains, like death, are destroyed by it, and it is for this reason wise yogis have called it the Mahamudra.
• Having practiced with the left nostril, it should be practiced with the right one; and, when the number on both sides becomes equal, then the mudra should be discontinued.
• There is nothing wholesome or injurious; for the practice of this mudra destroys the injurious effects of all the rasas (chemicals). Even the deadliest of poisons, if taken, acts like nectar.
• Consumption, leprosy, prolapsus anii, colic, and the diseases due to indigestion,-- all these irregularities are removed by the practice of this Mahamudra.
• This Mahamudra has been described as the giver of great success (Siddhi) to all practitioners. It should be kept secret by every effort, and not revealed to any and everyone.
• There are many Yogic traditions which teach this Mahamudra to their disciples. Hence there is slight difference/variation in performing this mudra according to particular Yogic tradition. Individuals should stick to the method(postures) of Mahamudra taught to them by their respective Gurus.

References