Vajrolī Mudrā
Vajrolī Mudrā (वज्रोली मुद्रा) is an advanced yoga mudrā involving the contraction and relaxation of the urogenital muscles to redirect sexual energy (ojas) upward through the sushumnā nāḍī. It is one of the most secret and powerful mudrās in Hatha Yoga.
Overview
Vajrolī Mudrā is described in the Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā and the Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā as a practice that preserves and redirects the vital energy (ojas) that is normally lost through sexual emission. The practice is said to bestow extraordinary powers and lead to the state of unmeccha (a state of sustained bliss). It is traditionally taught only to advanced students who have mastered the preliminary practices and is considered essential for the practice of laya yoga. The practice requires significant physical and energetic preparation.
Method
The practitioner first prepares by mastering aśvinī mudrā (rhythmic contraction of the anal sphincter) and uḍḍīyāna bandha. Then, during the sexual act or in solo practice, the urogenital muscles are contracted to prevent the upward movement of sexual fluids, which are then redirected upward through the sushumnā nāḍī. The practice is described in the Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā as requiring great caution and the guidance of a qualified guru. The practitioner should be free from excess kapha and have mastered the preliminary practices.
Benefits and Purpose
Traditional texts claim Vajrolī Mudrā:
- Preserves and redirects ojas (vital energy)
- Bestows extraordinary powers (siddhis)
- Leads to the state of unmeccha (sustained bliss)
- Is essential for laya yoga practice
- Grants liberation from the cycle of birth and death
Verification Notes
- Described in the Hatha Yoga Pradīpikā (Chapter 3, the vajrolī section).
- Referenced in the Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā and Śiva Saṃhitā.
- The practice is traditionally secret and requires guru guidance.
- Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).