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Hathavidya Traditional school of Yoga
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The Importance of Self-Understanding in Yoga

Even a single verse of an important yogic text contains profound knowledge condensed in a short form that can be interpreted and understood only by masters of great knowledge. In this blog, let’s explore such a meaningfully rich verse from the text Goraksha Paddhati. 

“Ekastambham navadhvaram grham panchadidaivatam svadeham ye na janati katham sidhyanti yoginah” “How can those yogins who do not know their own body as a single-columned dwelling with nine openings and five tutelary divinities (adhidaivata) attain perfection? (1.14)”

This verse by Gorakshanath from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a very important one for dedicated yoga practitioners. It highlights the importance of understanding the body and its connection to the mind and spirit.


Let’s try to delve deep into the hidden concepts behind this verse. 



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The Body as a Dwelling and the Mind as the Pillar


The verse begins with a metaphor. The word Grahm refers to a dwelling unit, and Ekastambham means a single pillar. Here, the Sage Goraksha compares the human body to a dwelling unit ("Grahm") with a single pillar ("Ekastambham") as its foundation. This pillar is nothing but the human mind, which plays a critical role in the body's capabilities and functioning. As a strong pillar is necessary for a stable dwelling, a steady mind is essential for a healthy and balanced body.  

Yogic practices are not mere physical exercises. They are designed to control and strengthen the mind, weeding out the impurities that weaken it. With practice, one gains mental clarity that empowers them to reach their maximum potential.



Navadhvaras and the Control of Prana


In the second part of the verse, it mentions “Navadhvaram,” which refers to the nine doors in the body. This does not imply simple openings in the body but rather represents subtle concepts. Here, the sage alludes to an essential truth related to the life force, prana, that regulates and sustains the body. This vital energy circulates through the body and eventually gets dissipated through the nine doors of the body. One has little to no control over this prana, and through yoga, yogis try to gain it. With persistent practice, a skilled yogi learns to control this prana, utilizing it effectively and preventing unnecessary dissipation. This verse subtly emphasizes the significance of pranayama techniques that help retain and redirect prana, promoting both physical and mental well-being.



The Five Adhidaivatas


The final part of the verse introduces the concept of "Adhidaivatas," which translates to "five guardian deities." These deities represent certain qualities associated with the chakras. Combining this with the knowledge from the text “Yoga Saram” one can understand these deities as given below.

  • Prithvi Tattwa (Earth Element): Associated with Brahma

  • Jala Tattwa (Water Element): Associated with Vishnu

  • Agni Tattwa (Fire Element): Associated with Rudra

  • Vayu Tattwa (Air Element): Associated with Iswara

  • Akasa Tattwa (Ether Element): Associated with Sadasiva


Here, in this verse, Gorakshnath implies the significance of understanding these elements for yogis. Yoga practices like Pancha Tatwa Dharana and Bhuta Shuddhi can help yogis not only perceive these elements but also purify them, leading to a more balanced and integrated state of being.

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