Maharshi Gherand ke Ghatasth Yog Evam Swami Charandas ke Astang Yog Ka tulnatmak Addhyan

A Comparative Study of Maharishi Gheranda's Ghatastha Yoga and Swami Charandas' Ashtanga Yoga

Abstract

The Ghatashtha Yoga authored by Maharishi Gheranda and the Ashtanga Yoga written by Swami Charandas are both excellent systems of yogic practice. While there are many similarities between Ghatashtha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga, some differences also exist. However, both yoga systems contribute to the physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being of an individual.

In Ashtanga Yoga by Swami Charandas, the eight limbs of yoga are elaborated upon, while in Ghatashtha Yoga by Maharishi Gheranda, seven limbs of yoga are described, earning it the alternative name Saptanga Yoga. Swami Charandas begins his Ashtanga Yoga with Yama and Niyama, considering them the foundation of yogic practice. According to him, achieving success in yoga without practicing Yama and Niyama is difficult. However, in Ghatashtha Yoga, there is no mention of Yama and Niyama. Maharishi Gheranda begins Ghatashtha Yoga with purification techniques, asserting that success in yoga is impossible without cleansing the body.

Swami Charandas describes purification techniques in his text Bhakti Sagar, but these techniques are not included in his Ashtanga Yoga. Ghatashtha Yoga includes 32 asanas, whereas Ashtanga Yoga highlights only two main asanas: Siddhasana and Padmasana. In Ghatashtha Yoga, there is a description of eight types of pranayama: Sahita, Surya Bhedana, Ujjayi, Sheetali, Bhastrika, Bhramari, Moorchha, and Kevali pranayama. Similarly, Swami Charandas' Ashtanga Yoga also describes eight types of pranayama. However, instead of Sahita pranayama, Sheetkari pranayama is mentioned, while the remaining types are the same.

Both Ghatashtha Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga describe Pratyahara as a means to turn the senses and mind inward. In Ashtanga Yoga, Swami Charandas explains Dharana as the sixth limb, emphasizing the contemplation of the five elements. Conversely, Maharishi Gheranda, in Ghatashtha Yoga, describes 25 mudras, five of which represent the five elemental contemplations: Parthivi Dharana (Earth), Ambhasi Dharana (Water), Agneyi Dharana (Fire), Vayaviya Dharana (Air), Akashi Dharana (Ether).