A Careful Translation

"When the inner instrument (mind) becomes still in the region called Trikūṭa, and the inner space is stabilized through Kevala Kumbhaka, then the wind of prāṇa, abandoning the solar and lunar channels, immediately proceeds beyond their circuit."

1️⃣त्रिकूटनाम्नि (Trikūṭa)

This word has several interpretations in yogic literature.

Literal Meaning

Tri = three
Kūṭa = peak, summit, point

"Three-peaked region."

In tantric and yogic traditions this often refers to the meeting place of three channels:

Ida
Pingala
Sushumna

Many commentators associate it with:

Ajna Chakra (between the eyebrows)
The confluence of the three nāḍīs
The subtle center where duality begins to dissolve

So Shankara is likely pointing toward a subtle inner center where the major currents meet.

2️⃣ स्तिमिते अन्तरङ्गे

Antaranga

The inner instrument:

mind
intellect
ego
memory

collectively the antahkarana.

Stimita

still
motionless
tranquil
unmoving

Thus:

"When the inner faculties become completely still."

Notice how this continues verse 9:

There: movement of breath and mind ceased.
Here: inner consciousness has become stilled.

3️⃣ खे स्तम्भिते

A fascinating phrase.

Kha (खे)

In yogic language:

sky
space
ether
inner space (chidakasha)

Many commentators understand it as:

the inner subtle space of awareness.

Stambhite

stabilized
suspended
held steady

Thus:

"When the inner space becomes steady."

4️⃣ केवलकुम्भकेन

This stabilization occurs:

through Kevala Kumbhaka.

Again, Shankara treats Kevala Kumbhaka not as a breathing exercise but as a transformative state affecting consciousness and prana.

5️⃣ प्राणानिलः

Prāṇa-anila

Prāṇa = vital force
Anila = wind

The vital current itself.

Not merely air entering lungs.

This distinction is important.

The verse discusses pranic movement, not simply respiration.

6️⃣ भानु-शशाङ्क नाड्योः

This is classic yogic symbolism.

Bhānu (Sun)

Refers to:

Pingala Nadi
solar current
active energy

Shashanka (Moon)

Refers to:

Ida Nadi
lunar current
receptive energy

You asked earlier about moon symbolism in Yogataravali.

Here we see the familiar pair:

Symbol	Nadi
Sun	Pingala
Moon	Ida

7️⃣ विहाय सद्यो वलयं प्रयाति

This is the most important line.

Vihāya

abandoning
leaving behind

Sadyaḥ

immediately
directly

Valaya

circle
orbit
circuit
cycle

Prayāti

proceeds
moves forward
enters

Thus:

"Prāṇa immediately leaves the circular course."

8️⃣ What is this "circular course"?

In Hatha Yoga and Tantra, ordinary pranic activity moves through Ida and Pingala.

This movement is cyclical:

left/right
lunar/solar
passive/active
inhalation/exhalation
duality

This alternating movement is the "circle" (valaya).

Many texts describe human consciousness as trapped in this cyclic oscillation.

9️⃣ The Yogic Meaning

When:

mind becomes still,
Kevala Kumbhaka arises,
Trikuta is stabilized,

then:

prāṇa abandons Ida and Pingala.

Where does it go?

The verse doesn't explicitly say.

But the implication is unmistakable:

👉 Sushumna.

This is one of the central doctrines of Hatha Yoga.

🔟 Connection with Earlier Verses

The sequence is very elegant:

Verse 8

The ripened state of Kevala Kumbhaka appears.

Verse 9

Breath and mind become motionless.

Verse 10

Kevala Kumbhaka is declared supreme.

Verse 11

Now the consequence:

Prāṇa leaves the solar and lunar currents and enters a higher pathway.

This is exactly the transition from duality to centrality.

1️⃣1️⃣ A Deeper Symbolic Reading

There is also a non-physiological interpretation.

Sun and Moon can symbolize:

activity and passivity
thinking and feeling
effort and relaxation
all dual mental movements

Then the verse means:

Consciousness ceases oscillating between opposites.

Prāṇa no longer circulates in the habitual patterns of duality.

It enters the central current of unified awareness.

This interpretation fits both Tantra and Advaita.

1️⃣2️⃣Relation to Your Earlier Observation

We previously discussed on the moon representing the mind.

Seen in that light:

Sun = outward-projecting consciousness.
Moon = reflective, fluctuating mind.

When Kevala Kumbhaka stabilizes awareness in Trikūṭa:

the oscillation between these two currents ceases,
prāṇa abandons their orbit,
consciousness enters the central channel.

That is why so many yogic texts regard Sushumna-pravesha (entry into Sushumna) as a decisive turning point in yoga.

Essence of the Verse

When the mind becomes completely still in the subtle center called Trikūṭa and Kevala Kumbhaka stabilizes the inner space, prāṇa abandons the alternating solar and lunar channels (Pingala and Ida) and immediately leaves their cyclic orbit, entering the central path of spiritual ascent.