Śodhana

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Śodhana. Hindu purification. Cleansing from impurity may be necessary on different levels, and for different reasons. Physical purification is a part of daily ritual, which may, in the case of sādhus, be very elaborate. It is necessary also if caste rules have been broken, and before pūjā. Interior purification is an important part of Hatha yoga. Spiritual purification involves setting the self free, as through the exercise of the restraints (niyama).