A handful of medieval expositions still light the way through the Hatha Yoga Pradipika’s terse verses, each bringing its own flavor of insight:

1. Brahmānanda-Bhāṣya (15th century)
   A cornerstone in Hatha literature, Brahmānanda’s gloss weaves Upanishadic philosophy into every āsana, mudrā and bandha. When the original text speaks of “raising Kundalinī,” this bhāṣya patiently unravels the synergy between prāṇāyāma and subtle-body alchemy, treating each verse like a jewel—and polishing it to reveal its inner radiance.

2. Sivadatta-Tīkā (late 17th / early 18th century)
   Technical nitty-gritty gets center stage here. Breath retention, the sequential stages of Kevala Kumbhaka, even the precise placement of fingers (mudrās) receive chapter-and-verse clarification. For anyone puzzling over Svatmarama’s terseness, Sivadatta’s notes feel like a seasoned guide pointing out signposts on a winding mountain trail.

3. Vasiṣṭha-Tīkā (date uncertain, likely 17th century)
   Drawing heavily from Kashmir Shaivism, this commentary casts Hatha practices as gateways to non-dual awareness. When Hatha Yoga Pradipika mentions “lightning flashes of consciousness,” the Vasiṣṭha-Tīkā anchors those poetic images in the vast expanse of Śiva’s boundless field.

4. Gaurānanda-Tīkā (c. 18th century)
   Tailored to tantric sensibilities, Gaurānanda’s exposition delves into chakras and nāḍīs with unflinching detail. Each subtle center becomes a chamber in an inner temple; each verse, a lamp illuminating its sanctum.

Although modern bridges—like Mallinson and Singleton’s 2007 edition—offer invaluable context and cross-referencing with Sanskrit manuscripts, these four classical commentaries remain the bedrock. They continue inspiring practitioners today, as global yoga parks celebrate International Yoga Day, and seekers explore the rich interplay of body, breath and spirit laid down over half a millennium ago.