Standing Poses

Anjaneyasana (IPA: [ɐɲneːːɟɐrɑːsɐnɐ]; Sanskrit: अञ्जयरासन; IAST: Añjeyarāsana), Crescent Moon, or Low Lunge is an asana. Anjaneyasana is used in Surya Namaskara. This asana has a number of names. The names Crescent Moon refers to the form it takes. Anjaneya- refers to the Hindu god Hanuman because his mother’s name wasContinue Reading

Ardha Chandrasana (Sanskrit: अर्धचन्द्रासन; IAST: Ardha Candrāsana) or Half Moon Pose is an asana. The name comes from the Sanskrit words Ardha meaning “half”, Candra or Chandra (चन्द्र) meaning “moon” or “luminous, as in the light from the moon”, and Asana (आसन, Āsana) meaning “posture” or “seat”. Benefits:- The moonContinue Reading

Garudasana (gah-roo-dah-sah-nah; Sanskrit: गरुडासन; IAST: Garuḍāsana) or Eagle Pose is an asana. The name comes from the Sanskrit words garuda meaning “eagle”, and asana meaning “posture” or “seat”. In Hindu mythology, Garuda is known as the king of birds. He transports the God Vishnu and is eager to help humanityContinue Reading

Natarajasana (Sanskrit: नटराजासन; IAST: Naṭarājāsana) or Lord of the Dance Pose is an asana. The name comes from the Sanskrit words nata meaning “dancer”, raja meaning “king” and asana (आसन) meaning “posture” or “seat”.Nataraja is one of the names given to the Hindu God Shiva in his form as theContinue Reading

Padahastasana (/ˌpɑrəˌhɑːstəˈɑːsənə/; Sanskrit: पादहस्तासन; Sanskrit pronunciation: [pɑːd̪ɐɦɐs̪t̪ɑːs̪ɐn̪ɐ]; IAST: pādahastāsana) or Hand Under Foot Pose is an asana. The name comes from the Sanskrit words pada (पाद; pāda) meaning “foot”, hasta (हस्ता; hastā) meaning “hand”, and asana (आसन; āsana) meaning “posture” or “seat”. Padahastasana is a standing, inverted asana in whichContinue Reading

Parivrtta Baddha Parsvakonasana (par-ee-vrt-tah parsh-vah-cone-AHS-anna) parivrtta = to turn around, revolve; parsva = side, flank; kona = angle Step by Step Stand in Tadasana. With an exhalation, step or lightly jump your feet 3½ to 4 feet apart. Rest your hands on your hips. Turn your right foot out toContinue Reading

Vriksasana (vrik-shah-sə-nə; Sanskrit: वृक्षासन; IAST: vṛkṣāsana) or Tree Pose is an asana. The name comes from the Sanskrit words vriksa or vriksha (वृक्ष, vṛkṣa) meaning “tree” and asana (आसन) meaning “posture”. From Tadasana, weight is shifted to one leg, for example, starting with the left leg. The entire sole ofContinue Reading

Utkatasana (oot-kah-tah-sah-nah; Sanskrit: उत्कटासन; IAST: Utkaṭāsana), Chair Pose, Fierce Pose, Hazardous Pose, Lightning Bolt Pose, Wild Pose or in Bikram Yoga Awkward Pose is an asana. The name comes from the Sanskrit words utkata (उत्कट, utkaṭa) meaning “wild, frightening, above the usual, intense, gigantic, furious, or heavy” and asana (आसन)Continue Reading

Virabhadrasana (IPA: [ʋiːrɐbʱɐd̪rɑːsɐnɐ]; Sanskrit: वीरभद्रासन; IAST: Vīrabhadrāsana) or Warrior Pose is an asana commemorating the exploits of a mythical warrior. Etymology:- The name of this asana is rooted in Hindu mythology. The myth is that the the powerful priest Daksha made a great yagna (ritual sacrifice) but did not inviteContinue Reading