Did you know that many yoga poses have deep connections with mythology? Some asanas are named directly after mythological figures, while others take inspiration from stories and symbolic themes. By learning the mythological connections, you can add depth to your practice, as well as better understand the potential that these asanas have for transformation.
Mountain Pose, or Tadasana, could be considered a fairly simple pose. You stand up straight and tall, your arms by your sides, grounding into your feet. But in Hindu mythology, Tadasana is used to invoke the god Shiva. He is a grounding force.
If you want to symbolize strength and freedom, you could try Eagle Pose, or Garudasana. It’s named after Garuda, who is the mythical mount of Lord Vishnu. Use this pose when you need to visualize soaring above limitations.
Fish Pose, or Matsyasana, is also associated with Lord Vishnu. The fish is Lord Vishnu’s avatar in Hindu mythology. This is because the fish signifies the link between the physical and spiritual realms.
A common pose is Warrior Pose, or Virabhadrasana, and there are multiple. These poses are named after Virabhadra, who was a fierce warrior born from Lord Shiva’s rage to protect Lord Shiva and the divine. You can use this pose when you want to symbolize the strength and courage you need to face the challenges before you.
For embracing freedom, you need Monkey Pose, or Hanumanasana. This pose is also known as the splits, and it’s named after the monkey god Hanuman, who was known for strength and agility. Monkey Pose, in particular, represents Hanuman’s ability to cross the ocean in one leap. It allows you to overcome obstacles and embrace freedom.
Savasana, or Corpse Pose, is another one that invokes the god Shiva, ‘The Destroyer’. A story is told about when the goddess Kali left Shiva, and without her feminine energy, Shiva basically became a corpse. This shows that we need both the masculine and feminine energy to be complete.
This is just a sampling of the connection between yoga poses and the ancient stories that inspire them. The next time you practice yoga, take a moment to think about the centuries that have brought these asanas to you and connect you with history. Personally, I think it’s really cool and inspiring.
What’s your favorite mythology behind yoga? Have you ever heard of this connection before?