Stories Behind Yoga Pose Names
Yoga postures, or asanas, have been given numerous names over centuries of practice. These names are often rooted in spiritual and cultural traditions. Here are some of the stories behind the names of yoga poses:
1. Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): This pose gets its name from its resemblance to a dog stretching its front legs and pushing its hips up and back. Adho mukha means "face down," and svana means "dog" in Sanskrit.
2. Warrior (Virabhadrasana): The warrior series is named after an avatar of the Hindu god Shiva. Virabhadra was a fierce warrior who was created from Shiva's hair and carried a sword in his hand. The warrior poses are meant to embody strength and courage.
3. Tree (Vrikshasana): The tree pose is named after the sturdy and rooted nature of trees. The Sanskrit word Vriksha means "tree," and asana means "pose." Yoga practitioners often use the tree pose to cultivate balance and stability.
4. Cobra (Bhujangasana): In Hindu mythology, the cobra represents divine power and energy