Natarajasana

Natarajasana (Sanskrit: नटराजासन; IAST: Naṭarājāsana) or Lord of the Dance Pose^[1] is an asana.

Etymology

The name comes from the Sanskrit words nata meaning "dancer", raja meaning "king",^[2] and asana (आसन) meaning "posture" or "seat".^[3] Nataraja is one of the names given to the Hindu God Shiva in his form as the cosmic dancer.

Description

This is a balance asana that strengthens the legs. It also is a full body stretch which engages the shoulders, chest and abdomen, strengthens the thigh and calf muscles, knees and ankles, hips and spine, and develops concentration and grace.^[4]

This aesthetic, stretching and balancing asana is used in Indian classical dances.

Variations

• 

See also

• List of asanas

References

1. "Yoga Journal - Lord of the Dance Pose". Retrieved 2011-04-09.
2. Gerstein, Nancy (12 August 2008). Guiding Yoga's Light: Lessons for Yoga Teachers. Human Kinetics. pp. 118–. ISBN 978-0-7360-7428-5. Retrieved 25 June 2011.
3. Sinha, S.C. (1 June 1996). Dictionary of Philosophy. Anmol Publications PVT. LTD. p. 18. ISBN 978-81-7041-293-9. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
4. Sŕivatsa Ramaswami (1 January 2001). Yoga for the three stages of life: developing your practice as an art form, a physical therapy, and a guiding philosophy. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co. p. 186. ISBN 978-0-89281-820-4. Retrieved 25 June 2011.

Further reading

• Iyengar, B. K. S. (1 October 2005). Illustrated Light On Yoga. HarperCollins. ISBN 978-81-7223-606-9. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
• Saraswati, Swami Satyananda (1 August 2003). Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha. Nesma Books India. ISBN 978-81-86336-14-4. Retrieved 9 April 2011.
• Saraswati, Swami Satyananda (January 2004). A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya. Nesma Books India. ISBN 978-81-85787-08-4. Retrieved 9 April 2011.