Virasana

Virasana

Virasana (vir-AH-sah-nah[1]; Sanskrit: वीरासन; IAST: vīrāsana) or Hero Pose[2] is an asana.

Etymology

The name comes from the Sanskrit words vira meaning "man" or "hero" or "chief", and asana (आसन, Āsana) meaning "posture" or "seat".[3]

Description

Virasana is a basic seated and starting asana for several forward and backwards bends and certain twists. Virasana may also be used as an alternative to other seated asanas such as the padmasana (lotus pose).

Variations

Variations include adho mukha virasana (downward facing hero pose)[4] and supta virasana (reclining hero pose).[5]

See also

References

  1. Budilovsky, Joan; Adamson, Eve (2000). The complete idiot's guide to yoga (2 ed.). Penguin. p. 198. ISBN 978-0-02-863970-3. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
  2. "Yoga Journal - Hero Pose". Retrieved 2011-04-11.
  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. Adho Mukha Virasana. Yogaartandscience.com. Retrieved on 2011-03-13.
  5. Reclining Hero Pose. Yoga Journal. Retrieved on 2011-03-13.

Further reading

External links

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