Poses

The Yoga Lotus



Yoga is built around a series of poses. When Yoga originated, it focused on seating meditation poses. Later, active poses were introduced. Generally the names of yoga poses describe the nature, viz animals, mountains, trees etc. Each pose has a Sanskrit name, since yoga originated from India. People who practice yoga are called 'Yogis'. 
Yoga Posture Index - Sorted by Sanskrit Name





SANSKRIT NAME
ENGLISH TRANSLATION


DIFFICULTY


Akarna dhanur-asana


Shooting bow posture


6


Anjanaya-asana


Salutation posture


7


Ardha Chandra-asana


Half Moon posture


2


Ardha Matsyendra-asana


Half Spinal Twist posture


4


Baddha kona-asana


Restrained angle posture


4


Bala-asana


Child posture


1


Chakra-asana


Wheel posture


8


Dhanur-asana


Bow posture


5


Ekapada-asana


One-legged posture


5


Garuda-asana


Half Spinal Twist posture


3


Gomukha-asana


Cow face posture


4


Hala-asana


Plow posture


5


Hasta-pada-angusta


Hand-foot-big toe posture


3


Matsya-asana


Fish posture


3


Naga-asana


Cobra or Snake posture


4


Nataraja-asana


King of the Dance posture


3


Padma-asana


Lotus posture


6


Parivritta-parshvakona


Turned Side-Angle posture


7


Pavana mukta-asana


Wind-releasing posture


1


Sarvanga-asana


Shoulder stand posture


5


Shalabha-asana


Locust posture


5


Shava-asana


Corpse posture


1


Siddha-asana


Accomplished posture


2


Simha-asana


Lion posture


2


Sirsha-asana


Headstand posture


7


Surya-namaskar


Sun Salutation


4


Tada-asana


Mountain pose


1


Trikona-asana


Triangle pose


2


Ugra-asana


Powerful posture


4


Ushtra-asana


Camel posture


5


Vajra-asana


Diamond posture


2


Vira-asana


Hero posture


2


Vriksha-asana


Tree pose


4


Vrischika-asana


Scorpion pose


9