ASANA GUIDE

WARRIOR POSE 1 — VIRABHADRASANA 1

Warrior one pose

In the great battle of life, the good warrior is ever ready and ever untouched. “Vira” means warrior or strong, and “bhadra” means good. The good warrior sprang from Shiva’s tears, just as each one of us came from the infinite source. The Virabhadrasana stance is one of great strength, firm and grounded into the earth. Standing strong in Virabhadrasana 1, feel the will power, the selfless determination and confidence of the true warrior for goodness.

Sanskrit

Virabhadrasana
वीरभद्रासन

PRONUNCIATION

Virabhadrasana
वीरभद्रासन

TRANSLATION

Gentle (Bhadra)
Warrior/Hero (Vira)
Pose (Asana)

POSE TYPE

Standing pose

POSE CATEGORY

Standing pose

ORIGIN

Tirumalai Krishnamacharya

PERFORMANCE

Starting

Standing at the front of the Yoga mat, feet parallel, arms besides the body.

Entering

Step back with the left leg approximately 1.5 meters, heels are slightly off set, turning the left foot forward to a 45° angle, while the hips remain squared, facing the front. Bending the right knee until it is vertically above the ankle, and the right shin is perpendicular to the floor. Raise the arms above the head, stretching upward with both palms pressing against each other. Keep the eyes open and lift the gaze up toward the hands. Breathe naturally, maintaining a firm and relaxed pose.