31 Yoga asanas image with a description

Yoga asanas image with name in recent times, and more and more people are recognizing the numerous advantages that practicing Yoga can offer. Despite its ancient origins, Yoga has become an integral part of the daily routine for millions of individuals. Some opt for formal Yoga classes to learn various yoga asanas, while many prefer to practice Yoga at home by following online tutorials. When performed correctly, Yoga practice can yield remarkable health benefits. One of the poses that have gained popularity in recent years is the revolved triangle pose, which offers its unique set of advantages in terms of flexibility, strength, and balance.

This page provides an extensive array of different types of Yoga poses and asanas, complete with names, pictures, and explanations of their benefits. Whether you’re interested in learning about standing poses like Warrior II, seated poses like Baddha Konasana, or inversions such as Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, you’ll find detailed information to enhance your practice. Each pose is described, including its physical alignment, the engagement of the outer edge of the body, and its specific advantages for your yoga journey.

Yoga offers a diverse range of poses that cater to various needs and preferences. The locust pose is an excellent choice mountain pose for those seeking to strengthen their back and improve their posture. This pose involves lifting the chest and legs off the ground, resembling the flight of a locust pose.

On the other hand, the hero pose, or Virasana, is a seated posture that focuses on stretching the quadriceps and improving flexibility in the knees and ankles. It is particularly beneficial for those who need relief from tight leg muscles.

In the world of yoga, the Warrior II pose, or Virabhadrasana II is renowned for enhancing strength and balance. This dynamic standing pose helps to build stamina and cultivates a sense of determination and focus.

For those looking to experience a deep stretch in their legs and knees, the thunderbolt pose, or Vajrasana, is a seated asana that can be a great choice. It’s also known for aiding digestion and promoting good posture.

The fish pose, or Matsyasana is a wonderful backbend that not only opens the chest and shoulders but also encourages deep relaxation. It’s an excellent choice for reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being.

These are just a few examples of the many yoga poses available, each offering its own unique set of benefits and contributing to the holistic practice of yoga.

1.Adho Mukha Shvanasana

The Downward Dog Pose, also known as Adho Mukha Svanasana, is an excellent stretch for the hamstring and calf muscles located under the left foot and at the back of the left foot. It is a forward bend pose and also a beneficial forward fold pose that engages the leg’s inner thighs. This yoga pose is known for strengthening the shoulders, creating a straight and stable arm alignment.

While a downward facing dog downward dog, some sources have cautioned against performing the downward facing dog downward dog pose during pregnancy, an experimental study involving pregnant women found it to be a safe and beneficial exercise.

Widely recognized as a quintessential yoga pose, the downward-facing dog in the half lotus position holds a prominent place in the world of yoga. Its iconic shape is often associated with the practice of downward dog, with the foot’s big toe gently touching the opposite thigh. This pose is frequently featured in various forms of media, including film, literature, and advertising. Additionally, this yoga pose has left a mark on Western culture, with references found in the titles of novels, artistic works, television series, and indirectly, even in the name of a foldable computer yoga journal.

2.Adho Mukha Vrksasana

An Adho Mukha Vrksasana is a yoga headstand, the act of supporting the whole body part in a stable, inverted vertical position by balancing on the hands. In a basic handstand, the whole body part is held straight with arms and legs fully extended, hands spaced about left hand and shoulder-width, legs wide apart, and legs together. Various handstand variations exist, all requiring sufficient balance and upper body strength.

Handstands are a common element in many athletic activities, such as acro dance, cheerleading, circus performances, yoga, calisthenics, and gymnastics. Handstands are integrated into routines on various gymnastic apparatuses, and many tumbling skills involve transitioning through a handstand position. Breakdancers often include handstands in their freezes and kicks.

Competitive platform divers execute armstand dives, which start from a handstand position. Swimmers enjoy underwater handstand contests, submerging their heads, arms, and bodies underwater while extending their legs and feet above the surface. The winner is typically the person who can maintain an underwater handstand the longest.

3. Akarna Dhanurasana

Akarna Dhanurasana is often referred to as a yoga pos image with names the fish pose, the diamond pose, the fish pose, the boat pose, the wall pose, the diamond pose, the Archer pose, and the shoulder stand pose. Bow and Arrow pose, or the Shooting Bow pose is a yoga pose that finds its place in both hatha yoga and modern yoga as a physical exercise. This pose emulates the stance of an archer ready to release an arrow, promoting balance, flexibility, and strength. It offers a unique and engaging stretch for the body and helps improve focus and poise in practitioners.

4. Anantasana

Anantasana, also referred to as Sleeping Vishnu Pose, Vishnu’s Couch Pose, Eternal One’s Pose, or Side-Reclining Leg Lift, is a yoga pose frequently incorporated into modern yoga as an exercise. This pose is named after Lord Vishnu, the preserver in Hindu mythology. It involves lying on one’s side and extending one leg bent with the front left hand and the left foot over the top leg, a triangle pose that not only enhances flexibility but also engages the core and leg muscles. Anantasana provides an excellent stretch while promoting balance and strength.

5. Anjaneyasana

Anjaneyasana, also known as Crescent Moon Pose Ashwa Sanchalanasana, or Equestrian Pose, is a yoga pose commonly found in modern yoga as a form of exercise. This pose involves a deep lunge with a backbend element, making it a dynamic and invigorating stretch for the entire body. It is occasionally included in basic asanas as part of the Surya Namaskar sequence, typically with the knees bent and the arms extended downward. Anjaneyasana is particularly effective in enhancing flexibility and strength in the legs, hips, and spine, making it a valuable addition to any yoga practice.

6. Ardha Chandrasana

Ardha Chandrasana, also known as Half Moon Pose, is a standing asana often practiced in modern yoga as a form of exercise. The name derives from the Sanskrit words अर्ध ardha, signifying “half,” चन्द्र Candra, representing “moon,” and आसन asana, meaning “posture” or “seat.” This standing pose often combines balance and flexibility, requiring the practitioner to extend one leg while balancing on the other, forming a shape reminiscent of a half-moon. Ardha Chandrasana not only strengthens the legs and core but also enhances overall body coordination and poise.

7. Ashtanga Namaskara

Ashtanga Namaskara, alternatively known as Ashtanga Dandavat Pranam, or plank pose, Eight Limbed pose, Caterpillar pose, or Chest, Knees, and Chin pose, is a yoga posture occasionally integrated into the Surya Namaskar sequence in modern yoga for its exercise benefits. In this pose, the body is supported by eight contact points with the floor: the feet parallel bottom, legs straight knees inner thighs, arms straight chest, chin, and hands. Ashtanga Namaskara provides full-body engagement, strengthening the upper body and enhancing flexibility while promoting mindfulness and alignment in the practice.

8. Astavakrasana

Astavakrasana, also known as Eight-Angle Pose, is a challenging hand-balancing asana frequently practiced in modern yoga as a physical exercise. This pose pays homage to the sage Astavakra, who served as the spiritual teacher to King Janaka. In Astavakrasana, the practitioner’s whole body part takes on a unique and intricate shape asana resembles that dance pose that demands not only balance but also strength and flexibility. It serves as a testament to the fusion of physical and spiritual elements in yoga, enhancing both physical prowess and mental focus, making it a rewarding addition to one’s practice.

9. Bakasana

Bakasana, commonly known as Crane pose or tree pose or, its counterpart Kakasana, or Crow pose, are balancing asanas featured in hatha yoga and modern yoga routines for their physical exercise benefits. These yoga poses often revolve around arm balancing, requiring practitioners to plant their hands on the floor, rest their shins on their upper arms, and lift their feet off the ground. While these yoga poses themselves are often conflated, there is a traditional distinction: Kakasana involves bent arms, whereas Bakasana (named after the taller bird, the crane) entails straight arms. These yoga poses can challenge one’s upper body strength, balance, and focus, making them valuable additions to a yoga practice.

10. Baddha Konasana

Baddha Konasana is also recognized as Bound Angle Pose plow pose, Throne Pose plow pose, Butterfly Pose thunderbolt pose, shoulder stand pose, big toe pose, or Cobbler’s Pose cobra pose (so named due to the meaning of cat pose and its resemblance to the sitting upright position of Indian cobblers at work), and historically referred to as Bhadrasana, is a mountain pose, a seated asana commonly practiced in both hatha yoga and modern yoga for its exercise benefits. This pose is characterized by bringing the soles of the feet together and allowing the knees to drop outward. Baddha Konasana is not only valuable for enhancing flexibility in the hips and groins, but it also resembles an ideal posture for meditation, providing practitioners with a stable and comfortable seat for inner reflection and mindfulness. The pose encourages a gentle press of the big toe region together, fostering a sense of inner calm and introspection.

11. Balasana

Balasana, also known as Child’s Pos, is a kneeling sitting asana, commonly included in modern yoga as a form of exercise. In this pose, the practitioner kneels and then sits back on their heels, reaching forward to touch the floor with their arms bent forehead. Balasana is not only a relaxing and restorative yoga pose but also serves as a counterpose for various other yoga asanas. Sitting asana is often integrated into yoga sequences, particularly before and after challenging poses like Sirsasana (Headstand), providing a moment of respite and inner reflection in the practice.

12. Bhekasana

Bhekasana, commonly referred to as Frog posture, is a reclining asana frequently incorporated into modern yoga as a form of exercise. This pose is one of several yoga images with the name of the fish pose or the fish pose, postures that mimic the shape of a frog, with another example of a yoga pose image with the name of the fish pose being Mandukasana. The name “Bhekasana” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Bheka” (भेका, bheka), which translates to “frog,” and “asana” (आसन), signifying “posture,” owing to the yoga image with name pose itself’s resemblance to a frog’s position. Bhekasana is valued for its ability to enhance hip flexibility and open the chest, making it a beneficial addition to yoga practice.

13. Bhujangasana

Bhujangasana, also known as Cobra Pose, is a reclining back-bending asana regularly practiced in hatha yoga and modern yoga for its exercise benefits. This pose is often incorporated into a series of asanas within the Surya Namaskar (Salute to the Sun) sequence and is frequently offered as an alternative to Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog Pose). Bhujangasana is lauded for its ability to strengthen the back muscles, enhance spinal flexibility body posture, and open the chest, making it a valuable component of a well-rounded hatha yoga or practice.

14. Bhairavasana

Bhairavasana, also known as the Formidable Pose and sometimes referred to as Supta Bhairavasana, is a reclining asana featured in hatha yoga. This triangle pose also offers a challenging variation called Kala Bhairavasana, a triangle pose where the body is balanced on a straight leg with one foot, the left hand flexed forward and the left foot flexed forward bending the triangle pose side up, and the left hand folded up over the arm, akin to the balance in Vasiṣṭhasana.

Bhairava, one of the eight aspects of the god Shiva, lends his name to this pose, symbolizing strength and power. Additionally, the pose has also been labeled as Aṇkusasana, meaning cat pose evoking the image of an elephant goad, with the abdomen pose reflecting its strength and stability. Bhairavasana is an accomplished pose celebrated for its capacity to enhance core strength and balance while fostering a sense of determination and control in practitioners. It is an advanced pose that challenges both physical and mental fortitude.

15. Bharadvajasana

Bharadvajasana, known as Bharadvaja’s Twist, is a twisting asana often practiced in ancient practice modern yoga as a form of exercise. This pose pays tribute to the sage Bharadvāja, who holds a significant place in Hindu mythology as one of the Seven Great Sages or Rishi. He is renowned as the father of Drona, a revered master of military arts, and the royal teacher to the Kauravas, Pandavas, and Devas, guiding the princes who played pivotal roles in the epic Mahabharata war.

Bharadvajasana incorporates gentle twisting and stretching, promoting spinal flexibility and digestive well-being. It serves as a symbol of homage to the yoga teacher and the sage while offering physical and mental benefits to yoga practitioners.

16. Bhujapidasana

Bhujapidasana, also known as the Shoulder Pressing Posture, is a hand-balancing asana commonly incorporated into modern yoga as a form of exercise. In this pose, the practitioner balances their body weight on their hands, with their knees resting on their shoulders. It offers a unique challenge that strengthens the arms and core muscles while enhancing balance and concentration. A variant of this pose, Eka Hasta Bhujasana, involves extending one foot flexed arm balances one leg straight with a flexion, adding an extra level of complexity to the practice and further engaging the practitioner’s strength and stability.

17. Bidalasana

 

Bidalasana and Marjariasana, both of which translate to the asana resembles the Cat Pose in Sanskrit, are kneeling asanas frequently included in modern yoga as a form of exercise. These poses involve arching and rounding the back, mimicking the movements of a stretching cat.

A variation of the Cat Pose is Vyaghrasana, commonly known as the Tiger Pose, which includes a front fold forward and back fold forward while extending one leg forward and bending another backward. Additionally, Bitilasana, or Cow Pose, involves lowering the back and lifting the head, often serving as a counter-posture to Cat Pose.

It’s common to alternate between Cat and Cow Poses, providing a gentle and beneficial exercise for spinal flexibility and relaxation., both of which translate to Cat Pose in Sanskrit, are kneeling asanas frequently included in modern yoga as a form of exercise. These poses involve arching and rounding the back, mimicking the movements of a stretching cat.

A variation of the Cat Pose is Vyaghrasana, commonly known as the Tiger Pose, a lion pose that includes a forward fold extending one shoulder standing one leg wide stance forward bend, and bending backward. Additionally, Bitilasana, or Cow Pose, is a lion pose that involves a forward bend lowering the back and lifting the head, often serving as a counter-posture to the Cat Pose. It’s common to alternate between Cat and Cow Poses, accomplished pose providing a gentle and beneficial exercise for spinal flexibility and relaxation.

18. Dhanurasana

Dhanurasana, also referred to as Bow pose, is a back-bending asana widely practiced in both hatha yoga and modern yoga as a form of exercise. In this pose, the practitioner lies on their stomach and reaches forward bending their back to grasp their feet parallel ankles, forming a shape akin to a bow.

Dhanurasana is celebrated for its ability to enhance spinal flexibility, strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, and promote a deep stretch in the front of the body. It is considered an invigorating and energizing posture in yoga, offering various physical and mental benefits.

19. Garudasana

Garudasana, also known as Eagle Pose, is a standing balancing asana commonly practiced in modern yoga as a form of exercise. In this pose, the practitioner intertwines their arms and legs in a way that mimics the entwining of an eagle’s wings. The pose involves balancing on one leg, requiring concentration, strength, and flexibility.

It’s worth noting that in medieval hatha yoga, the term Garudasana was used to describe a different pose altogether, highlighting the evolution and diversification of yoga postures over time. Eagle Pose is valued for its ability to improve balance, focus, and posture while also enhancing the flexibility of the shoulders and hips.

20. Gorakshasana

Gorakshasana, often referred to as Cowherd pose, is a seated asana originating from the hatha yoga tradition. This pose, steeped in ancient yoga practices, has historically been employed for meditation and holds significance in tantric rituals.

With deep roots in yogic and meditative traditions, Gorakshasana encourages a state of stillness and introspection. It symbolizes the intersection of physical and spiritual aspects of yoga, providing practitioners with a posture that can aid in achieving a meditative state and fostering a deeper connection between body and mind. The subtle alignment of the big toe in this pose can also contribute to a sense of grounding and inner focus.

21. Halasana

Janu Sirsasana, commonly known as Head-to-Knee Pose, is a versatile seated asana found in various schools of modern yoga as a form of exercise. This pose combines both twisting and forward-bending elements, providing a comprehensive stretch for the body.

Janu Sirsasana is celebrated for its capacity to enhance flexibility in the spine, hamstrings, and groin, while also promoting a sense of relaxation and mental clarity. It is a valuable addition to yoga practice, offering a blend of physical and meditative benefits for practitioners.

22. Kapotasana

Kapotasana, also recognized as Pigeon Pose, is a kneeling back-bending asana prominently featured in modern yoga as a form of exercise. This pose involves a deep backbend with the practitioner’s hands reaching forward bending the pose down for their feet and their head extending a wide stance forward bending back and bending a wide stance forward and bending backward.

Kapotasana is esteemed for its ability to open the chest, enhance spinal flexibility, and provide a deep stretch to the quadriceps and hip flexors. It challenges the practitioner’s strength and balance, making it a valuable addition to a well-rounded yoga practice, promoting both physical and mental well-being.

23. Kurmasana

Kurmasana, alternatively known as Tortoise Pose or Turtle Pose, is a seated forward-bending asana present in both hatha yoga and modern yoga as a form of exercise. This pose involves a deep forward bend, with the practitioner’s head and limbs tucked in close to the body, resembling the shape of a tortoise.

Kurmasana is esteemed for its ability to stretch the spine and open the hips, promoting flexibility and relaxation. It encourages practitioners to explore a sense of introspection and inner calm, making it a valuable component of a holistic yoga practice that combines physical and mental benefits.

24. Malasana

The name “Malasana” is used for various squatting asanas in hatha yoga and modern yoga as exercise. Traditionally, and in B. K. S. Iyengar’s “Light on Yoga,” Malasana, or Garland Pose, is used for different squatting poses with the feet together and the back rounded with multiple hand placement variations. When the hands are bound around the back, this pose is also called “Kanchyasana” or “Golden Belt pose.”

In the West, the name “Malasana” is also used for the “regular squat pose,” also called “Upavesasana,” in which the hand palms are folded together in the so-called namaskar mudra in front of the chest, and the feet are set wider apart. In the Sritattvanidhi, the name “Malasana” is given to Bhujapidasana, the “shoulder press,” in which the palms are placed on the ground, the body balancing on the hands, and the legs resting on the shoulders.

25. Marichyasana

Marichyasana, also known as the Sage Marichi’s Pose, is a seated twist asana frequently incorporated into modern yoga as a form of exercise. This pose is characterized by the practitioner twisting the upper torso to one side while maintaining a seated position, with some variations combining this twist with аflexion.

Marichyasana is valued for its ability to enhance spinal flexibility, stretch the shoulders, and stimulate the digestive organs. It serves as a homage to the sage Marichi and is a valuable addition to yoga practice, providing both physical and therapeutic benefits for practitioners seeking to improve their core strength and internal balance.

26. Matsyendrasana

Matsyendrasana, also known as Matsyendra’s Pose or Lord of the Fishes Pose, is a seated twisting asana commonly found in hatha yoga and modern yoga as a form of exercise. The full expression of this pose is the challenging Paripurna Matsyendrasana, while a more accessible variation forward bend pose is Ardha Matsyendrasana.

Matsyendrasana typically involves a seated spinal twist, and it boasts several variations. Even in its half form, it holds a significant place as one of the twelve fundamental asanas in many hatha yoga systems. This asana is valued for its capacity to enhance spinal flexibility, stimulate digestion, and improve overall core strength, making it a valuable component of a well-rounded yoga practice.

27. Navasana

Naukasana, also known as Boat Pose or Paripurna Navasana, is a seated asana commonly integrated into modern yoga as a form of exercise. This pose is characterized by the practitioner balancing on their sitting bones while lifting their legs and upper body, creating a shape resembling a boat on the water.

Naukasana is esteemed for its ability to strengthen the abdominal muscles, improve balance, and engage the core. It is often included with other poses in yoga sequences and fitness routines, contributing to physical fitness and overall body awareness.

28. Natarajasana

Natarajasana, also known as Lord of the Dance Pose or Dancer Pose, is standing, balancing, and back-bending asana frequently incorporated into modern yoga as a form of exercise. This pose draws its inspiration from a classical Indian dance form, Bharatnatyam, where it represents the graceful form of Lord Shiva, Nataraja, the Lord of Dance. The posture’s origins can be traced to the intricate poses depicted in temple statues at the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, India.

Natarajasana is celebrated for its elegance and its ability to improve balance, flexibility, and strength. This asana is a harmonious blend of art and physical practice, offering both a physical workout and a spiritual connection to the rich cultural heritage of Indian classical dance. It showcases the profound integration of yoga and dance in Indian tradition, making it a valuable addition to contemporary yoga practice.

29. Uttanasana

Uttanasana, also referred to as Standing Forward Bend, and its variations, including Padahastasana where the toes are grasped, are standing forward bending asanas that have become integral to modern yoga as a form of exercise. The name is derived from the combination of Sanskrit words: “uttāna,” signifying an “intense stretch,” and “āsana,” representing a “post.”

Uttanasana, and its variants, such as Padahastasana where the toes are grasped, offer a deep stretch to the entire back of the body, including the abdominal organs, hamstrings, and spine, making it a popular choice for yogis seeking flexibility and relief from tension. This asana is a testament to the profound connection between Sanskrit terminology and the physical expressions found in yoga, enhancing the understanding of each pose’s purpose and benefits.

30. Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

Induces a feeling of happiness and calms mind Relieves from upper back pain (Matsyasana) Level: Beginner Stimulates the abdominal organs and reproductive organs Enhances lung capacity Stretches thighs, knee, and abdomen Four-Limbed Staff Pose (Chaturanga Dandasana) Level: Beginner Strengthens toes and fingers Tones upper back, hips and chest Works great on balance and arm strength Frog Pose (Bhekasana / Mandukasana) Level: Beginner Improves reproductive health Relieves from back pain and digestive issues Strengthens arms and knees Full.