AGASTIYAR

AGASTIYAR

Once upon a time in the ancient period Ashurargal like Tharagan destroyed the whole world. So Lord Indhiran thought to control or kill them with the help of Agni Deva and Vayu Deva gods. Agni came to the world. By seeing the Devas, Ashuras went inside the sea, Agni Deva thought that they died. But Ashuras came back and again they continued to destroy the world. By seeing this, Lord Indiran was angry with Agni Deva and told him to suck the sea and kill them. But Agni Deva told , "if I do this, whole universe will be disturbed. That karmic debit will be on me" and he refused. So Lord Indiran gave him a curse. "you refused my words so you will have a birth in the world as Kumbam (Acquiries) and you will have to drink the sea water."

In the other side, Lord Vishnu had a birth as Dharuman and in certain age he started Chant. To spoil his chant Lord Indhiran had sent Apsaras. Although Dharuman did not infatuate on them. So that he created a beauty queen, named as Urvasi from his thigh. Urvasi married a person named Mithiran. In this situation, seeing the beauty of Urvashi, Varunan was in infatuation and he loved her, he expressed his love to Urvasi. But Urvashi had already married. So she refused the love of Varunan. But Varunan requested her that “if you don’t expect my love, just think about me, when you are having sexual interaction with Mithiran. That will be enough to me” he said. But without knowing about future Urvasi accepted Varunan's request.

According to this one day when she was with Mithiran she thought of Varunan, knowing this Mithiran gave her a curse that "you have to birth in world as a girl and you will have to be the wife of Purooravan." But the sexual relation with Mithiran-Varunan expressed in a kumbam (Acquiries) from that a person named Nimi had a birth.

One day Nimi was playing with many girls in that time Vashistar passed on the way. But Nimi did not respond him. So Vashistar got angry on him and gave a curse that you should not have body for your soul, Nimi also cursed the same to Vashistar, because of the blessings of Bhramma.

Without the body, Vashistar went inside the Mithra-Varuna kumbam. After some periods from that kumbam, Vashistar came out of it. And then shri Agasthiyar came with four hand and kamandalam. Because of the curse of Indhiran, Agni Deva had a avathar as Agasthiyar in the world. His powerful chant and yoga sidhi’s he got all the powers. According to the indhiran’s curse Agasthiyar sucked the sea water and killed the Ashuras with his sidhi power and also he destroyed the poison of sea. By seeing this, all mummoorthi’s (Lord shiva, Vishu and Brahmma) gave blessings to shri Agasthiyar to be as a sidhar for billion years in future in the south.


Lord Shiva & Parvathi had a arguement about the other birth for the human beings according to the karmic debit & credit. For that they choosed Agasthiyar and asked him to have research about it and to write about the life and birth. He made a research about human life and wrote in the palm leaf about their birth according to their karmic debit. To identify one's leaf he classified the thumb impression as 108 names and he separated it like top, middle and low by certain lines.


When he was in research of human life in south he had seen many Rishi they are in the tree upside down. Seeing this Agasthiyar questioned them , they said our family wise named person Agasthiyar had not entered into family life and he is having a karmic debt so that our soul hadn’t got Moksham(Heaven).

By thinking of the above, Agasthiyar went to Vidharpa country and married Uloba Muthirai, who she was borned by the Yagam (prayer for Lord Agni)of that king. By that he rectified his karmic debt and his ancistors got moksham.

After this Agasthiyar went to pothigai hill and with the blessing of Lord Subramani (Karthikeyan) he learned Tamil language and developed.

But when we came to know the history of Agasthiyar there we will be able to know that there were many histories & stories about Agasthiyar life. In the name of him many of them were lived like Vadhapi Agasthiyar, Ulbo Agasthiyar, Podhiya Agasthiyar like that. By seeing the names we have a doubt that all will be the one, who is the Agasthiyar.

But if all this is in other side also when we come to know about Naadi Astrology, siddhas, sidhas medicines, we wil be remembering Agasthiyar maharishi.

Regarding naadi astrology and medicines now a days also we have many questions and doubts but in that ancient period itself with his power he had explained all about those in his palm leaves by which we predict you.

By knowing all these details the Naadi Astrologers, who are from the valluvar's family predicting in this century also.

SRI KAGA BUJANDAR SIDDHAR

SRI KAGA BUJANDAR SIDDHAR

Born in Truchi in Tamil Nadu Sri Kaga Bujandara is said to have seen the truth in everything around him. This great saint is said to have witnessed in the form of a crow several cycles of creation and destruction Famous works include Kaaga Bujanda Gnyanam, Kaaka Kaiveeyam 33.

SRI SIVAVAKIYAR SIDDHAR

SRI SIVAVAKIYAR SIDDHAR

Born with Lord Shiva's name on his lips this great sage said that the constant repetition of the Lords name would even turn ones body into gold. A great rennuciate he is said to have lived for over 4,000 years. His works include Naadi Parikshai and Sivavakiyar 1000.

PATANJALI

Patañjali

Patañjali is known to be an incarnation of Adi S'esha who is the first ego-expansion of Vishnu, Sankarshana. Sankarshana, the manifestation of Vishnu His primeval energies and opulences, is part of the so-called catur vyuha, the fourfold manifestation of Vishnu. Thus may Patañjali be considered as the one incarnation of God defending the ego of yoga.

There are very many disputes about the background of Patanjali Maharishi but the works of his contemporary Thirumoolar are ample proof of the following detail. The ancient Kali Kautuvam describes how Patanjali and Vyagrapada gathered along with the gods in Thillai near Chidambaram to watch Shiva and Kali dance and perform the 108 mystic Karanas, which formed the foundation for the system of Natya Yoga.

Patanjali was born to Atri (First of the Saptha Rishis) and his wife Anusuya in South Kailash, now called as Thirumoorthy hills which is located 100km away from Coimbatore, India. He was one of the very important of the 18 siddhas.

Their very essence was they were masters of Ashtanga Yoga which is in ways related to Raja Yoga or Kundalini Yoga or Tantra yoga.

THIRUMOOLAR

One of the greatest mystics that India has produced in its long history, Tirumoolar was a great saint, traditionally allotted a date of 3000 BC and said to have lived for 3000 years, though assigned by historians to the period between the 1000 BC to 800 BC by scholars.[who?]

A Shiva saint Sundaranathan, a vedha scholar from Kailash, wanted to visit and stay with sage Agasthyar at the podhikai mountains in modern day Tamil Nadu. He started on his journey southwards, praying at holy temples - Kedar, Shirshailam, Thirukkalththi, Alavanam, Kanychi - taking holy bath in sacred river Ganga, and reached river Cavery. After taking a bath in the holy river and praying at the temple Avaduthurai, he continued his journey southwards and then went back to srilanka to his destination Podhikai Hills.

Nearing the outskirts of the village Chaththanur of Cholanadu, he saw a herd of cows in great distress. Their herdsman (idayan) by name Moolan (also Mulan) had died on the banks of the river and the cows were in grief. The Yogi realizing that the cows would be consoled only if Moolan came alive, so using his yogic powers he transmigrated his Atman to the body of Moolan, and hid his own body nearby and the cowherd Moolan rose as Thirumoolar. The relieved cows grazed happily on the riverbanks and went back to the village in the evening cared for by Thirumoolar.

Thirumoolar waited till all the cows entered their respective houses. Herdsman Moolan's wife saw him going to a mut (a place where bhakthas live) instead of to their house. To her laments, the learned elderly people of the town told her that Moolar has entered the shivayoga.


His magnum opus Thirumandhiram consists of over 3000 verses, each verse sung every year before he attained salvation. These verses, given out by him spontaneously every now and then when he came back to consciousness from his trance, are his invaluable contribution to posterity. The legendary beauty of it is that he came back to consciousness only once a year! The interesting legend about this is one of the greatest mysteries of ancient Tamil history.

Thirumandiram is indeed a spiritual encyclopaedia. It contains a synthesis of all knowledge right from the Upanishadic times down to the then-modern days of devotional revival, goes through all the maze and mystery of yoga and tantra, contains very strong criticisms of ritualistic idolatry, pours out forthright condemnations of the external gymnastics of occult practices, and expounds the esoteric significance of almost every kind of ritual and tradition. It is profound to the core, set in simple and cryptic style. The lilting Tamil in most of the verses can be enjoyed if one knows the language. Like the Upanishads it admits of several meanings at the same time. He, along with other yogis - namely Sivayoga mammuni, Pathanjali, Viykamarar, (see 4.Guru parampariayam, Thirumanthiram 67th verse) - received a lesson from NANDHI.

He even wrote in Thirumandiram about the various stages of development of a baby in its mother's womb.

BOGAR

Bogar is a Siddhar, he is considered as one of the 18 siddhars born in the world. According to epigraphical sources and his book Bogar Seven thousand his period is around 3000 B.C. Bogar born at India and visited China in search of truth of life, he gained knowledge in medicine, astrology, spritiuality, yoga etc.

Bogar anticipating that in due course of period, human beings will suffer from large number of disease. As an expert in medicine he used 4448 rare herbs and made 9 poisonous medicine, mixing these 9 poisons into one needs great knowledege and skill, to make a Master Medicine ( One medicine to cure all disease ). Thirumoolar also discuss one such Master Medicine in his book Thiru Mandiram. With the consultation of Agasthiar ( Father of Ayurvedic Medicine) and other siddhars Bogar mixed the 9 poisons ( Nava Bashanam ) and made the Master Medicine in the form of Lord Murugan which is currently worshiped at Palani Murugan temple. There is a place near Palani Hill called Thanasiappan Temple which is the place were Bogar mixed the Nava Bashanam and made the Murugan idol.

Bogar

Bogar and others then decided that by using the milk and panchamirtham ( a sweet recipe ) poured on the idol, one can extract the medicine from the idol. The milk and panchamritham then becomes medicine to cure disease. After installing Lord Murugan Navabashana idol at the Palani Hill, Bogar used to worship it with milk abishegam ( pouring milk on the idol ) and panchamirtha abishegam ( pouring panchamirtham on the idol ).
His disciple Pulipani siddhar then took over the job of Lord Murugan pooja after Bogar went into Nirvigalpa Samadhi - the highest samadhi stage; where the Mind dissolves with Matter and Energy. Bogar Samadhi is inside Palani Murugan temple at Palani Hill. Actually Bogar himself constructed his samadhi exactly under the Lord Murugan Navabasha idol and went into Nirvigalpa Samadhi there. The entrance to his samadhi is a cave like structure, now also worship for this great siddhar is conducted at this entrance where he is last seen by his disciples which is at the Palani temple.

SRI PULIPANI SIDDHAR

Sri Pulipani Siddhar

Born in China, Sri Pulipani Siddhar is said to have been the disciple of Maha Bogar Swamigal. When Maha Bogar crafted the idol of Lord Muruga at Palani is Sri pulipani Siddhar who collected the required herbs. His famous works include putlipani Jaalam 325, putlipani Vaidyam 500.

SRI KUDUMBAI SIDDHAR

Sri Kudumbai Siddhar

Born into the Yadava clan Sri Kudumbai Siddhar was said to have been an attractive child. His mother used to adorn his ears with kudumbai an ornament and hence his name. At the age of 16 a saint is said to have blessed him with the knowledge of the Self. There after he retired from the materialistic world and wrote of God and self in simple language. His works include Kudumbai Gnyana Soostram 18, Kudumbai Siddhar Paadalgal.

SRI IDAIKADAR SIDDHAR

Sri Idaikadar

Sri Idaikadar is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is said that once while out grazing goats he was blessed by a Siddhar with immense divine powers. It is said that he and his goats survived famine when foreseeing the difficult times ahead he built a house with walls of grain and fed his goats plants that survived without water. The planets visit him when feed on grain and goats milk they fall asleep. Changing their positions the siddhar assures that rain commences saving the land from famine. His famous works include Idaikadar gnyana soothram 70 and Idaikadar Kanida Nool.

SRI KARUVOORAR SIDDHAR

Karuvoorar

Karuvoorar belonged to a family of Viswakarmas. He is said to have sculpted in gold the dancing Nataraja as seen by the Chola king Hiranayavarman. It was under his guidance that the Brihardeeswarar temple was built by Raja Raja Chola at Tanjavur. His famous works are Karuvoorar Vaidya Kaviyam 700, Karuvoorar Pala Thirattu.

Yoga for Women

1. Why should women consider yoga as an integral part of their daily work?
2. Can woman practice all yoga poses?
3. Can women continue with their yoga practice during their menses?
4. What yoga asanas can be helpful in curing menstrual disorders?
5. Can yoga help ease my PMS?
6. Regular practice of which of which yoga can cure menstrual problems?
7. Can yoga relieve me of Menopause symptoms?

Q1. Why should women consider yoga as an integral part of their daily work?

Women should practice yoga to keep themselves fit and fine keeping in mind their physique, age and physical activities. Daily practice will help them to improve on their figure, impart energy and prevent various uterine and ovarian disorders during pregnancy and childbirth.

Q2. Can woman practice all yoga poses?

Yes, women can practice most of the yoga pose. However, it is advised that she avoids difficult asanas like, Mayurasana, Poorna Matsyendrasana etc.

Q3. Can women continue with their yoga practice during their menses?

A woman must avoid rigorous practice during her menses till the time it stops. It is best to relax at his point of time for which Savasana is specially recommended. Certain postures such as inversions (headstands, shoulder stands, etc.) are best avoided during menstruation--especially during heavy flow days. Practice during this period can lead to extensive bleeding and inverted postures can disrupt the menstrual flow.

Q4. What yoga asanas can be helpful in curing menstrual disorders?

There are some asanas that help in curing the menstrual disorder and restore the regular pattern. They are Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, Paschimotanasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Badha Konasana, Janusirasana, Bhadrasana, Pavana Muktasana, Naukasana, Bhujangasana. However, it should be kept in mind that they shouldn't be tried during the menstrual or extreme cases of distress.

Q5. Can yoga help ease my PMS?

Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS is characterized by uncomfortable mental and physical symptoms that can occur up to two weeks prior to the onset of menstruation. It also helps your mind and body adapt with stress, anxiety and depression making you feel relaxed and calm, and enabling you to cope with psychological symptoms of PMS.

Q6. Regular practice of which yoga pose can cure menstrual problems?

There are certain set of asanas, which, on doing regularly do not create any menstrual problems. They are Ushtrasana, Viparita Karani, Sarvangasana, Matsyasana, Halasana, Padahastasana, Supta Vajrasana, Uddiyana, Nauli, Moola Bandha, Trikonasana, Utkatasana and in addition to it Savasana will be helpful to reduce tension.

Q7. Can yoga relieve me of Menopause symptoms?

Yoga balances the endocrine system which controls your body's production of hormones and it calms the nervous system, reducing stress and aggravation of hot flashes. Yoga is a weight-bearing exercise which strengthens your bones and prevents osteoporosis. It can massage the reproductive organs, relieve pelvic congestion and headaches, boost the immune system, reduce fatigue, and even out mood swings.

Yoga for Women

1. Why should women consider yoga as an integral part of their daily work?
2. Can woman practice all yoga poses?
3. Can women continue with their yoga practice during their menses?
4. What yoga asanas can be helpful in curing menstrual disorders?
5. Can yoga help ease my PMS?
6. Regular practice of which of which yoga can cure menstrual problems?
7. Can yoga relieve me of Menopause symptoms?

Q1. Why should women consider yoga as an integral part of their daily work?

Women should practice yoga to keep themselves fit and fine keeping in mind their physique, age and physical activities. Daily practice will help them to improve on their figure, impart energy and prevent various uterine and ovarian disorders during pregnancy and childbirth.

Q2. Can woman practice all yoga poses?

Yes, women can practice most of the yoga pose. However, it is advised that she avoids difficult asanas like, Mayurasana, Poorna Matsyendrasana etc.

Q3. Can women continue with their yoga practice during their menses?

A woman must avoid rigorous practice during her menses till the time it stops. It is best to relax at his point of time for which Savasana is specially recommended. Certain postures such as inversions (headstands, shoulder stands, etc.) are best avoided during menstruation--especially during heavy flow days. Practice during this period can lead to extensive bleeding and inverted postures can disrupt the menstrual flow.

Q4. What yoga asanas can be helpful in curing menstrual disorders?

There are some asanas that help in curing the menstrual disorder and restore the regular pattern. They are Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, Paschimotanasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Badha Konasana, Janusirasana, Bhadrasana, Pavana Muktasana, Naukasana, Bhujangasana. However, it should be kept in mind that they shouldn't be tried during the menstrual or extreme cases of distress.

Q5. Can yoga help ease my PMS?

Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS is characterized by uncomfortable mental and physical symptoms that can occur up to two weeks prior to the onset of menstruation. It also helps your mind and body adapt with stress, anxiety and depression making you feel relaxed and calm, and enabling you to cope with psychological symptoms of PMS.

Q6. Regular practice of which yoga pose can cure menstrual problems?

There are certain set of asanas, which, on doing regularly do not create any menstrual problems. They are Ushtrasana, Viparita Karani, Sarvangasana, Matsyasana, Halasana, Padahastasana, Supta Vajrasana, Uddiyana, Nauli, Moola Bandha, Trikonasana, Utkatasana and in addition to it Savasana will be helpful to reduce tension.

Q7. Can yoga relieve me of Menopause symptoms?

Yoga balances the endocrine system which controls your body's production of hormones and it calms the nervous system, reducing stress and aggravation of hot flashes. Yoga is a weight-bearing exercise which strengthens your bones and prevents osteoporosis. It can massage the reproductive organs, relieve pelvic congestion and headaches, boost the immune system, reduce fatigue, and even out mood swings.

Yoga for Women

1. Why should women consider yoga as an integral part of their daily work?
2. Can woman practice all yoga poses?
3. Can women continue with their yoga practice during their menses?
4. What yoga asanas can be helpful in curing menstrual disorders?
5. Can yoga help ease my PMS?
6. Regular practice of which of which yoga can cure menstrual problems?
7. Can yoga relieve me of Menopause symptoms?

Q1. Why should women consider yoga as an integral part of their daily work?

Women should practice yoga to keep themselves fit and fine keeping in mind their physique, age and physical activities. Daily practice will help them to improve on their figure, impart energy and prevent various uterine and ovarian disorders during pregnancy and childbirth.

Q2. Can woman practice all yoga poses?

Yes, women can practice most of the yoga pose. However, it is advised that she avoids difficult asanas like, Mayurasana, Poorna Matsyendrasana etc.

Q3. Can women continue with their yoga practice during their menses?

A woman must avoid rigorous practice during her menses till the time it stops. It is best to relax at his point of time for which Savasana is specially recommended. Certain postures such as inversions (headstands, shoulder stands, etc.) are best avoided during menstruation--especially during heavy flow days. Practice during this period can lead to extensive bleeding and inverted postures can disrupt the menstrual flow.

Q4. What yoga asanas can be helpful in curing menstrual disorders?

There are some asanas that help in curing the menstrual disorder and restore the regular pattern. They are Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, Paschimotanasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Badha Konasana, Janusirasana, Bhadrasana, Pavana Muktasana, Naukasana, Bhujangasana. However, it should be kept in mind that they shouldn't be tried during the menstrual or extreme cases of distress.

Q5. Can yoga help ease my PMS?

Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS is characterized by uncomfortable mental and physical symptoms that can occur up to two weeks prior to the onset of menstruation. It also helps your mind and body adapt with stress, anxiety and depression making you feel relaxed and calm, and enabling you to cope with psychological symptoms of PMS.

Q6. Regular practice of which yoga pose can cure menstrual problems?

There are certain set of asanas, which, on doing regularly do not create any menstrual problems. They are Ushtrasana, Viparita Karani, Sarvangasana, Matsyasana, Halasana, Padahastasana, Supta Vajrasana, Uddiyana, Nauli, Moola Bandha, Trikonasana, Utkatasana and in addition to it Savasana will be helpful to reduce tension.

Q7. Can yoga relieve me of Menopause symptoms?

Yoga balances the endocrine system which controls your body's production of hormones and it calms the nervous system, reducing stress and aggravation of hot flashes. Yoga is a weight-bearing exercise which strengthens your bones and prevents osteoporosis. It can massage the reproductive organs, relieve pelvic congestion and headaches, boost the immune system, reduce fatigue, and even out mood swings.

AUM

Power of AUM

Brahmn is at once Shabd(aum) Sama Veda and Brahmn alone vibrates in space

Sum total of the sound of the cosmos is Aum. It is otherwise called Nadabrahmam. It is the primordial sound of the universe, and the sound is echoed by waves of the seas.

When a Karma or act is commenced "Ohm" or "Aum (or as Westerners like to spell it: om) is uttered with full throated devotion to make us complete the job on hand and eradicate any evil which might impede the task. By starting it with the word "Aum" the act goes in accordance with the plan of nature. As all sounds merge in "Aum" all actions ought to be in harmony; with the cosmic scheme. Vigneswara is supposed to be the embodiment of 'Aum" as He is supposed to ward of all obstacles.

The word is believed to represent creation, preservation and destruction.

Letter "A" symbolizes the waking state
Letter "U" symbolizes the dream state
Letter "M" symbolizes the dreamless sleep state of the mind and spirit

Chanting "Aum" deepens the concentration of the mind which leads us to the realization of the divine, and will definitely bring our mind to a singular yet universal focus.

SIDDHARS

SIDDHARS

Siddhars are saints in India, mostly of the Saivaite denomination in Tamil Nadu, who professed and practised an unorthodox type of Sadhana, or spiritual practice, to attain liberation. Yogic powers called Siddhis are acquired by constant practice of certain yogic disciplines. Those who acquire these Siddhis are called Siddhas. Siddhars are people who are believed to control and transcend the barriers of time and space by meditation (Yoga), after the use of substances called Rasayanas that transform the body to make it potentially deathless, and a particular breathing-practice, a type of Pranayama. Through their practices they are believed to have reached stages of insight which enabled them to tune into the powers hidden in various material substances and practices, useful for suffering and ignorant mankind. Typically Siddhars were saints, doctors, alchemists and mysticists all at once. They wrote their findings, in the form of poems in Tamil language, on palm leaf which are collected and stored in what are known today as Palm leaf manuscript, today still owned by private families in Tamil Nadu and handed down through the generations, as well as public institutions such as Universities the world over (India, Germany, Great Britain, U.S.A.).
In this way Siddhars developed, among other branches of a vast knowledge-system, what is now known as Siddha medicine, practised mainly in Tamil Nadu as Traditional native medicine. A rustic form of healing that is similar to Siddha medicine has since been practised by experienced elderly in the villages of Tamil Nadu, and is popularly known as Paatti Vaitthiyam, Naattu marunthu and Mooligai marutthuvam They are also founders of Varmam - a martial art for self-defence and medical treatment at the same time. Varmams are specific points located in the human body which when pressed in different ways can give various results, such as disabling an attacker in self-defence, or balancing a physical condition as an easy first-aid medical treatment.
Siddhars have also written many religious poems. It is believed that most of them have lived for ages, in a mystic mountain called Sathuragiri, near Thanipparai village in Tamil Nadu
One of the best-known Siddhars was Agasthyar or Agasthya, who is believed to be the founding father of Siddha culture.
Abithana Chintamani states Siddhars are either of the 9 or 18 persons enlisted, but sage Agastyar states that there are many who precede these and follow 9 or 18 persons. Many of the great Siddhars are regarded to have powers magical and spiritual.

All Siddhars were among the highest disciples of God Shiva, and are considered equal in their powers and devotion to the supreme God.

The 18-list of siddhars is:

1 Agastyar 2 Bogar 3 Korakkar 4 Kailasanathar 5 SattaiMuni 6 Tirumoolar 7 Nandhi 8 Poonaikannar 9 Konganar 10 MachaMuni 11 Karuvoorar 12 KoormaMuni 13 Edaikaadar 14 KamalaMuni 15 Punnakeesar 16 Sundarandandar 17 Romarishi 18 Pulipani

Powers of siddhars

The siddhars are believed to have had powers both major and other ‘minor’ powers. They are explained in detail in various yogic as well as religious texts;Thirumandiram 668:

1 To become tiny as the atom within the atom (Anima) 2 To become big in unshakeable proportions (Mahima) 3 To become as light as vapour in levitation (Laghima) 4 To become as heavy as the mountain (Garima) 5 To enter into other bodies in transmigration (Prapti) 6 To be in all things,omni-pervasive (Prakamya) 7 To be lord of all creation in omnipotence (Isatvam) 8 To be everywhere in omnipresence (Vasitvam)

KUNDALINI

YOGA

YOGA

What is Yoga?

The word Yoga comes from Indian philosophy, it literally means union, and in this context refers to the union of the individual's soul with the universal.

Yoga is an ancient philosophy of life as well as a system of exercises that encourages the union of mind, body, and spirit. In the words of Patanjali, author of the Yoga Sutras, "yoga is the ability to focus the mind on a single point without distraction." Yoga is a physical discipline; it uses the body and breathing to develop self-awareness and mental clarity.

Yoga Poses

Yoga Asanas or postures are body positions, typically associated with the practice of Yoga. They are intended primarily to restore and maintain a practitioner's well-being, improve the body's flexibility and vitality.

Akarshana Dhanurasana - Pulled Bow Pose

"Akarshana" means "pulling" and "Dhanus" means "bow" in Sanskrit. In this posture, the big toes are pulled up to the ear (alternately) as an archer pulls back the string of his bow and gets ready to shoot an arrow.

Anantasana

This is a pose named after the sleeping position of Lord Vishnu.

Ardha Halasana - The Half-Plough Pose

"Ardha" means 'half' and 'Hala' means 'plough' in.

Ardha Matsyendrasana - The Half-Spinal Twist

"Ardha" means "half" in Sanskrit. Since the full posture is difficult to be practiced, the half-posture, which is easier, is followed widely. This posture was first promoted by the great Yogi Matsyendranath, one of the founders of Hatha Yoga, and hence the name.

Ardha Padmasana - Half-Lotus Pose

"Ardha" means "half" and "Padma" means "lotus" in Sanskrit. Those who are unable to assume the full Padmasana posture using both legs as described above owing to the stiffness of their legs or bulky thighs may begin practicing with one leg at a time alternately until they are able to develop the full posture. With the practice of this asana daily, they will be able to take that posture for a long time without discomfort and switch on to the full Padmasana posture after sufficient practice.

Ardha Shalabhasana - Half-Locust Pose

"Shalabha" means "locust" in Sanskrit. The final position of this asana resembles a locust when it lowers its head to eat and raises its tail. Hence, the name. 'Ardha' means 'half' in Sanskrit.

Baddha Konasana

"Baddha" means "locked-up" and "kona" means "angle" in Sanskrit.

Baddha Padmasana - The Locked Lotus Pose

"Baddha" means "bound' or "locked-up" in Sanskrit. The limbs of the body (both arms and legs) are firmly 'locked-up' and immobilized in this posture so as to give it steadiness. In this posture, the big toes are grasped by the fingers with arms crossed from behind.

Bhadrasana - The Locked Lotus Pose

"Bhadra" means 'beneficial' in Sanskrit.

Bhujangasana - Cobra Pose

"Bhujanga" means "cobra" in Sanskrit. This asana is called "Bhujangasana" as the raised trunk, neck and head while practicing it resemble a cobra rearing its hood and about to strike, while the joined and stretched legs resemble its tail.

Chakrasana - Wheel Pose (Standing)

"Chakra" means "wheel" in Sanskrit.

Chakrasana - Wheel Pose (Supine)

"Chakra" means "wheel" in Sanskrit. In the final position of this asana, the body is arched backward and resembles the rim of a wheel. Hence the name.

Dandasana - Stick Pose

"Danda" means "stick" in Sanskrit.

Dhanurasana - Bow Pose

"Dhanus" means "bow" in Sanskrit. In the final position of this asana, the body takes the shape of a bow, drawn tight to shoot an arrow. The stretched arms and lower legs resemble the taut bowstring, while the trunk and thighs resemble the wooden part of the bow.

Gomukhasana - Cow-Face Pose

"Go" means "cow" and "Mukha" means "face" in Sanskrit. When this asana is performed, the final position of the legs resembles the face of a cow.

Halasana - Plough Pose

"Hala" means "Plough" in Sanskrit. This posture is called 'Halasana' because in the final position the body resembles the Indian plough.

Januhastasana - Hand-to-Knee Pose

"Janu" means "knee" and "hasta" means "hand" in Sanskrit. The hand is made to rest near the knee in this posture, hence the name.

Janusirasana - Head-to-Knee Pose

"Janu" means "knee" and "Siras" means "head" in Sanskrit. The head is made to rest on the knee in this posture, hence the name.

Makarasana - Crocodile Pose

"Makar" means "crocodile" in Sanskrit.

Mandukasana - Frog Pose

"Manduk" means "frog" in Sanskrit. The arrangement of the legs in this posture resembles the hind legs of a frog. Hence the name.

Matsyasana - Fish Pose

"Matsya" means "fish" in Sanskrit. If a person lies steadily on water in this posture, he can keep floating on it easily like a fish without the help of the hands and legs, as the name of the asana suggests.

Naukasana - Boat Pose

"Nauka" means "boat" in Sanskrit. The final position of this asana resembles a boat. Hence the name.

Oordhwa Pada Hastasana - Hand-to-Raised-Feet Pose

"Oordhwa" means "raised", "Pada" means "foot" and "Hasta" means "hand" in Sanskrit. You have to touch your raised feet with your hands in this posture.

Padahastasana - Hand-to-Feet Pose

"Pada" means "foot" and "Hasta" means "hand" in Sanskrit. You have to catch your big toes with your hands in this posture.

Padmasana - Lotus Pose

"Padma" means "lotus" in Sanskrit. "Padmasana" means sitting in the "Lotus Pose". This posture is called Padmasana because the arrangement of the hands and feet resemble a lotus when seen from a distance. The two feet placed upon the opposite thigh resemble the leaves while the two hands placed one over the other resembles the lotus in full bloom.

Parvatasana - Mountain Pose

"Parvata" means "mountain" in Sanskrit. As the arms are raised high and the fingers are joined together above the head in this posture, the body resembles mountain peak and hence the name.

Paschimotanasana - Posterior Stretch

"Paschima" means 'behind', 'back' or 'posterior' and 'Uttana' means to stretch out in Sanskrit. "Paschimotana" means stretching the posterior regions of the body.

Pavanamuktasana - Wind-releasing Pose

"Pavana" means "wind" and "Mukta" means release in Sanskrit. As the name suggests, this asana massages the digestive organs and gives relief from excess wind in the stomach and intestines.

Purna Titali Asana - Full Butterfly Pose

"Titali" means "butterfly" in Sanskrit.

Samasana - Equilibrium Pose

In Sanskrit "sama" means "equilibrium". In this asana the external organs of the body are kept in such a way that they stand divided into two, hence the name Samasana.

Sarvangasana - All-Parts Pose

"Shalabha" means "locust" in Sanskrit. The final position of this asana resembles a locust when it lowers its head to eat and raises its tail. Hence, the name.

Sasankasana - Hare Pose

"Sasanka" means "hare" in Sanskrit. The final position of this asana resembles a bounding hare.

Savasana - Corpse Pose

"Sava" means "dead body" in Sanskrit. To practice this asana, one should lie motionless on the floor like as dead body in order to secure complete relaxation of all parts of his body and remove tensions, both physical and mental.

Shalabhasana - Locust Pose

"Shalabha" means "locust" in Sanskrit. The final position of this asana resembles a locust when it lowers its head to eat and raises its tail. Hence, the name.

Siddhasana - Pose of an Adept

"Siddha" means a spiritually enlightened person in Sanskrit.

Sirshasana - Head stand

"Sirsha" means "head" in Sanskrit. It is required to "stand on his head" in this asana and hence the name.

Sukhasana - Comfortable Pose

"Sukha" means "pleasant" or "comfortable" in Sanskrit. Any cross-legged sitting position which you find comfortable, in which the body does not shake and in which you can remain at ease for a long time, is called Sukhasana.

Supta Udarakarshanasana - Lying Abdominal Twist

This pose involves abdominal twisting.

Supta Vajrasana - Reclining Vajrasana

"Supta" means "asleep" in Sanskrit. "Supta Vajrasana" is lying down supine in Vajrasana.

Talasana - Palm-tree Pose

"Tala" means "palm tree" in Sanskrit. In this posture, the body is held upright like the trunk of a palm tree. Hence the name.

Trikonasana - Triangle Pose

"Tri" means "three", "Kona" means "angle", and "Trikona" means "triangle" in Sanskrit The straight legs with the floor between the feet resemble the three sides of a triangle in this asana. Hence the name.

Urdhvamukha Svanasana - Upward-facing dog pose

This pose is also called Downward Dog or Downward-Facing Dog.

Ushtrasana - Camel Pose

"Ushtra" means "camel" in Sanskrit.

Utkatasana - Half-Squat Pose

"Ut" means 'raised' and "kata' means "hips" in Sanskrit. This posture is known as "Utkatasana" because while practicing it, the heels and hips are raised.

Uttanapadasana - Raised-leg Pose

In this asana both the legs are raised upwards and so is called 'dwipada' (both legs) uttanpadasana.

Vajrasana - Adamant Pose

"Vajra" means "adamant" in Sanskrit. Sitting in this asana will provide firmness or stability to the sitter like that of an adamant person. Hence the name.

Vakrasana - Twisted Pose

"Vakra" means "twisted". This asana is designed to twist the spine to the right and left side in from its erect position.

Veerasana - Warrior Pose

"Veera" in Sanskrit means "brave". The way a brave man takes his position while attacking his enemy, the similar position is formed in this asana. Hence it is called as "Veerasana", the pose of a Warrior.

Viparita Karani - Inverted Pose

"Viparita" means "inverted" and "Karani" means "action" in Sanskrit. The usual posture of the body is inverted in this practice.

Vrikshasana - Tree Pose

"Vriksha" means "tree" in Sanskrit. In the final position of this asana, you have to stand still like a tree.