Natarajasana

Natarajasana (Sanskrit: नटराजासन; IAST: Naṭarājāsana) or Lord of the Dance Pose[1] is an asana.

Etymology

The name comes from the Sanskrit words nata meaning "dancer", raja meaning "king",[2] and asana (आसन) meaning "posture" or "seat".[3] Nataraja is one of the names given to the Hindu God Shiva in his form as the cosmic dancer.

Description

This is a balance asana that strengthens the legs. It also is a full body stretch which engages the shoulders, chest and abdomen, strengthens the thigh and calf muscles, knees and ankles, hips and spine, and develops concentration and grace.[4]

This aesthetic, stretching and balancing asana is used in Indian classical dances.

Variations

See also

References

  1. "Yoga Journal - Lord of the Dance Pose". Retrieved 2011-04-09.
  2. Gerstein, Nancy (12 August 2008). Guiding Yoga's Light: Lessons for Yoga Teachers. Human Kinetics. pp. 118–. ISBN 978-0-7360-7428-5. Retrieved 25 June 2011.
  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. Sŕivatsa Ramaswami (1 January 2001). Yoga for the three stages of life: developing your practice as an art form, a physical therapy, and a guiding philosophy. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co. p. 186. ISBN 978-0-89281-820-4. Retrieved 25 June 2011.

Further reading

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