Sanskrit Breakdown of Asana Names The names of the asanas (postures) can be divided into different groups- instructions, lifeless forms, animal forms, human forms, and divine forms. Animals Deities and Sages Hanuman Chief of the monkey army. One of Rama’s greatest devotees who came to Kurma Turtle his aid. Hanuman made huge leaps across the sea- first to find Sita and Matsya Fish then to save Rama’s brother Svana Dog Marichi Son of Brahma and grandfather of Surya (the sun god) Hanuman Chief of the monkey army. One of Rama’s greatest devotees who came to Object his aid. Hanuman made huge leaps across the sea- first to find Sita and then to save Rama’s brother Asana Pose/Posture Marichi Son of Brahma and grandfather of Surya (the sun god) Danda Staff/stick Matsyendra Lord of the Fish. Shiva discovered a fish, who had completely learned his Dhanur Bow teachings of yoga. Shiva gave him divine form to then spread the Hala Plough knowledge of yoga. Nataraja The lord of the dance. One of Shiva’s incarnations Mudra Seal/Mark Virabhadra The great warrior who sprang to Shiva’s aid to seek revenge on his father- Nava Boat in-law Padma Lotus Characteristics Anatomy Parigha Gate/Latch Adho Downward Anga Limb Setu Bridge Ardha Half Anghusta Big toe/thumb Tola Scales Baddha Bound Anguli Fingers Vriksa Tree Kona Angle Bhuja Shoulder Numbers Nirlamba Unsupported Garba Womb Ekam One Parivrtta Revolved/Twisted Hasta Hand Dwe Two Pida Pressure Janu Knee Trini Three Poorna Full Karna Ear Chatvari Four Prasarita Spread out/Wide Mukha Face Pancha Five Salamba Supported Pada Foot/leg Shat Six Samas Equal Paschima West (back side of body) Sapta Seven Supta Reclining/Sleeping Pinda Embryo Ashtau Eight Uttan Intense Stretch Purva East (front side of body) Nava Nine Utthita Extended/Lifted Sarvanga Whole body (all limbs) Dasha Ten Sava Corpse http://pranayoga.co.in Sirsa Head

Using this breakdown you can start to understand an memorise the names of even complicated Asana, See examples Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana Trianga Mukkhaikapada Paschimottanasana Ardha+Baddha+Padma+Paschim+Uttan+Asana Tri+Anga+Mukkha+Eka+Pada+Paschim+Uttan+Asana (to make the sounds flow better, when uttan is Tri (Trini) – Three joined with other words it becomes ottan.) Anga – Limb/Body Part Ardha – Half Mukkha – Face Baddha – Bound Eka (Ekam) – One Padma – Lotus Pada – Foot Pachim – West (Back side of the body) Pachim – West (Back side of the body) Uttan – Intense Stretch Uttan – Intense Stretch Asana – Posture Asana – Posture If you see the posture the torso and both arms face the front foot while the other leg is bent back out of the way.