There is an interesting history behind Veerabhadra from which this Virabhadrasana has got its name.
“According to Hindu religious beliefs, Veerabhadra is a super being created by the wrath of Rudra (Shiva), when he stepped in to destroy the Yagna (fire sacrifice) of Daksha, after his daughter Dakshayani (Sati) – consort of Shiva, self-immolated in yagna fire. Along with him was created, his consort or wife Bhadrakali, from the wrath of Devi.”
Vīrabhadra is described as a warrior who eventually blinded Bhaga and broke, among many other countless gods, Pushan’s teeth. Other gods fled the battlefield unable to sustain his power. A temple dedicated to him, is situated in the town of Veerbhadra, near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand and in Pasumbalur, near Perambalur district, Tamil Nadu. Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple Masthenahalli Jigani hobli Anekal taluk Bangalore Karnataka”
Source: Wikipedia.
This asana is also called Warrior Pose.
Veera – vigorous, warrior; Bhadra – good, auspicious; Asana – Pose.
Difficulty Level: 3
Note: Difficulty Level increases from 1 to 10. 1 being the lowest and 10 the highest.
How to do Warrior Pose-1 sequence || Virabhadrasana 1
Yoga Image :1
- Stand in Tadasana or the Mountain pose.
- Raise your arms above your head, join the palms together. It should be how we do Namaste.(Yoga Image:1)
- Now inhale and take a jump and spread your legs around 4 to 4.5 meters.
- Exhale and turn your right foot 90 degrees to the right and simultaneously your body towards the right.(Yoga Image:2)
- Now bend your right knee over the right ankle and make sure the shin is perpendicular to the floor. Try to make your right thigh parallel to the floor.
- Stretch your left leg. It should be tighten at the knee.
- Now stretch your spine and look at the joined palms. (Yoga Image: 3)
- Try to hold the pose for 20 seconds to a minute.
- To come up, inhale and straighten your right knee. Turn your feet forward and release arms while exhaling.
- Repeat the same steps for left side.
Yoga Image 2
Yoga Image 3
Benefits of Warrior Pose -1 or Virabhadrasana 1
- Helps in strengthening the leg muscles. It open up the chest and hips.
- It stretches the neck, shoulders, belly and groins.
- Improves circulation and energizes the body.
Precautions while performing Warrior Pose -1 or Virabhadrasana 1
- High blood pressure people should avoid this asana.
- People with weak heart should avoid this asana.
It is said that this Veerabhadrasana or Virabhadrasana is one of the most graceful yoga postures.
Mastery of the standing poses helps in performing the advanced poses with ease.
