Warrior I Pose
Virabhadrasana I (Sanskrit: वीरभद्रासन, IPA: [ʋiːrɐbʱɐd̪rɑːsɐnɐ]; IAST: Vīrabhadrāsana) or Warrior 1 Pose is an asana commemorating the exploits of a mythical warrior. The name of this asana is rooted in Hindu mythology.
The myth is that the, the powerful priest Daksha made a great yagna (ritual sacrifice) but did not invited his youngest daughter Sati and her husband Shiva, the supreme ruler of the universe. But Sati found out and decided to go alone to the yagna. But when she arrived, Sati entered into an argument with her father. But unable to withstand the insults she spoke a vow to her father, “Since it was you who gave me this body I no longer wish to be associated with it.” She walked to the fire and threw herself into it. When Shiva heard of Sati’s death, he was devastated. He yanked out a lock his hair and beat it into the ground, where up rose a powerful Warrior. Shiva named this warrior, Virabhadra. Vira (hero) + Bhadra (friend) and ordered him to go to the yagna and destroy Daksha and all his guests.
- Stretches the chest and lungs, shoulders and neck, belly, groins (psoas)
- Strengthens the shoulders and arms, and the muscles of the back
- Strengthens and stretches the thighs, calves, and ankles
