The practice of yoga is rooted in spirituality and tradition, with many poses named after gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology. These poses not only provide physical benefits but also offer a connection to the divine. In this blog post, we will explore some of the yoga poses that represent gods and their significance in yoga practice.
Hanumanasana (Monkey Pose)
Hanumanasana, also known as the Monkey Pose, is named after the Hindu monkey god, Hanuman. This pose represents strength, devotion, and humility. According to Hindu mythology, Hanuman was known for his devotion to Lord Rama and his unwavering loyalty.
To practice Hanumanasana, begin in a low lunge position with your hands on the ground. Slowly slide your front leg forward and straighten it out, keeping your back leg extended behind you. As you move into the full expression of the pose, your body will resemble Hanuman’s famous leap across the ocean to rescue Sita, the wife of Lord Rama.
This pose stretches the hips, hamstrings, and groin, and builds strength in the legs. It also encourages devotion and humility, as you move into the pose with reverence for the god it represents.
Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose)
Natarajasana, also known as the Lord of the Dance Pose, is named after Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction and transformation. This pose represents balance, grace, and artistic expression. In Hindu mythology, dancing is regarded as a form of worship and has the power to bring about transformation and liberation.
To practice Natarajasana, begin in a standing position with your feet hip-width apart. Shift your weight onto your left foot and lift your right foot toward your glutes. Reach back with your right hand and grasp your right foot or ankle. Lift your left arm above your head and reach forward as you press your foot into your hand. Your body will resemble Shiva’s cosmic dance and his mastery of the three worlds.
This pose improves balance, flexibility, and concentration. It also encourages artistic expression and a connection to the divine through movement and dance.
Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose)
Virabhadrasana, also known as the Warrior Pose, is named after the Hindu warrior, Virabhadra. This pose represents strength, courage, and valor. According to Hindu mythology, Virabhadra was created by Lord Shiva to avenge the death of his wife, Sati.
To practice Virabhadrasana, begin in a standing position with your feet hip-width apart. Step your left foot back and turn it out at a 45-degree angle. Bend your right knee and sink into a lunge position. Reach your arms out to the sides and lift them up to shoulder height, as if wielding a sword. Your body will resemble the strong and powerful warrior, Virabhadra.
This pose builds strength in the legs, arms, and core. It also encourages courage and valor, as you embody the spirit of a warrior on the mat.
Conclusion
Yoga has deep roots in spirituality and tradition, with many poses named after gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology. Practicing these poses not only provides physical benefits but also offers a connection to the divine and the spiritual qualities of the gods they represent. Hanumanasana represents devotion and humility, Natarajasana represents grace and artistic expression, and Virabhadrasana represents strength and courage. By incorporating these poses into your yoga practice, you can deepen your connection to the divine and cultivate these qualities within yourself.
FAQ
Are yoga poses meant to worship gods?
Yoga originated in ancient India and is practiced by millions of people worldwide. While its roots are deeply intertwined with Hinduism and Buddhism, it is important to note that yoga is not a religious activity. However, there are certain aspects of yoga that may lead one to believe that it is a form of worship. One such aspect is the use of Sanskrit words and phrases during the practice.
Sanskrit is an ancient language that has close ties to Hinduism, and many of the most commonly used yoga poses have traditional Sanskrit names. Therefore, when someone who is unfamiliar with yoga hears these words, it may seem like the practice is meant to worship Hindu gods such as Shiva and Vishnu. In reality, the use of Sanskrit is simply a nod to the ancient roots of the practice and should not be interpreted as a form of religious worship.
Another aspect of yoga that may seem like worship to the uninitiated is the use of the prayer mudra. This is when the palms are brought together in front of the heart center during meditation or asana practice. Again, while this may resemble a form of prayer or worship, it is simply a way to bring focus and intention to the practice.
It is also worth noting that the modern practice of yoga has evolved far beyond its original roots in Hinduism and Buddhism. Today, yoga is practiced by people of all faiths and walks of life. It has been adapted to fit into Western culture and is often used as a form of physical exercise or stress relief.
While the use of Sanskrit words, prayer mudras, and traditional yoga poses may lead one to believe that yoga is meant to worship gods, this is not the case. Yoga is a non-denominational practice that is accessible to people of all faiths or those who do not adhere to a particular religion. Therefore, the practice should be viewed as a way to cultivate physical, mental, and emotional well-being, rather than a form of worship or religious activity.
Are there gods in yoga?
Yoga is a practice that has been around for thousands of years and has roots in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It’s a spiritual practice that seeks to unite the mind, body, and spirit through various practices, including meditation, breathing, and postures. In the West, yoga has become popular as a form of exercise and stress relief. However, many people may wonder if there are gods in yoga.
To answer this question, it’s essential to understand the concept of God in yoga. In Hinduism, yoga’s origins, there are many gods and goddesses that are worshipped. However, these gods are not the same as the God that is worshipped in Abrahamic religions like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Instead, they are considered aspects of the ultimate reality or a manifestation of the divine.
In yoga, God is defined as a special Purusha, a supreme soul, which was not, is not, and will never be affected by afflictions, vehicles of afflictions, karma, and the fruits of karma. This Purusha is beyond all things, including time, space, and causation. It’s a universal consciousness that is present in all beings.
Yoga teaches that the ultimate goal is to unite with this universal consciousness, also known as Brahman. The path to this union involves purifying the mind and body through the practice of yoga. By doing so, the practitioner can remove the veils or obstacles that prevent them from experiencing the true nature of the self, which is identical to the universal consciousness.
In yoga, there are different paths to achieve this goal, including Bhakti yoga, which is focused on devotion and worship, and Jnana yoga, which is focused on knowledge and self-inquiry. Regardless of the path, the ultimate aim is to realize the unity of all things and the oneness of the self with the ultimate reality.
While there may be gods and goddesses in the practice of yoga, these deities are not considered a central focus. Instead, yoga is focused on the ultimate goal of union with the universal consciousness. Whether an individual chooses to worship specific deities or not is a matter of personal preference and belief. At its core, yoga is a path to self-realization and union with the divine.
How many gods are in yoga?
In the practice of yoga, the concept of deity or god is intricate. As a Hindu philosophy, the idea of worshiping gods and goddesses is prevalent. There is no standardized number of gods in yoga. The number of deities recognised may depend on various factors such as the particular school of Hindu philosophy (yoga) one follows or the region in India where the philosophy is being practiced. Therefore, the exact number of gods in yoga varies depending on these factors.
According to the Vedas, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures, there are thirty-three major deities that are worshipped. These gods and goddesses are divided into three groups known as the Trimurti (Trinity Gods), the Tridevas (three Supreme Gods), and the Tridevis (three Supreme Goddesses). The Trimurti consists of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, with each of them serving a specific role in the universe.
Vishnu is the god of preservation, Brahma is the creator, and Shiva is associated with destruction. In contrast, the Tridevas comprise of Indra- god of thunder, Agni- god of fire, and Surya- god of sun, while the Tridevis have Saraswati, goddess of knowledge, Durga- goddess of power, and Lakshmi- goddess of wealth.
In addition to these thirty-three major deities, there are hundreds of gods and goddesses mentioned in the Puranas of Hinduism. Examples of these deities include Parvati, Radha, Krishna, Hanuman, Kali, and Ganesh. These entities, while not in the official count of the thirty-three gods, are still revered in Hinduism and are often invoked in the practice of yoga.
Furthermore, different schools of Hindu philosophy and yoga may have their gods and beliefs. For example, in the popular tradition of bhakti yoga and ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), the worship of Lord Krishna is central. In contrast, in the Tantra school of yoga, the worship of the mother goddess or Devi is central.
While there is no fixed number of gods in yoga, the concept of deity or god is an integral part of the Hinduism philosophy in which Yoga stems from. The thirty-three major gods as per the Vedas, and the hundreds of other deities mentioned in the Puranas are also relevant. Furthermore, the number of gods in Yoga may depend on the particular school of Hindu philosophy being followed and the region in India where it is practiced.