Viparita Virabhadrasana

Last Updated: August 15, 2017

Definition - What does Viparita Virabhadrasana mean?

Viparita Virabhadrasana is a standing back-bending asana that also provides a deep side stretch. The pose is considered a variation of Virabhadrasana B (warrior two pose). The name is derived from the Sanskrit, viparita, meaning “reverse” vira, meaning “hero”; bhadra, meaning “friend”; and asana, meaning “pose."

From Virabhadrasana B – a high lunge position with the arms extended front and back and the hips square with the length of the mat – the back arches as the back hand reaches toward its corresponding leg and the front arm reaches skyward. The drishti is toward the sky.

In English, this posture is known as reverse warrior pose.

Yogapedia explains Viparita Virabhadrasana

Viparita Virabhadrasana is one in a series of foundational yoga poses named for the mythological warrior, Virabhadra, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

This asana shares a range of benefits with Virabhadrasana B, as well as some specific to this variation. The mental and spiritual benefits include:

  • Reduces fatigue
  • Calms and focuses the mind
  • Builds perseverance
  • Boosts self-esteem
  • Energizes the mind and body

The posture is also believed to balanced three of the chakras, or energy centers, in the body: muladhara (root), associated with a sense of grounding and stability; manipura (solar plexus), associated with self-confidence; and ajna (third eye), associated with intuition and imagination.

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