Scriptures & Spiritual Texts  Gheranda Samhita FAQs  FAQ

Which asanas are specifically taught in the Gheranda Samhita?

A deep dive into the Gheranda Saṁhitā shows that, out of thirty-two poses it names, only a select few receive step-by-step treatment. These time-tested asanas form the backbone of its hatha yoga chapter:

• Siddhāsana (“Accomplished Pose”): Feet stacked at the perineum, spine straight, attention locked in. A favorite for settling the mind before pranayama.

• Padmāsana (“Lotus”): Legs crossed, each foot resting on the opposite thigh. Stillness personified—often the crème de la crème for meditation.

• Paścimottānāsana (“Seated Forward Bend”): Legs extended, torso folding over them. Think of it as a gentle onion-peel, layer by layer releasing tension.

• Mayūrāsana (“Peacock Pose”): Balancing the body on straight arms, core engaged. A true test of inner fire—and these days, a viral challenge on wellness reels.

• Gomukhāsana (“Cow’s Face Pose”): Knees stacked, one arm reaches over the shoulder, the other behind the back. Perfect for opening chest and hips in one fell swoop.

• Bhadrāsana (“Gracious Pose”): Soles together, knees dropped out—hips wide open, spine tall. A royal invitation to flexibility.

• Muktāsana (“Liberation Pose”): Heels pressed against the perineum, spine erect—a close cousin to Siddhāsana, whispering freedom through stillness.

• Siṁhāsana (“Lion’s Pose”): Kneeling, hands on knees, roar-like exhalation. A stress-buster that never goes out of style.

This lineup first showed up centuries ago, yet resonates on today’s yoga mats—proof that classics never go out of fashion. At this year’s International Day of Yoga, instructors around the globe wove these very asanas into livestream classes, proving that when tradition and modern trends collide, magic happens.