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Which asanas (postures) are detailed in the Shiva Samhita?
The Shiva Saṁhitā doesn’t spin a laundry list of 80+ postures; instead it spotlights a handful of the classics that form the backbone of a balanced practice. Here are the star players:
• Siddhāsana (Accomplished Pose) – Often hailed as the crown jewel for meditation, it locks in stability and prana flow. Think of it as the “golden ticket” for inner stillness.
• Padmāsana (Lotus Pose) – A timeless favorite on every yogi’s vision board. Its symmetrical grace helps align the chakras.
• Gomukha āsana (Cow-Face Pose) – A gentle opener for hips and shoulders. Perfect after a long Zoom call or desk-bound day.
• Simhāsana (Lion’s Pose) – Unleashes vocal energy, stimulates digestion. Picture a yoga class roaring its way to better gut health.
• Mayurāsana (Peacock Pose) – A true test of arm-balance mettle. Strengthens core and wrists, showing off a bit of showmanship.
• Supta Vajrasana (Reclining Thunderbolt Pose) – Stretches quads and deepens backbends under controlled supervision.
• Kukkutasana (Cock’s Pose) – An upper-body sculptor that doubles as a concentration drill.
• Uttānāsana (Intense Forward Fold) – Suggested for calming the mind, stretching hamstrings and massaging the liver.
• Śavāsana (Corpse Pose) – The grand finale of any session, often underestimated yet absolutely vital for integration.
These asanas offer more than muscle recruitment—they’re an invitation to explore breath, energy locks (bandhas) and subtle channels (nāḍīs). Today’s global yoga community, from the sunlit studios of Bali to the urban rooftops of New York City, leans on these time-tested shapes, especially during International Yoga Day celebrations. They bridge ancient wisdom and modern living, turning each mat into a microcosm of body-mind harmony.