10/12/2025
Garudasana – The Eagle Pose 🦅
Many people are surprised to learn that this asana is not actually intended to represent an eagle, despite its common English name. Instead, the posture symbolizes the moment in the Ramayana when the hero Rama is captured on the battlefield of Lanka, bound tightly by serpents during a confrontation with Ravana’s son, Meghnad (Indrajit). Garuda descends from the heavens, devours the snakes, and frees Rama, allowing him to return to the battle to rescue his wife.
How to Do It (Step-by-Step)
1.Start in Tadasana (Mountain Pose).
Stand tall with your feet together, grounding evenly through both legs.
2.Bend your knees slightly.
Shift your weight onto your right foot.
3.Wrap the left leg around the right.
Cross the left thigh over the right and, if possible, hook the left foot behind the right calf.
If this isn’t accessible, simply cross the legs without hooking the foot.
4.Bring your arms forward.
Extend both arms straight in front of you at shoulder height.
5.Wrap the right arm under the left.
Bend the elbows and twist so that the palms (or backs of the hands) touch.
If the palms don’t meet, bring the backs of the hands together.
6.Find your balance.
Lift your elbows slightly while dropping your shoulders. Keep your spine tall and your gaze steady.
7.Hold the pose.
Maintain the position for 20–30 seconds, breathing deeply.
8.Release with control.
Unwind the arms and legs, returning to Mountain Pose.
Repeat on the opposite side.
