Mastering Sanskrit Asana Names: Free Online Course
Greetings, my lovely Yogis, Yoginis, and Yoga teachers. I’m George Watts, a BWY yoga teacher and creator of the online Yoga Genie Lesson Planner. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to pronounce Asanas in Sanskrit and memorise them, you’ve come to the right place.
Welcome to my free online “Mastering Sanskrit Asana Names” course. It’s a course designed by me (an experienced Yoga teacher) for myself. Yep, for little old me. But now, instead of the course gathering dust on my hard drive, I’d like the course with you, my fellow Yoga teacher, to help deepen your understanding and mastery of the Sanskrit language used to describe yoga poses.
As you well know, Sanskrit is considered to be a sacred language in India and has been used in spiritual practices for thousands of years.
“I believe that learning the Sanskrit names of yoga poses can deepen our connection to the spiritual roots of yoga and help us to approach teaching yoga with a deeper awareness.“ – George Watts
I designed this course to be used as a “reference” that you can bookmark and return to over and over again for years to come. So, don’t feel rushed. Learn at your own pace.
“If you haven’t taken a Sanskrit course before, you’re almost certainly pronouncing most of the Sanskrit asana names incorrectly, even Adho Mukha Svanasana. Yep. Trust me, you are. And so was I.“
In part I of the course, you’ll discover how to pronounce Asanas in Sanskrit. I’ve included the top 101 poses that Yoga teachers include in their classes. I’ve organised the pronunciations in batches by English, Sanskrit, Standing poses, Seated & Floor poses, Animal poses and Anatomy.
So, why have I batched the learning like that?
Because one of the best techniques for learning a language is “batch learning“. Batch learning is effective for learning Asana Sanskrit because it lets you memorise multiple poses at once, leading to better recall and retention. By grouping poses together, the brain is able to make connections between them and reinforce the memory of each pose, leading to a deeper understanding and faster recall.
In part II of the course, you’ll discover how to use the Memory Palace technique to improve your recall of the Sanskrit Asana names. This amazing technique turns boring learning into an enjoyable game for effortless recall.
Table Of Contents
Part I: How To Pronounce Asanas In Sanskrit
- Asana Sanskrit Names & Pronunciations Organised Alphabetically By the ENGLISH
- Asana Sanskrit Names & Pronunciations Organised Alphabetically By SANSKRIT
- Asana Sanskrit Names & Pronunciations Organised Alphabetically By STANDING
- Asana Sanskrit Names & Pronunciations Organised Alphabetically By SEATED & FLOOR
- Asana Sanskrit Names & Pronunciations Organised Alphabetically By ANIMAL
- Asana Sanskrit Names & Pronunciations Organised Alphabetically By ANATOMY
Part II: How To Recall Asanas In Sanskrit Using The Memory Palace
- Memory Palace Method for Recalling Sanskrit Asanas: Used by 8-time World Memory Champ
- Memory Palace Cards: Master Sanskrit Asana
Glossary
- Glossary Of Asana Sanskrit Names & Pronunciations Organised By Single-Word Translations
- Glossary Of 77 Sanskrit Asana Terms & Pronunciation With Memory Cues
Conclusion
Part I: How To Pronounce Asanas In Sanskrit. 101 Asanas. 101 Pronunciations.
Asana Sanskrit Names & Pronunciations Organised Alphabetically By the ENGLISH Pose Name
Audio: The syllable to put the emphasis on is CAPITALISED. For audio of how to pronounce the Sanskrit for the pose, click here and enter the word into the “search for” box.
Here’s a list of the 101 most popular Asanas arranged from A to Z by English pose name:
- Bharadvaja’s Twist (Bharadvajasana): “bah-rud-vaa-JAA-suh-nuh” (audio)
- Big Toe Pose (Padangusthasana): “pah-dahn-goose-TAHS-uh-nuh”
- Boat Pose (Navasana) : “nah-VAHS-uh-nuh”
- Bound Angle Pose / Butterfly / Cobbler / Throne (Baddha Konasana) : āBAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Bound Extended Side Angle (Baddha Utthita Parsvakonasana) : āBAH-dah oo-TEE-tah parsh-vah-cone-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Bound Revolved Side Angle (Parivrtta Baddha Parsvakonasana): āpar-ee-vrit-tah BAH-dah parsh-vah-cone-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Bound Triangle Pose (Baddha Trikonasana): “BAH-dah tree-koh-NAH-suh-nuh”
- Bow Pose (Dhanurasana): āDAHN-yur-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Bridge Pose (Dwi Pada Pitham) : “DWI pah-DAH PIT-ham”
- Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana): āSAY-too BAHN-duh SAR-vahn-GAHS-uh-nuhā
- Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana) : āBAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Butterfly Twist Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana) : āAHR-duh MOTS-yen-DRAHS-uh-nuhā
- Camel Pose (Ustrasana): āOOSH-trah-suh-nuhā
- Cat Pose (Marjaryasana): āmar-jar-ee-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Chair Pose (Utkatasana) : “oot-kah-TAHS-uh-nuh”
- Child’s Pose (Balasana): ābah-LAHS-uh-nuhā
- Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): āboo-jang-GAHS-uh-nuhā
- Corpse Pose (Savasana): āshuh-VAHS-uh-nuhā
- Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana): āgo-moo-KHAHS-uh-nuhā
- Cradle Baby Pose (Hindolasana) : “hin-doh-LAHS-uh-nuh”
- Crane Pose (Bakasana): ābah-KAHS-uh-nuhā
- Crocodile Pose (Makarasana): āmah-kah-RAHS-uh-nuhā
- Crow Pose (Kakasana): āKAH-kuh-suh-nuhā
- Dead Bug Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) : “SOOP-tuh BAH-duh KOH-nuh-suh-nuh”
- Dolphin Pose (Ardha Pincha Mayurasana): āARE-duh PEEK-cha my-your-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Downward-Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana): āAH-doh MOO-kuh shvah-NAHS-uh-nuhā
- Eagle Pose (Garudasana): āgah-rue-DAHS-uh-nuhā
- Easy Pose (Sukhasana): āsoo-KAH-suh-nuhā
- Easy Side Bend (Parsva Sukhasana): “PARSH-vah soo-KAH-suh-nuh”
- Eye Of The Needle Pose (Sucirandhrasana): āsoo-chee-rahn-drah-suh-nuhā
- Extended Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana): “oo-TAH-nuh shee-SHO-suh-nuh”
- Extended Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana): āoo-TEE-tah tree-koh-NAHS-uh-nuhā
- Fish Pose (Matsyasana): āmaht-see-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Four Limbed Staff Pose (Chaturanga Dandasana): āchah-tur-ANG-uh don-DAHS-uh-nuhā
- Frog Pose (Bhekasana): ābhek-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Garland Pose (Malasana): āmah-LAHS-uh-nuhā
- Gate Pose (Parighasana): āpuh-REE-guh-suh-nuhā
- Half Boat Pose (Ardha Navasana): āARE-dah nah-vahs-uh-nuhā
- Half Butterfly Pose (Ardha Badha Konasana): āARE-dah BAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Half Frog pose (Ardha Bhekasana): “Are-dah bee-kahs-uh-nuh”
- Half Happy Baby Pose (Ardha Ananda Balasana): “ARE-dah ah-NAHN-dah BAH-lah-SAH-nah”
- Half Lord of the Fishes Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana): āARE-duh maht-see-en-DRAHS-uh-nuhā
- Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana): āARE-duh chahn-DRAHS-uh-nuhā
- Half Pigeon Pose (Ardha Kapotasana): āARE-duh kah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuhā
- Half Shoulderstand Pose (Ardha Sarvangasana): āARE-dah shar-vahn-GAHS-uh-nuhā
- Handstand Pose (Adho Mukha Vrksasana): “AH-doh MOO-kuh vrik-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana): āuh-NAHN-duh BAH-lah-suh-nuhā
- Hare Pose (Shashankasana): āshuh-SHUN-kuh-suh-nuhā
- Headstand Pose (Sirsasana): āsheer-SHAHS-uh-nuhā
- Head to Knee Pose (Janu Sirsasana): ājah-NEW shear-SHAHS-uh-nuhā
- Hero Pose (Virasana): āveer-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Heron Pose (Krounchasana): ākrow-CHAN-uh-suh-nuhā
- King Pigeon Pose (Kapotasana): ākah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuhā
- Knee To Ear Pose (Karnapidasana): ākar-nuh-pee-DAHS-uh-nuhā
- Kneeling Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana) : āARE-dah chan-DRAHS-uh-nuhā
- Knees to Chest Pose (Apanasana) : “ah-pah-nah-suh-nuh”
- Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani): āvip-par-ee-tah kah-RAH-neeā
- Lion Pose (Simhasana): āsim-HAHS-uh-nuhā
- Lizard Lunge Pose (Utthan Pristhasana): āoo-TAHN prish-TAHS-uh-nuhā
- Locust Pose (Salabhasana): āsha-la-BAHS-uh-nuhā
- Lord of the Dance Pose (Natarajasana) : ānot-ah-raj-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Lotus Pose (Padmasana) : āpod-MAHS-annaā
- Low Lunge Pose (Anjaneyasana) : āAHN-jah-nay-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Marichi Pose (Marichyasana) : āmah-ree-chee-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Monkey Splits Pose (Hanumanasana) : āhah-new-MAH-nah-suh-nuhā
- Mountain Pose (Tadasana) : ātah-DAHS-annaā
- Noose Pose (Pasasana) : āpah-SHAHS-annaā
- One Handed Tiger Pose (Upavistha Eka Pada Pavanamuktasana) : oo-pah-VEESH-tah EH-kuh PAH-duh puh-vuh-NAHM-ook-TAHS-uh-nuh
- One-Legged Tiger Pose (Eka Pada Vyaghrasana): “EH-kah PAH-dah vee-AH-grah-suh-nuh”
- Peacock Pose (Mayurasana): “my-your-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Pigeon Pose (Kapotasana) : ākah-poh-TAHS-annaā
- Plank Pose (Phalakasana) : āpah-LAH-kah-suh-nuhā
- Plough / Plow Pose (Halasana) : āhah-LAHS-annaā
- Prayer Squat Pose (Namaste Malasana) : ānah-mah-STAY mah-LAHS-annaā
- Prostration Pose (Naman Pranamasana) : “nah-MAHN prah-nuh-MAHS-uh-nuh”
- Pyramid Pose (Parsvottanasana) : āparsh-voh-tahn-AHS-annaā
- Rabbit Pose (Sasangasana) : āsha-SANG-gah-suh-nuhā
- Reclined Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose A (Supta Padangusthasana A): āSOOP-tuh pah-DAHN-goo-stahs-uh-nuhā
- Reclined Hero Pose (Supta Virasana): “SOOP-tuh veer-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Reverse Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana): “EH-kah PAH-dah rah-JAH-kah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
- Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose (Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana): “PAHR-ee-VREE-tah JAH-noo shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Revolved Triangle Pose (Parivrtta Trikonasana) : āpar-ee-vrit-tah tree-koh-NAHS-annaā
- Revolved Staff Pose (Parivritta Dandasana): par-ee-vrit-tah dahn-dah-suh-nuh
- Revolved Seated Angle Pose (Parivrtta Upavistha Konasana): āpa-ree-VRI-tah oo-pah-VEESH-tah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Sage Pose (Marichyasana): āmah-REE-chee-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Sage Koundinya Pose (Eka Pada Koundinyasana) : āeh-kah pah-dah koon-dee-nee-AHS-annaā
- Sage Twist Pose (Marichyasana III): āmah-REE-chee-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Scorpion Pose (Vrschikasana) : āvrik-SHAHS-annaā
- Seated Forward Bend Pose (Paschimottanasana) : āPOSH-ee-moh-tahn-AHS-annaā
- Shoulderstand Pose (Sarvangasana) : āsar-van-GAHS-annaā
- Side Plank (Vasisthasana) : āVAH-shees-THAH-suh-nuhā
- Staff Pose (Dandasana): ādahn-DAHS-uh-nuhā
- Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) : ātrik-cone-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Upward Bow (Urdhva Dhanurasana) : āOORD-vah don-your-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Upward Facing Dog Pose (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana) : āOORD-vah MOO-kuh shvan-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Upward Plank Pose (Purvottanasana): “poor-voh-tuhn-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Warrior I, II, III Pose (Virabhadrasana) : āveer-uh-buh-DRAHS-uh-nuhā
- Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend (Upavistha Konasana) : āoo-pah-VEESH-tah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Wheel Pose (Chakrasana) : āchahk-RAHS-uh-nuhā
- Wind Relieving Pose (Pavanamuktasana) : āPAH-vuh-nuh-mook-tuh-suh-nuhā
- Wind Release Pose (Supta Pawanmuktasana) : SOOP-tah pah-van-muk-TAHS-anna
Asana Sanskrit Names & Pronunciations Organised Alphabetically By SANSKRIT
Audio: The syllable to put the emphasis on is CAPITALISED. For audio of how to pronounce the Sanskrit for the pose, click here and enter the word into the “search for” box.
Here’s a list of the 101 most popular Asanas arranged from A to Z by SanskritĀ name:
- Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose): āAH-doh MOO-kuh shvah-NAHS-uh-nuhā
- Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand Pose): “AH-doh MOO-kuh vrik-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose): “ag-ni-STAHM-bhah-suh-nuh”
- Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose): āuh-NAHN-duh BAH-lah-suh-nuhā
- Anantasana (Side-Reclining Leg Lift Pose): “ah-nahn-TAHS-uh-nuh-suh-nuh”
- Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge Pose): āAHN-jah-nay-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Apanasana (Knees-to-Chest Pose): “ah-pahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Ardha Ananda Balasana (Half Happy Baby Pose): “ARE-dah ah-NAHN-dah BAH-lah-SAH-nah”
- Ardha Badha Konasana (Half Butterfly Pose): āARE-dah BAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Ardha Badha Padma Paschimottanasana (Half Bound Lotus Forward Bend Pose): “ARE-duh BAH-dah PAHD-mah POSH-ee-moh-tahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Ardha Bhekasana (Half Frog Pose): “Are-dah bee-kahs-uh-nuh”
- Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose): āARE-duh chahn-DRAHS-uh-nuhā
- Ardha Kapotasana (Half Pigeon Pose): āARE-duh kah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuhā
- Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose): āARE-duh maht-see-en-DRAHS-uh-nuhā
- Ardha Navasana (Half Boat Pose): āARE-dah nah-vahs-uh-nuhā
- Ardha Padangusthasana A (Reclined Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose A): āSOOP-tuh pah-DAHN-goo-stahs-uh-nuhā
- Ardha Parsvottanasana (Pyramid Pose): āparsh-voh-tahn-AHS-annaā
- Ardha Pincha Mayurasana (Dolphin Pose): āARE-duh PEEK-cha my-your-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Ardha Rajakapotasana (Reverse Pigeon Pose): “EH-kah PAH-dah rah-JAH-kah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
- Ardha Sarvangasana (Half Shoulderstand Pose): āARE-dah shar-vahn-GAHS-uh-nuhā
- Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose, Butterfly Pose): āBAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Baddha Trikonasana (Bound Triangle Pose): “BAH-dah tree-koh-NAH-suh-nuh”
- Baddha Utthita Parsvakonasana (Bound Extended Side Angle): āBAH-dah oo-TEE-tah parsh-vah-cone-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Bakasana (Crane Pose): ābah-KAHS-uh-nuhā
- Balasana (Child’s Pose): “bah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
- Bharadvajasana I (Bharadvaja’s Twist): “bah-rud-VAHJ-ahs-uh-nuh”
- Bhekasana (Frog Pose): “bhek-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): āboo-jang-GAHS-uh-nuhā
- Bhekasana (Frog Pose): ābhek-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Bharadvajasana (Seated Twist Pose): “bah-rud-VAHJ-ah-suh-nuh”
- Bitilasana (Cow Pose): “bee-tee-LAHS-uh-nuh”
- Camatkarasana (Wild Thing Pose): “cha-maht-KAR-ah-suh-nuh”
- Chakrasana (Wheel Pose) : āchahk-RAHS-uh-nuhā
- Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose): “cha-tur-AHN-guh dahn-DAHS-uh-nuh”
- Dandasana (Staff Pose): “dahn-DAHS-uh-nuh”
- Dhanurasana (Bow Pose): “dahn-yur-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana (Upward-Facing Two-Foot Staff Pose): “dwee-PAH-duh vee-puh-REE-tuh dahn-DAHS-uh-nuh”
- Eka Hasta Bhujasana (Elephant Trunk Pose): “eh-kah HAHS-tuh boo-JAHS-uh-nuh”
- Eka Pada Bakasana (One-Legged Crow Pose): “EH-kah PAH-dah BAH-kah-suh-nuh”
- Eka Pada Koundinyasana (Sage Koundinya Pose) : āeh-kah pah-dah koon-dee-nee-AHS-annaā
- Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (One-Legged King Pigeon Pose): “EH-kah PAH-dah rah-JAH-kah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
- Eka Pada Sirsasana (One-Legged Headstand Pose): “EH-kah PAH-dah sheer-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Garbha Pindasana (Embryo in the Womb Pose): “GAHR-bhah peen-DAHS-uh-nuh”
- Garudasana (Eagle Pose): āgah-rue-DAHS-uh-nuhā
- Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose): “go-moo-KHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Halasana (Plow Pose): āhah-LAHS-uh-nuhā
- Hanuman asana (Monkey Pose or Splits Pose): āhah-noo-MAHN-uh-suh-nuhā
- Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend): “jah-new shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Kapotasana (King Pigeon Pose) : ākah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuhā
- Karnapidasana (Knee To Ear Pose) : ākar-nuh-pee-DAHS-uh-nuhā
- Krounchasana (Heron Pose): “kroon-CHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Kukkutasana (Rooster Pose): “koo-koo-TAHS-uh-nuh”
- Lolasana (Swinging Pose): āloh-lahs-uh-nuhā
- Malasana (Garland Pose): “mah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
- Marjaryasana (Cat Pose): “mar-jar-YAHS-uh-nuh”
- Marichyasana III (Sage Twist Pose) : āmah-REE-chee-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Matsyasana (Fish Pose): āmaht-see-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Namaste Malasana (Prayer Squat Pose) : ānah-mah-STAY mah-LAHS-annaā
- Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose): ānot-ah-raj-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Navasana (Boat Pose): ānah-VAHS-uh-nuhā
- Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose): ānot-ah-raj-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Padangusthasana (Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose): āpah-dahn-goose-TAHS-uh-nuhā
- Padahastasana (Standing Forward Bend Pose): “pah-dah-hahs-TAHS-uh-nuh”
- Parighasana (Gate Pose): “par-ee-GO-suh-nuh”
- Parsva Bakasana (Side Crane Pose): āPARSH-vah BAH-kah-suh-nuhā
- Parsvottanasana (Intense Side Stretch Pose): āparsh-voh-tahn-AHS-annaā
- Pasasana (Noose Pose): “pah-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend Pose): āPOSH-ee-moh-tahn-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose) : āPAH-vuh-nuh-mook-tuh-suh-nuhā
- Pincha Mayurasana (Feathered Peacock Pose or Forearm Stand Pose): āPEEN-chuh my-your-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Forward Fold Pose): “PRAH-sah-REE-tah pah-doh-tahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Purvottanasana (Upward Plank Pose): āpurr-voh-tahn-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Salabhasana (Locust Pose): āshah-lah-BAHS-uh-nuhā
- Sashtang Pranam (Prostration Pose) : “shahsh-tang prah-nahm”
- Savasana (Corpse Pose): āshah-VAHS-uh-nuhā
- Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose): āSAY-too BAHN-dah sar-vahn-GAHS-uh-nuh-suh-nuhā
- Shalabhasana (Locust Pose): āsha-lah-BAHS-uh-nuhā
- Siddhasana (Accomplished Pose): āsid-DAHS-uh-nuhā
- Simhasana (Lion Pose): āsim-HAHS-uh-nuhā
- Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose): āSOOP-tuh BAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose): āSOOP-tuh pah-DAHN-goo-stahs-uh-nuhā
- Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose) : “SOOP-tuh veer-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Tadasana (Mountain Pose): ātah-DAHS-uh-nuhā
- Trikonasana (Triangle Pose): ātree-koh-NAH-suh-nuhā
- Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose or Wheel Pose): āOORD-vah dahn-yoor-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute or Mountain Pose): āOORD-vah hahs-TAHS-uh-nuh-suh-nuhā
- Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog Pose): āOORD-vah MOO-kuh shvah-NAHS-uh-nuh-suh-nuhā
- Utthan Pristhasana (Lizard Pose) : āoo-TAHN prish-TAHS-uh-nuhā
- Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold Pose): āoo-tahn-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Uttitha Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose): āoo-TEE-tah parsh-vah-cone-AHS-uh-nuh-suh-nuhā
- Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose): āvahj-RAHS-uh-nuhā
- Vasisthasana (Side Plank Pose): āvah-shees-TAHS-uh-nuhā
- Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-Wall Pose): āvip-uh-REE-tuh kah-RAH-neeā
- Virabhadrasana I (Warrior Pose I): āveer-uh-bah-DRAHS-uh-nuhā
- Virabhadrasana II (Warrior Pose II): āveer-uh-bah-DRAHS-uh-nuhā
- Virabhadrasana III (Warrior Pose III): āveer-uh-bah-DRAHS-uh-nuhā
- Vrikshasana (Tree Pose): āvrik-SHAHS-uh-nuhā
- Vrschikasana (Scorpion Pose) : āvrik-SHAHS-annaā
- Ustrasana (Camel Pose): āooh-STRAHS-uh-nuhā
- Adho Mukha Virasana (Downward-Facing Hero Pose): āAH-doh MOO-kuh veer-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide-Legged Forward Fold Pose): āoo-pah-VEESH-tah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā
Asana Sanskrit Names & Pronunciations Organised By STANDING
Audio: The syllable to put the emphasis on is CAPITALISED. For audio of how to pronounce the Sanskrit for the pose, click here and enter the word into the “search for” box.
Here are the Asana Sanskrit Names and pronunciations organised by the STANDING category.
Standing Asanas: Backbends
- Dancer Pose (Natarajasana): “nah-tah-RAH-jah-suh-nuh”
- Crescent Lunge Pose (Anjaneyasana) : “uhn-jahn-AY-uh-suh-nuh”
- Reversed Warrior Pose (Viparita Virabhadrasana): “vee-pah-REE-tah veer-ah-bah-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
- Standing Backbend Pose (Anuvittasana): “ah-noo-vee-TAH-suh-nuh”
- Upward Bow Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana) : “OORD-vuh DAHN-yur-AHS-uh-nuh”
Standing Asanas: Balance
- Crow Pose (Bakasana) : “bah-KAH-suh-nuh”
- Dancer Pose (Natarajasana) : “nah-tuh-RAH-jah-suh-nuh”
- Eagle Pose (Garudasana) : “gah-roo-DAHS-uh-nuh”
- Extended Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana) : “oo-TEE-tah HA-stuh puh-DANG-goosh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
- Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana) : “ARE-duh chan-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
- Side Plank Pose (Vasisthasana) : “vah-sish-TAHS-uh-nuh”
- Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) : “vrik-SHAH-suh-nuh”
- Warrior I Pose (Virabhadrasana I) : “veer-uh-buh-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
- Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II) : “veer-uh-buh-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
- Warrior III Pose (Virabhadrasana III) : “veer-uh-buh-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
Standing Asanas: Forward Bends
- Bound Triangle Pose (Baddha Trikonasana): “Bound Try-koh-NAH-suh-nuh (Bah-dah)”
- Dolphin Pose (Ardha Pincha Mayurasana): “ARE-dah PEECH-ah myoor-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Downward Facing Dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana): “AH-doh MOO-kah shvah-NAH-suh-nuh”
- Extended Side Angle Pose (Utthita Parsvakonasana): “oo-TEE-tah parsh-vah-ko-NAH-suh-nuh”
- Gorilla Pose (Padahastasana): “pah-dah-hahs-TA-suh-nuh”
- Halfway Lift Pose (Ardha Uttanasana): “ARE-dah ooh-tuhn-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Intense Side Stretch Pose (Parsvottanasana) : “parsh-voh-tahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Revolved Half Moon Pose (Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana): “pah-reev-RIT-tah ARE-dah chan-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
- Revolved Wide-Legged Forward Bend (Parivrtta Prasarita Padottanasana): “pah-reev-RIT-tah prah-sah-REE-tah pah-doh-tahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Squat Pose (Malasana) : “mah-lah-SAH-nuh”
- Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana) : “oo-tuhn-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Standing Head to Knee Pose (Dandayamana Janushirasana): “don-dah-yah-MAH-nah juh-noo-shee-RAHS-uh-nuh”
- Standing Split Pose (Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana) : “OORD-vuh prah-suh-REE-tah EH-kah puh-DAH-suh-nuh”
- Wide-Legged Forward Fold Pose (Prasarita Padottanasana) : “prah-suh-REE-tah pah-doh
Standing Asanas: Side Bends
- Extended Side Angle Pose (Utthita Parsvakonasana) : “oo-TEE-tah parsh-vah-koh-NAHS-uh-nuh”
- Extended Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana) : “oo-TEE-tah tree-koh-NAHS-uh-nuh”
- Gate Pose (Parighasana) : “par-ee-GO-suh-nuh”
- Revolved Triangle Pose (Parivrtta Trikonasana) : “par-ee-VRR-tah tree-koh-NAHS-uh-nuh”
- Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) : “tree-koh-NAHS-uh-nuh”
Standing Asanas: Twist + Abdominal Toners
- Boat Pose (Navasana) : “nah-VAHS-uh-nuh”
- Boat Pose Twist (Ardha Navasana) : “ARE-duh nah-VAHS-uh-nuh”
- Chair Pose Twist (Parivrtta Utkatasana) : “par-ee-VRR-tah ut-kah-TAHS-uh-nuh”
- Low Lunge Twist (Parivrtta Anjaneyasana) : “par-ee-VRR-tah uhn-jahn-AY-uh-suh-nuh”
- Revolved Chair Pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana) : “par-ee-VRR-tah ut-kah-TAHS-uh-nuh”
- Revolved Half Moon Pose (Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana) : “par-ee-VRR-tah ARE-duh chan-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
- Seated Twist Pose (Bharadvajasana) : “bah-ruhd-vah-JAHS-uh-nuh”
- Supine Twist Pose (Supta Matsyendrasana) : “soop-tah maht-see-en-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
Asana Sanskrit Names & Pronunciations Organised By SEATED & FLOOR
Audio: The syllable to put the emphasis on is CAPITALISED. For audio of how to pronounce the Sanskrit for the pose, click here and enter the word into the “search for” box.
Here are the Asana Sanskrit Names and pronunciations organised by the SEATED & FLOOR category.
Seated & Floor Asanas: Backbends
- Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) : “say-too BAHN-duh sar-vuhn-GAHS-uh-nuh”
- Bow Pose (Dhanurasana) : “DAHN-yur-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Camel Pose (Ustrasana) : “OOS-truh-suh-nuh”
- Cat Pose (Marjaryasana): āmahr-jahr-ee-AHS-uh-nuhā
- Cat Cow Pose (Marjaryasana Bitilasana): āmahr-jahr-ee-AHS-uh-nuh bee-tee-LAHS-uh-nuhā
- Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) : “boo-jahn-GAHS-uh-nuh”
- Crocodile Pose (Makarasana): āmah-kah-RAHS-uh-nuhā
- Fish Pose (Matsyasana) : “maht-see-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Half Bow Pose (Ardha Dhanurasana): āARE-dah don-your-AHS-uh-nuhā
- King Pigeon Pose (Rajakapotasana): ārah-JAH-cuh-poh-TAHS-uh-nuhā
- Locust Pose (Salabhasana) : “sah-LAHB-hah-suh-nuh”
- Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana) : “suh-LAHM-buh boo-jahn-GAHS-uh-nuh”
- Upward Dog Pose (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana) : “oord-vuh MOO-kuh shvah-NAHS-uh-nuh”
- Wheel Pose (Chakrasana) : “chuck-ruh-suh-nuh”
- Wild Thing Pose (Camatkarasana): āchah-maht-kahr-AHS-uh-nuhā
Seated & Floor Asanas: Balance
- Boat Pose (Navasana) : “nah-VAHS-uh-nuh”
- Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana) : “BAH-duh cone-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) : “say-TOO bahn-DHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Crane Pose (Bakasana) : “bah-KAHS-uh-nuh”
- Crow Pose (Kakasana) : “kuh-KAHS-uh-nuh”
- Firefly Pose (Tittibhasana) : “tit-tee-BAHS-uh-nuh”
- Garland Pose (Malasana) : “mah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
- Half Boat Pose (Ardha Navasana) : “ARE-duh nah-VAHS-uh-nuh”
- Half Lotus Pose (Ardha Padmasana) : “ARE-duh pahd-MAHS-uh-nuh”
- Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana) : “uh-NAHN-duh buh-LAHS-uh-nuh”
- Head to Knee Pose (Janu Sirsasana) : “JAH-new shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Legs up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani) : “vip-uh-REE-tuh kuh-RAHN-ee”
- Lotus Pose (Padmasana) : “pahd-MAHS-uh-nuh”
- Plow Pose (Halasana) : “hah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
- Reclining Big Toe Pose (Supta Padangusthasana) : “SOOP-tah pah-dang-goosh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
- Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana) : “pah-schim-oh-tan-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Seated Wide Angle Pose (Upavistha Konasana) : “oo-pah-VEESH-tuh cone-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) : “sar-vun-GAHS-uh-nuh”
- Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana) : “SOOP-tuh maht-see-en-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
- Wide-Legged Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana) : “prah-suh-REE-tah pah-doh-tan-AHS-uh-nuh”
Seated & Floor Asanas: Forward Bends
- Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana) : “BAH-dah koh-NAH-suh-nuh”
- Child’s Pose (Balasana) : “bah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
- Head-to-Knee Forward Bend (Janu Sirsasana) : “JAH-noo shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana) : “PAH-she-moh-tuhn-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Wide-Legged Forward Fold (Upavistha Konasana) : “oo-puh-VISH-tuh koh-NAH-suh-nuh”
Seated & Floor Asanas: Inversion Asanas
- Forearm Stand Pose (Pincha Mayurasana) : “PEEN-chah my-your-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Handstand Pose (Adho Mukha Vrksasana) : “AH-doh MOO-kuh vrik-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Headstand Pose (Sirsasana) : “shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani) : “vee-puh-REE-tah kah-RAHN-ee”
- Plough Pose (Halasana) : “hah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
- Shoulder Stand Pose (Sarvangasana) : “sar-vuhn-GAHS-uh-nuh”
- Supported Headstand (Salamba Sirsasana) : “suh-LAHM-buh sheer-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Supported Shoulder Stand (Salamba Sarvangasana) : “suh-LAHM-buh sar-vuhn-GAHS-uh-nuh”
- Tripod Headstand Pose (Sirsasana II) : “shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
Seated & Floor Asanas: Side Bends
- Gate Pose (Parighasana) : “puh-REE-guh-suh-nuh”
- Seated Side Bend (Parsva Sukhasana) : “PARS-vuh soo-KAH-suh-nuh”
- Extended Side Angle Pose (Utthita Parsvakonasana): “oo-TEE-tah PARSH-vuh-koh-
Seated & Floor Asanas: Twist & Abdominal Toners
- Boat Pose (Navasana) : “nah-vah-suh-nuh”
- Crow Pose (Bakasana) : “bah-KAH-suh-nuh”
- Dolphin Pose (Ardha Pincha Mayurasana) : “ARE-duh PEEN-chuh my-YOO-ruh-suh-nuh”
- Plank Pose (Phalakasana) : “phuh-luh-KAHS-uh-nuh”
- Seated Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana) : “ARE-duh maht-see-en-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
Asana Sanskrit Names & Pronunciations Organised By ANIMALS
Audio: The syllable to put the emphasis on is CAPITALISED. For audio of how to pronounce the Sanskrit for the pose, click here and enter the word into the “search for” box.
Here is a list of yoga asanas names organised by their animal name:
- Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana) : “go-moo-KAHS-uh-nuh”
- Cow Pose (Bitilasana) : “bee-tee-LAHS-uh-nuh”
- Crab Pose (Catuspadapitham): “cha-thoosh-pa-da-PEET-ham”
- Crow Pose (Bakasana): ābah-KAHS-uh-nuhā
- Deer Pose (Mrigasana): “mree-GAHS-uh-nuh”
- Dolphin Pose (Ardha Pincha Mayurasana): “ARE-dah PEEN-chah my-your-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Dragonfly Pose (Maksikanagasana): “mock-see-KAN-uh-gah-suh-nuh”
- Eagle Pose (Garudasana): “gah-rue-DAHS-uh-nuh”
- Firefly Pose (Tittibhasana): ātiht-tihb-BAHS-uh-nuhā
- Fish Pose (Matsyasana): “maht-see-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Flying Crow Pose (Galavasana): “gah-lah-VAHS-uh-nuh”
- Frog Pose (Bhekasana): “BAY-kah-suh-nuh”
- Gorilla Pose (Padahastasana): “pah-dah-hah-stuh-suh-nuh”
- Grasshopper Pose (Maksikanagasana): “mock-see-KAN-uh-gah-suh-nuh”
- Heron Pose (Krounchasana): “kroun-CHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Horse Pose (Vatayanasana): “vah-tah-yah-NAHS-uh-nuh”
- Lion Pose (Simhasana): “sim-HAHS-uh-nuh”
- Lizard Pose (Utthan Pristhasana): “OOTH-un prish-TAHS-uh-nuh”
- Locust Pose (Salabhasana): “sha-la-BAHS-uh-nuh”
- Monkey Pose (Hanumanasana): “hah-new-mahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Pigeon Pose (Kapotasana): “kah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
- Rabbit Pose (Sasangasana): “shah-SANG-gah-suh-nuh”
- Scorpion Pose (Vrischikasana): “vrik-SHEE-kah-suh-nuh”
- Seal Pose (Balasana): “bah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
- Turtle Pose (Kurmasana): “koor-muh-SAH-nuh”
Asana Sanskrit Names & Pronunciations Organised By ANATOMY
Audio: The syllable to put the emphasis on is CAPITALISED. For audio of how to pronounce the Sanskrit for the pose, click here and enter the word into the “search for” box.
Anga: Limb
Here is a list of yoga asanas with the word “Anga”, which is the Sanskrit word for “limb”:
- Cobra pose (BhujANGAsana): “boo-jahn-GAHS-uh-nuh”
- Four-limbed staff pose (ChaturANGA Dandasana): “chuh-tur-ANG-uh dahn-DAHS-uh-nuh”
- Nine-limbed Sun Salutation (Nava-ANGA Surya Namaskar): “nah-vuh-ANG-uh soo-ree-yuh nuh-muh-skar”
- Shoulderstand pose (SarvANGAsana): “sar-vuhng-GAHS-uh-nuh”
- Rabbit pose (SasANGAsana): “shah-suhng-GAHS-uh-nuh”
Bhuja: Arm (or Trunk Of Elephant)Ā
Here is a list of yoga asanas with the word “bhuja”, which is the Sanskrit word for “arm”:
- Cobra pose (BHUJAngasana): “boo-jah-ang-gah-suh-nuh”
- Extended shoulder-pressing pose A (BHUJApidasana A): “boo-jah-pee-dah-suh-nuh ey”
- Extended shoulder-pressing pose B (BHUJApidasana B): “boo-jah-pee-dah-suh-nuh bee”
- Grasshopper pose (BHUJA Dandasana): “boo-jah-dahn-duh-suh-nuh”
- Shoulder-pressing pose (BHUJApidasana): “boo-jah-pee-dah-suh-nuh”
- One-arm staff pose (Eka BHUJA dandasana): “ay-kuh boo-jah dahn-duh-suh-nuh”
- Side arm staff pose (Parsva BHUJA dandasana): “parsh-vuh boo-jah dahn-duh-suh-nuh”
Hasta: Hand
Here is a list of yoga asanas with the word “hasta”, which is the Sanskrit word for “hand”:
- Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose (Utthita HASTA Padangusthasana): “oo-TEE-tuh hah-stuh puh-dahn-goosh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
- Hand to Foot Pose (HASTA Padasana): “HAHS-tuh puh-DAH-suh-nuh”
- Hand Under Foot Pose (PadaHASTAsana): “puh-duh-HAH-stuh-suh-nuh”
- Raised Arms Pose (HASTA Uttanasana): “HAHS-tuh oo-tuhn-AHS-uh-nuh”
- Upward Salute Pose (Urdhva HASTAsana): “OORD-vuh hahs-TUH-suh-nuh”
Janu: Knee
Here is a list of yoga asanas with the word “janu”, which is the Sanskrit word for “knee”:
- Head-to-Knee Forward Bend Pose (Janu Sirsasana): “jah-new shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
- Knee Bending Pose (Janu Namanasana): “jah-new nah-muh-NAH-suh-nuh-suh-nuh”
- Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose (Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana): “pah-ree-VREE-tah jah-new shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
Part II: How To Recall Asanas In Sanskrit: Memory Palace
Memory Palace Method for Recalling Sanskrit Asanas: Used by 8-time World Memory Champ
There are six well-known memory techniques that can be used to learn and remember Sanskrit words:
Memory Technique 1: Visualization
Creating vivid mental images of the meaning of a Sanskrit word can make it easier to remember.
Memory Technique 2: Word Association
Associating a new Sanskrit word with a familiar word in your own language can help you remember it more easily. For example, associating “Gomukha” (cow face) with the image of a cow’s head can help you remember the meaning of the word.
Memory Technique 3: Repetition
Repeating a Sanskrit word several times, either out loud or in your head, can help commit it to memory.
Memory Technique 4: Grouping
Grouping Sanskrit words by themes, such as anatomy or animals (like I’ve done for you in this blog post), can make them easier to remember together.
Memory Technique 5: Acronyms
Creating an acronym or a sentence using the first letter of each Sanskrit word can help you remember a list of related words.
Memory Technique 6: Mnemonics
Creating a mnemonic device, such as a rhyme or a song, to remember the meaning of a Sanskrit word can make it easier to recall.
This course uses the first four memory techniques, but I wanted to include acronyms and mnemonics in the list above in case you wanted to give them a try.
“I highly recommend the MEMORY PALACE language learning technique used by the world-famous memory champion, Dominic O’Brien because it uses Visualization, Word Association, Repetition & Grouping.”
Below is the Memory Palace technique:
Step 1: Choose a familiar TOWN
The perfect way to store Sanskrit vocabulary is by using a detailed map of a town or village. Think of the sort of words you will be learning in Sanskrit: child, moon, staff, bow, plough, seal, boat. A town can have all these words.
Step 2: Use your IMAGINATION & ASSOCIATION
Let the Sanskrit “pronounced” word suggest a key image to you. For example, the Sanskrit for Cow Face Pose is Gomukhasana which is pronounced go-moo-KAHS-uh-nuh. Your key image might be a cow “go” ing “moo” because “kahs” he thinks your Cow Face pose is sensational. Concentrate on the pronunciation (phonetic sound) of the Sanskrit word, rather than the way it is spelt.
Step 3: Place your Key Image in an Appropriate Location
Place your key image in an appropriate location, suggested by the English. You are likely to find a cow in a field, so think of a particular field in your chosen town.
Step 4: Combining your Key Image & LocationĀ
Imagine practising Cow Face Pose on the farmer’s field in your town. You unfurl your yoga mat and lots of cows start milling around you observing your technique. Imagine the large black cows “go” ing “moo” because “kahs” they think your Cow Face pose is sensational.
Pretty cool, heh!
The advantage of using a mental map of your TOWN as a filing system is that you can group various types of words together in different places. For example, all the animal poses can go on the farm, and all the anatomy poses (e.g. “anga” which means limb) can go in your town’s church graveyard, and all the numbers (e.g. “ashta” which means eight) can go outside the town’s accountancy firm
Your town can expand if you need to include areas that don’t exist on the real town map. No planning permission is required. If there isn’t an accountancy firm (for the numbers), add one, or transfer one you know from somewhere else.
Usually, the first association that comes to mind (see step 2 above) is the best one. The more exaggerated and weird the scene is, the more likely you are to remember it.
Okay, let’s get the show on the road. You can use my associations for each pose (see the Memory Palace Cards below), but if you want to ingrain the Sanskrit into my brain even deeper, then I recommend coming up with your own associations.
Master Sanskrit Asanas With These Memory Palace Cards
Boat Pose (Navasana)
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English | Boat Pose |
Sanskrit | Navasana |
Meaning | Nava = boat Asana = pose Navasana = Boat Pose |
Pronunciation | nah-VAHS-uh-nuh |
Memory | Nah-VAHS creates a key image in my mind of the Navy. I imagine that I’m sailing a boat in my town (on a river near my house) while practising Boat Pose. All of a sudden the British (“navy”) show up commanded by Admiral Nelson wearing a silly pointed hat. He’s in the HMS Victory and starts firing cannon shots at me. |
Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana)
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English | Bound Angle Pose |
Sanskrit | Baddha Konasana |
Meaning | Baddha = bound Kona = angle Asana = pose Baddha Konasana = Bound Angle Pose |
Pronunciation | BAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuh |
Memory | BAH-dah con creates a key image in my mind of a bad cone of ice cream. The location for my bound poses is outside the front door of the large red-bricked Broadmoor local lunatic asylum (which I transported to my town after Googling famous lunatic asylum) because that creates a strong image of my mind of a Victorian patient bound up in a straitjacket. Remember, the more bizarre the imagery, the more likely your recall will be. I imagine practising Bound Angle Pose outside the front door of a large red-bricked Broadmoor local lunatic asylum and being given a bad cone (“BAH-dah cone“) of ice cream. I say “Yuk, that’s a BAH-dah cone” in an Italian accent, and throw the cone to the ground. The guard then bounds me in a straightjacket for my insolence. |
Cow Pose (Bitilasana)
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English | Cow Pose |
Sanskrit | Bitilasana |
Meaning | Bitila = Cow Asana = Pose Bitilasana = Cow Pose |
Pronunciation | bee-tee-LAHS-uh-nuh |
Memory | bee-tee-l sounds like beetle. Imagine practising Cow Pose on the farmer’s field in your town. You’re doing the pose so well that you turn into a black cow and do a cow poop. A dung beetle (“bee-tee-l“) rolls it into a huge dung ball. |
Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana)
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English | Cow Face Pose |
Sanskrit | Gomukhasana |
Meaning | Gomukha = Cow Face Asana = Pose Gomukhasana = Cow Face Pose |
Pronunciation | go-moo-KAH-suh-nuh |
Memory I | I imagine practising Cow Face Pose on the farmer’s field in my town. I look into the water trough and see that I’ve turned into a cow. I “go moo” because “kahs” I’m a cow and can’t speak human. |
Memory II | I imagine practising Cow Face Pose on the farmer’s field in my town. A cow comes up to me and says: “I go moon cause (go-moo-KAH) I’ve heard the grass tastes better up there”. |
Glossary
Asana Sanskrit Names & Pronunciations Organised By SINGLE-WORD TRANSLATIONS
When you learn the “single word translations”, the longer names of asanas start to become decipherable.
The names of asanas derive from six main categories:
1. | Anatomy |
2. | Animals |
3. | Distinguishing Feature Of The Pose |
4. | Deities & Sages |
5. | Numbers |
6. | Objects |
Anatomy
Anga | limb |
Anguli | fingers |
Anga | limb |
Anghusta | big toe |
Bhuja | arm |
Hasta | hand |
Janu | knee |
Jattara | stomach |
Karna | ear |
Mukha | face |
Pada | foot |
Paschima | west direction (backside of the body) |
Prana | breath/life-force |
Purva | east direction (front side of the body) |
Sarvanga | whole body |
Sava | corpse |
Sirsa | head |
Animals
Baka | crow |
Bheka | frog |
Bhujanga | snake |
Go | cow |
Kapota | pigeon/dove |
Kurma | pigeon/dove |
Matsya | fish |
Shalabha | locust/grasshopper |
Svana | dog |
Ustra | camel |
Distinguishing FeatureĀ Of The Pose
Adho | downward |
Ardha | half |
Baddha | bound |
Kona | angle |
Nirlamba | without support |
Parivrtta | revolved |
Pida | pressure |
Prasarita | spread out |
Salamba | with support |
Sthiti | stability |
Supta | reclining/sleeping |
Upavistha | seated |
Urdva | raised/upward |
Uttana | intense stretch |
Utthita | extended/stretched |
Deities & Sages
Bharadva | Bharadva was as a sage. Father of the famous archer, Drona, who trained the cousins who would later become rivals and fight the famous war that the Bhagavad-Gita was written about. |
Garuda | Garuda is the king of the eagles. Garuda once provided transportation and carried Lord Vishnu to the aid of devotee, Gajendra who was in a life-threatening situation. |
Hanuman | Hanuman is the chief of the monkey army. One of Ramaās greatest devotees who came to his aid. Hanuman made huge leaps across the sea- first to find Sita and then to save Ramaās brother. |
Matsyendra | Matsyendra is Lord of the Fishes. Shiva discovered a fish, who had completely learned his teachings of yoga. Shiva gave him a divine form to then spread the knowledge of yoga. |
Marichi | Marichi is the son of Brahma and grandfather of Surya the sun god. |
Nataraja | Nataraja is one of the names of Shiva, the lord of the dance. |
Surya | Surya is the Sun god. |
Virabhadra | Virabhadra is the great warrior who sprang to Shivaās aid to seek revenge on his father-in-law. |
Numbers
Ashta | eight |
Chatur | four |
Dwi | two |
Eka | one |
Tri | three |
Objects
Agni | fire |
Asana | pose/posture |
Bala | child |
Chandra | moon |
Danda | rod/staff |
Dhanu | bow |
Hala | plough/plow |
Mudra | seal |
Nava | boat |
Parigha | gate latch |
Setu | bridge |
Tada | mountain |
Tola | scales |
Vira | hero |
Vrksa | tree |
Glossary Of 77 Sanskrit Asana Terms & Pronunciation: With Memory Cues
Each term has a memory cue where I let the Sanskrit “pronounced” word (e.g. AH-doh) suggest a key image to me (e.g. Ah, dough). The more vivid you make the visualisation, the better the recall. So, read the memory cue, then close your eyes and use all your senses (e.g. smell Homer Simpson’s doughnut breath when recalling Ad-doh, and seeing his doughnut fly out of his hand as he falls downward).
You will still need to use repetition – repeating the memory cue several times in your head to commit it to memory. And, if you really want to improve your recall, muster the discipline to practice the memory cues daily for the next 30 days.
I haven’t completed all the memory cues because they work best when you create your own. Use my memory cues as a guide for creating your own.
The syllable to put the emphasis on is CAPITALISED (e.g. “Asta” which is pronounced “AH-stah” has the emphasis on the first syllable).
Sanskrit | Pronounce | EnglishĀ | Memory Cue |
---|---|---|---|
Adho | AH-doh | Downward | Ad-doh sounds like Ah Doh. Imagine you’re a 200-foot-tall yellow Homer Simpson saying “Ah Doh” as you trip over a half-eaten doughnut and fall “downward”. |
Agni | AHG-nee | Fire | AHG-nee sounds like agony. Imagine being in “agony” because your knee is on “fire”. |
Ananta | ah-NAHN-tah | Eternal | ah-NAHN-tah sounds like a nun. Imagine Mother Teressa, “a nun”, floating up to “eternal” heaven and saying “tah” (thanks) when the gates to heaven are opened. |
Ange | UHN-guh | Limb | UHN-guh sounds like hungry. Imagine you’re so “hungry” that you start eating your own “limb” (e.g. arm). |
Apana | ah-PAH-nah | Energy flow | Ah-PAH-nah sounds like a panda. Imagine “a panda” moving as “energetically” (which they never do). |
Ardha | AH-rduh | Half | AH-rduh sounds like harder. Imagine it’s “harder” to eat “half” rations a day when you’re on a diet. |
Asana | uh-SAH-nuh | Pose | Uh-SAH-nuh sounds like sauna. Imagine practising Down Dog “pose” in a hot “sauna”. |
Asta | AH-stah | Eight | AH-stah sounds like what Arnold Schwarzenegger says in Terminator. Imagine Arnold saying “Hasta La Vista Baby” because you started your yoga practice at 8 pm. |
Baddha | bah-dah | Bound | bah-dah sounds like bad day. Imagine having a “bad day” because a robber has snuck into your house and “bound” you with rope. |
Bheka | BAY-kah | Frog | |
Bhuja | bhoo-jah | Arm | |
Bhujanga | boo-jahn-guh | Cobra | |
Chandra | chuhn-druh | Moon | |
Chatur | cha-tuhr | Four | |
Danda | DAHN-dah | Staff | |
Dhanu | dhuh-noo | Bow | |
Dwi | dwee | Two | |
Eka | EH-kah | One, Single | |
Garbha | GAR-buh | Womb | |
Garuda | guh-ROO-dah | Eagle | |
Go | goh | Cow | |
Gomukha | go-MOO-kah | Cow Face | |
Goraksa | go-RAHK-sha | Cowherd | |
Hala | huh-luh | Plow, Plough | |
Hasta | HUH-stuh | Hand | |
Janu | jah-noo | Knee | |
Kapota | kuh-POH-tuh | Pigeon | |
Karna | KAHR-nuh | Ear | |
Kona | KOH-nuh | Angle | |
Kraunca | krown-CHA | Heron | |
Kurma | KUR-mah | Tortoise | |
Kukkuta | koo-koo-tah | Cock/Rooster | |
Lola | LOH-luh | Pendant/Swinging | |
Mala | MAH-luh | Garland | |
Matsya | maht-syah | Fish | |
Mayura | my-YOU-ruh | Peacock | |
Mukha | MOO-khuh | Face | |
Namaskar | nuh-muh-skuhr | Greeting | |
Nava | nuh-vuh | Boat | |
Nidra | NEE-druh | Sleep | |
Pada | puh-dah | Foot/Leg | |
Padangustha | pah-duhng-goosh-tuh | Big Toe | |
Padma | PUHD-muh | Lotus | |
Parigha | puh-REE-guh | Gate | |
Paripurna | pah-ree-POOR-nuh | Full | |
Parsva | PARSH-vuh | Sideways | |
Paschima | pash-chee-maa | Back, West | |
Pasa | PAH-suh | Noose | |
Pida | PEE-duh | Pressure | |
Pincha | Pin-cha | Tail feather | |
Prasarita | pruh-suh-REE-tuh | Spread/Stretched Out | |
Purvo | poo-roh | East/Front of body | |
Raja | RAH-juh | King/Royal | |
Salamba | suh-LAHM-buh | With support | |
Sarva | SAR-vah | Whole | |
Setu | say-too | Bridge | |
Sirsa | sheer-SHAH | Head | |
Stambha | stuhm-bhuh | Log | |
Sukha | soo-KAH | Easy | |
Surya | soor-yah | Sun | |
Svan | svahn | Dog | |
Tada | tah-dah | Mountain | |
Tittibha | tit-tee-BAH-suh-nuh | Firefly | |
Tola | to-la | Scales | |
Tri | tree | Three | |
Upavista | oo-puh-VEES-tuh | Seated | |
Urdhva | oor-dvuh | Upward | |
Ustra | OOS-trah | Camel | |
Utkata | OOT-KAH-tuh | Awkward/Fierce | |
Uttana | oot-TAH-nuh | Intense/Stretch | |
Utthita | oo-TEE-tah | Extended | |
Vajra | VAHJ-ruh | Lightning bolt | |
Vatayana | va-ta-YAH-nuh | Horse | |
Viparita | vee-puh-REE-tuh | Inverted/Reverse | |
Vira | VEE-ruh | Brave/Hero | |
Vrksa | vrik-SHA | Tree | |
Vrschika | vrish-chi-kah | Scorpian |
George’s Conclusion
Phew! Well done for practising your Asana Sanskrit pronunciation. When you start remembering the Sanskrit for the Asanas that you teach, you’ll be much more confident when teaching your classes.
Keep repeating the pronunciation for each Asana over and over and over and over and over and over again while using the Memory Palace technique. Learning how to pronounce Asaanas in Sanskrit is just like a Yoga practice. You need to practice, practice, practice.
You can access all 101 of the Asanas (and 3000+ more) by going to my free Yoga Pose Directory. Each Asana includes a Yoga stick figure, video, Sanskrit name, English name, modifications, precautions and teaching tips. The Yoga Pose Directory also has hundreds of pranayama, mudras, meditations, mantras, and guided relaxations.
And if you’re a yoga teacher and want to streamline your yoga lesson planning process, check out my online Yoga Genie Lesson Planner.