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 Sanskrit  name:

1. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose): “AH-doh MOO-kuh shvah-NAHS-uh-nuh”
2. Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Handstand Pose): “AH-doh MOO-kuh vrik-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
3. Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose): “ag-ni-STAHM-bhah-suh-nuh”
4. Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose): “uh-NAHN-duh BAH-lah-suh-nuh”
5. Anantasana (Side-Reclining Leg Lift Pose): “ah-nahn-TAHS-uh-nuh-suh-nuh”
6. Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge Pose): “AHN-jah-nay-AHS-uh-nuh”
7. Apanasana (Knees-to-Chest Pose): “ah-pahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
8. Ardha Ananda Balasana (Half Happy Baby Pose): “ARE-dah ah-NAHN-dah BAH-lah-SAH-nah”
9. Ardha Badha Konasana (Half Butterfly Pose): “ARE-dah BAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuh”
10. Ardha Badha Padma Paschimottanasana (Half Bound Lotus Forward Bend Pose): “ARE-duh BAH-dah PAHD-mah POSH-ee-moh-tahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
11. Ardha Bhekasana (Half Frog Pose): “Are-dah bee-kahs-uh-nuh”
12. Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose): “ARE-duh chahn-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
13. Ardha Kapotasana (Half Pigeon Pose): “ARE-duh kah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
14. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose): “ARE-duh maht-see-en-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
15. Ardha Navasana (Half Boat Pose): “ARE-dah nah-vahs-uh-nuh”
16. Ardha Padangusthasana A (Reclined Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose A): “SOOP-tuh pah-DAHN-goo-stahs-uh-nuh”
17. Ardha Parsvottanasana (Pyramid Pose): “parsh-voh-tahn-AHS-anna”
18. Ardha Pincha Mayurasana (Dolphin Pose): “ARE-duh PEEK-cha my-your-AHS-uh-nuh”
19. Ardha Rajakapotasana (Reverse Pigeon Pose): “EH-kah PAH-dah rah-JAH-kah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
20. Ardha Sarvangasana (Half Shoulderstand Pose): “ARE-dah shar-vahn-GAHS-uh-nuh”
21. Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose, Butterfly Pose): “BAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuh”
22. Baddha Trikonasana (Bound Triangle Pose): “BAH-dah tree-koh-NAH-suh-nuh”
23. Baddha Utthita Parsvakonasana (Bound Extended Side Angle): “BAH-dah oo-TEE-tah parsh-vah-cone-AHS-uh-nuh”
24. Bakasana (Crane Pose): “bah-KAHS-uh-nuh”
25. Balasana (Child’s Pose): “bah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
26. Bharadvajasana I (Bharadvaja’s Twist): “bah-rud-VAHJ-ahs-uh-nuh”
27. Bhekasana (Frog Pose): “bhek-AHS-uh-nuh”
28. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): “boo-jang-GAHS-uh-nuh”
29. Bhekasana (Frog Pose): “bhek-AHS-uh-nuh”
30. Bharadvajasana (Seated Twist Pose): “bah-rud-VAHJ-ah-suh-nuh”
31. Bitilasana (Cow Pose): “bee-tee-LAHS-uh-nuh”
32. Camatkarasana (Wild Thing Pose): “cha-maht-KAR-ah-suh-nuh”
33. Chakrasana (Wheel Pose) : “chahk-RAHS-uh-nuh”
34. Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose): “cha-tur-AHN-guh dahn-DAHS-uh-nuh”
35. Dandasana (Staff Pose): “dahn-DAHS-uh-nuh”
36. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose): “dahn-yur-AHS-uh-nuh”
37. Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana (Upward-Facing Two-Foot Staff Pose): “dwee-PAH-duh vee-puh-REE-tuh dahn-DAHS-uh-nuh”
38. Eka Hasta Bhujasana (Elephant Trunk Pose): “eh-kah HAHS-tuh boo-JAHS-uh-nuh”
39. Eka Pada Bakasana (One-Legged Crow Pose): “EH-kah PAH-dah BAH-kah-suh-nuh”
40. Eka Pada Koundinyasana (Sage Koundinya Pose) : “eh-kah pah-dah koon-dee-nee-AHS-anna”
41. Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (One-Legged King Pigeon Pose): “EH-kah PAH-dah rah-JAH-kah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
42. Eka Pada Sirsasana (One-Legged Headstand Pose): “EH-kah PAH-dah sheer-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
43. Garbha Pindasana (Embryo in the Womb Pose): “GAHR-bhah peen-DAHS-uh-nuh”
44. Garudasana (Eagle Pose): “gah-rue-DAHS-uh-nuh”
45. Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose): “go-moo-KHAHS-uh-nuh”
46. Halasana (Plow Pose): “hah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
47. Hanuman asana (Monkey Pose or Splits Pose): “hah-noo-MAHN-uh-suh-nuh”
48. Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend): “jah-new shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
49. Kapotasana (King Pigeon Pose) : “kah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
50. Karnapidasana (Knee To Ear Pose) : “kar-nuh-pee-DAHS-uh-nuh”
51. Krounchasana (Heron Pose): “kroon-CHAHS-uh-nuh”
52. Kukkutasana (Rooster Pose): “koo-koo-TAHS-uh-nuh”
53. Lolasana (Swinging Pose): “loh-lahs-uh-nuh”
54. Malasana (Garland Pose): “mah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
55. Marjaryasana (Cat Pose): “mar-jar-YAHS-uh-nuh”
56. Marichyasana III (Sage Twist Pose) : “mah-REE-chee-AHS-uh-nuh”
57. Matsyasana (Fish Pose): “maht-see-AHS-uh-nuh”
58. Namaste Malasana (Prayer Squat Pose) : “nah-mah-STAY mah-LAHS-anna”
59. Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose): “not-ah-raj-AHS-uh-nuh”
60. Navasana (Boat Pose): “nah-VAHS-uh-nuh”
61. Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose): “not-ah-raj-AHS-uh-nuh”
62. Padangusthasana (Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose): “pah-dahn-goose-TAHS-uh-nuh”
63. Padahastasana (Standing Forward Bend Pose): “pah-dah-hahs-TAHS-uh-nuh”
64. Parighasana (Gate Pose): “par-ee-GO-suh-nuh”
65. Parsva Bakasana (Side Crane Pose): “PARSH-vah BAH-kah-suh-nuh”
66. Parsvottanasana (Intense Side Stretch Pose): “parsh-voh-tahn-AHS-anna”
67. Pasasana (Noose Pose): “pah-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
68. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend Pose): “POSH-ee-moh-tahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
69. Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose) : “PAH-vuh-nuh-mook-tuh-suh-nuh”
70. Pincha Mayurasana (Feathered Peacock Pose or Forearm Stand Pose): “PEEN-chuh my-your-AHS-uh-nuh”
71. Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Forward Fold Pose): “PRAH-sah-REE-tah pah-doh-tahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
72. Purvottanasana (Upward Plank Pose): “purr-voh-tahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
73. Salabhasana (Locust Pose): “shah-lah-BAHS-uh-nuh”
74. Sashtang Pranam (Prostration Pose) : “shahsh-tang prah-nahm”
75. Savasana (Corpse Pose): “shah-VAHS-uh-nuh”
76. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose): “SAY-too BAHN-dah sar-vahn-GAHS-uh-nuh-suh-nuh”
77. Shalabhasana (Locust Pose): “sha-lah-BAHS-uh-nuh”
78. Siddhasana (Accomplished Pose): “sid-DAHS-uh-nuh”
79. Simhasana (Lion Pose): “sim-HAHS-uh-nuh”
80. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose): “SOOP-tuh BAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuh”
81. Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose): “SOOP-tuh pah-DAHN-goo-stahs-uh-nuh”
82. Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose) : “SOOP-tuh veer-AHS-uh-nuh”
83. Tadasana (Mountain Pose): “tah-DAHS-uh-nuh”
84. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose): “tree-koh-NAH-suh-nuh”
85. Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose or Wheel Pose): “OORD-vah dahn-yoor-AHS-uh-nuh”
86. Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute or Mountain Pose): “OORD-vah hahs-TAHS-uh-nuh-suh-nuh”
87. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog Pose): “OORD-vah MOO-kuh shvah-NAHS-uh-nuh-suh-nuh”
88. Utthan Pristhasana (Lizard Pose) : “oo-TAHN prish-TAHS-uh-nuh”
89. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold Pose): “oo-tahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
90. Uttitha Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose): “oo-TEE-tah parsh-vah-cone-AHS-uh-nuh-suh-nuh”
91. Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose): “vahj-RAHS-uh-nuh”
92. Vasisthasana (Side Plank Pose): “vah-shees-TAHS-uh-nuh”
93. Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-Wall Pose): “vip-uh-REE-tuh kah-RAH-nee”
94. Virabhadrasana I (Warrior Pose I): “veer-uh-bah-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
95. Virabhadrasana II (Warrior Pose II): “veer-uh-bah-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
96. Virabhadrasana III (Warrior Pose III): “veer-uh-bah-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
97. Vrikshasana (Tree Pose): “vrik-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
98. Vrschikasana (Scorpion Pose) : “vrik-SHAHS-anna”
99. Ustrasana (Camel Pose): “ooh-STRAHS-uh-nuh”
100. Adho Mukha Virasana (Downward-Facing Hero Pose): “AH-doh MOO-kuh veer-AHS-uh-nuh”
101. Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide-Legged Forward Fold Pose): “oo-pah-VEESH-tah cone-AHS-uh-nuh”

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

1. Dancer Pose (Natarajasana): “nah-tah-RAH-jah-suh-nuh”
2. Crescent Lunge Pose (Anjaneyasana) : “uhn-jahn-AY-uh-suh-nuh”
3. Reversed Warrior Pose (Viparita Virabhadrasana): “vee-pah-REE-tah veer-ah-bah-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
4. Standing Backbend Pose (Anuvittasana): “ah-noo-vee-TAH-suh-nuh”
5. Upward Bow Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana) : “OORD-vuh DAHN-yur-AHS-uh-nuh”

Standing Asanas: Balance

 

1. Crow Pose (Bakasana) : “bah-KAH-suh-nuh”
2. Dancer Pose (Natarajasana) : “nah-tuh-RAH-jah-suh-nuh”
3. Eagle Pose (Garudasana) : “gah-roo-DAHS-uh-nuh”
4. Extended Hand-To-Big-Toe Pose (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana) : “oo-TEE-tah HA-stuh puh-DANG-goosh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
5. Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana) : “ARE-duh chan-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
6. Side Plank Pose (Vasisthasana) : “vah-sish-TAHS-uh-nuh”
7. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) : “vrik-SHAH-suh-nuh”
8. Warrior I Pose (Virabhadrasana I) : “veer-uh-buh-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
9. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II) : “veer-uh-buh-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
10. Warrior III Pose (Virabhadrasana III) : “veer-uh-buh-DRAHS-uh-nuh”

 

Standing Asanas: Forward Bends

 

1. Bound Triangle Pose (Baddha Trikonasana): “Bound Try-koh-NAH-suh-nuh (Bah-dah)”
2. Dolphin Pose (Ardha Pincha Mayurasana): “ARE-dah PEECH-ah myoor-AHS-uh-nuh”
3. Downward Facing Dog pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana): “AH-doh MOO-kah shvah-NAH-suh-nuh”
4. Extended Side Angle Pose (Utthita Parsvakonasana): “oo-TEE-tah parsh-vah-ko-NAH-suh-nuh”
5. Gorilla Pose (Padahastasana): “pah-dah-hahs-TA-suh-nuh”
6. Halfway Lift Pose (Ardha Uttanasana): “ARE-dah ooh-tuhn-AHS-uh-nuh”
7. Intense Side Stretch Pose (Parsvottanasana) : “parsh-voh-tahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
8. Revolved Half Moon Pose (Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana): “pah-reev-RIT-tah ARE-dah chan-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
9. Revolved Wide-Legged Forward Bend (Parivrtta Prasarita Padottanasana): “pah-reev-RIT-tah prah-sah-REE-tah pah-doh-tahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
10. Squat Pose (Malasana) : “mah-lah-SAH-nuh”
11. Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana) : “oo-tuhn-AHS-uh-nuh”
12. Standing Head to Knee Pose (Dandayamana Janushirasana): “don-dah-yah-MAH-nah juh-noo-shee-RAHS-uh-nuh”
13. Standing Split Pose (Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana) : “OORD-vuh prah-suh-REE-tah EH-kah puh-DAH-suh-nuh”
14. Wide-Legged Forward Fold Pose (Prasarita Padottanasana) : “prah-suh-REE-tah pah-doh

 

Standing Asanas: Side Bends

 

1. Extended Side Angle Pose (Utthita Parsvakonasana) : “oo-TEE-tah parsh-vah-koh-NAHS-uh-nuh”
2. Extended Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana) : “oo-TEE-tah tree-koh-NAHS-uh-nuh”
3. Gate Pose (Parighasana) : “par-ee-GO-suh-nuh”
4. Revolved Triangle Pose (Parivrtta Trikonasana) : “par-ee-VRR-tah tree-koh-NAHS-uh-nuh”
5. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) : “tree-koh-NAHS-uh-nuh”

 

Standing Asanas: Twist + Abdominal Toners

 

1. Boat Pose (Navasana) : “nah-VAHS-uh-nuh”
2. Boat Pose Twist (Ardha Navasana) : “ARE-duh nah-VAHS-uh-nuh”
3. Chair Pose Twist (Parivrtta Utkatasana) : “par-ee-VRR-tah ut-kah-TAHS-uh-nuh”
4. Low Lunge Twist (Parivrtta Anjaneyasana) : “par-ee-VRR-tah uhn-jahn-AY-uh-suh-nuh”
5. Revolved Chair Pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana) : “par-ee-VRR-tah ut-kah-TAHS-uh-nuh”
6. Revolved Half Moon Pose (Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana) : “par-ee-VRR-tah ARE-duh chan-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
7. Seated Twist Pose (Bharadvajasana) : “bah-ruhd-vah-JAHS-uh-nuh”
8. Supine Twist Pose (Supta Matsyendrasana) : “soop-tah maht-see-en-DRAHS-uh-nuh”

 

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

 

 

1. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) : “say-too BAHN-duh sar-vuhn-GAHS-uh-nuh”
2. Bow Pose (Dhanurasana) : “DAHN-yur-AHS-uh-nuh”
3. Camel Pose (Ustrasana) : “OOS-truh-suh-nuh”
4. Cat Pose (Marjaryasana): “mahr-jahr-ee-AHS-uh-nuh”
5. Cat Cow Pose (Marjaryasana Bitilasana): “mahr-jahr-ee-AHS-uh-nuh bee-tee-LAHS-uh-nuh”
6. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) : “boo-jahn-GAHS-uh-nuh”
7. Crocodile Pose (Makarasana): “mah-kah-RAHS-uh-nuh”
8. Fish Pose (Matsyasana) : “maht-see-AHS-uh-nuh”
9. Half Bow Pose (Ardha Dhanurasana): “ARE-dah don-your-AHS-uh-nuh”
10. King Pigeon Pose (Rajakapotasana): “rah-JAH-cuh-poh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
11. Locust Pose (Salabhasana) : “sah-LAHB-hah-suh-nuh”
12. Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana) : “suh-LAHM-buh boo-jahn-GAHS-uh-nuh”
13. Upward Dog Pose (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana) : “oord-vuh MOO-kuh shvah-NAHS-uh-nuh”
14. Wheel Pose (Chakrasana) : “chuck-ruh-suh-nuh”
15. Wild Thing Pose (Camatkarasana): “chah-maht-kahr-AHS-uh-nuh”

 

Seated & Floor Asanas: Balance

 

1. Boat Pose (Navasana) : “nah-VAHS-uh-nuh”
2. Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana) : “BAH-duh cone-AHS-uh-nuh”
3. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) : “say-TOO bahn-DHAHS-uh-nuh”
4. Crane Pose (Bakasana) : “bah-KAHS-uh-nuh”
5. Crow Pose (Kakasana) : “kuh-KAHS-uh-nuh”
6. Firefly Pose (Tittibhasana) : “tit-tee-BAHS-uh-nuh”
7. Garland Pose (Malasana) : “mah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
8. Half Boat Pose (Ardha Navasana) : “ARE-duh nah-VAHS-uh-nuh”
9. Half Lotus Pose (Ardha Padmasana) : “ARE-duh pahd-MAHS-uh-nuh”
10. Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana) : “uh-NAHN-duh buh-LAHS-uh-nuh”
11. Head to Knee Pose (Janu Sirsasana) : “JAH-new shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
12. Legs up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani) : “vip-uh-REE-tuh kuh-RAHN-ee”
13. Lotus Pose (Padmasana) : “pahd-MAHS-uh-nuh”
14. Plow Pose (Halasana) : “hah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
15. Reclining Big Toe Pose (Supta Padangusthasana) : “SOOP-tah pah-dang-goosh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
16. Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana) : “pah-schim-oh-tan-AHS-uh-nuh”
17. Seated Wide Angle Pose (Upavistha Konasana) : “oo-pah-VEESH-tuh cone-AHS-uh-nuh”
18. Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) : “sar-vun-GAHS-uh-nuh”
19. Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana) : “SOOP-tuh maht-see-en-DRAHS-uh-nuh”
20. Wide-Legged Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana) : “prah-suh-REE-tah pah-doh-tan-AHS-uh-nuh”

 

Seated & Floor Asanas: Forward Bends

 

1. Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana) : “BAH-dah koh-NAH-suh-nuh”
2. Child’s Pose (Balasana) : “bah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
3. Head-to-Knee Forward Bend (Janu Sirsasana) : “JAH-noo shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
4. Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana) : “PAH-she-moh-tuhn-AHS-uh-nuh”
5. Wide-Legged Forward Fold (Upavistha Konasana) : “oo-puh-VISH-tuh koh-NAH-suh-nuh”

 

Seated & Floor Asanas: Inversion Asanas

 

1. Forearm Stand Pose (Pincha Mayurasana) : “PEEN-chah my-your-AHS-uh-nuh”
2. Handstand Pose (Adho Mukha Vrksasana) : “AH-doh MOO-kuh vrik-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
3. Headstand Pose (Sirsasana) : “shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
4. Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani) : “vee-puh-REE-tah kah-RAHN-ee”
5. Plough Pose (Halasana) : “hah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
6. Shoulder Stand Pose (Sarvangasana) : “sar-vuhn-GAHS-uh-nuh”
7. Supported Headstand (Salamba Sirsasana) : “suh-LAHM-buh sheer-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
8. Supported Shoulder Stand (Salamba Sarvangasana) : “suh-LAHM-buh sar-vuhn-GAHS-uh-nuh”
9. Tripod Headstand Pose (Sirsasana II) : “shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”

 

Seated & Floor Asanas: Side Bends

 

1. Gate Pose (Parighasana) : “puh-REE-guh-suh-nuh”
2. Seated Side Bend (Parsva Sukhasana) : “PARS-vuh soo-KAH-suh-nuh”
3. Extended Side Angle Pose (Utthita Parsvakonasana): “oo-TEE-tah PARSH-vuh-koh-

 

Seated & Floor Asanas: Twist & Abdominal Toners

 

1. Boat Pose (Navasana) : “nah-vah-suh-nuh”
2. Crow Pose (Bakasana) : “bah-KAH-suh-nuh”
3. Dolphin Pose (Ardha Pincha Mayurasana) : “ARE-duh PEEN-chuh my-YOO-ruh-suh-nuh”
4. Plank Pose (Phalakasana) : “phuh-luh-KAHS-uh-nuh”
5. Seated Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana) : “ARE-duh maht-see-en-DRAHS-uh-nuh”

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:

1. Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana) : “go-moo-KAHS-uh-nuh”
2. Cow Pose (Bitilasana) : “bee-tee-LAHS-uh-nuh”
3. Crab Pose (Catuspadapitham): “cha-thoosh-pa-da-PEET-ham”
4. Crow Pose (Bakasana): “bah-KAHS-uh-nuh”
5. Deer Pose (Mrigasana): “mree-GAHS-uh-nuh”
6. Dolphin Pose (Ardha Pincha Mayurasana): “ARE-dah PEEN-chah my-your-AHS-uh-nuh”
7. Dragonfly Pose (Maksikanagasana): “mock-see-KAN-uh-gah-suh-nuh”
8. Eagle Pose (Garudasana): “gah-rue-DAHS-uh-nuh”
9. Firefly Pose (Tittibhasana): “tiht-tihb-BAHS-uh-nuh”
10. Fish Pose (Matsyasana): “maht-see-AHS-uh-nuh”
11. Flying Crow Pose (Galavasana): “gah-lah-VAHS-uh-nuh”
12. Frog Pose (Bhekasana): “BAY-kah-suh-nuh”
13. Gorilla Pose (Padahastasana): “pah-dah-hah-stuh-suh-nuh”
14. Grasshopper Pose (Maksikanagasana): “mock-see-KAN-uh-gah-suh-nuh”
15. Heron Pose (Krounchasana): “kroun-CHAHS-uh-nuh”
16. Horse Pose (Vatayanasana): “vah-tah-yah-NAHS-uh-nuh”
17. Lion Pose (Simhasana): “sim-HAHS-uh-nuh”
18. Lizard Pose (Utthan Pristhasana): “OOTH-un prish-TAHS-uh-nuh”
19. Locust Pose (Salabhasana): “sha-la-BAHS-uh-nuh”
20. Monkey Pose (Hanumanasana): “hah-new-mahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
21. Pigeon Pose (Kapotasana): “kah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
22. Rabbit Pose (Sasangasana): “shah-SANG-gah-suh-nuh”
23. Scorpion Pose (Vrischikasana): “vrik-SHEE-kah-suh-nuh”
24. Seal Pose (Balasana): “bah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
25. Turtle Pose (Kurmasana): “koor-muh-SAH-nuh”

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”:

1. Cobra pose (BhujANGAsana): “boo-jahn-GAHS-uh-nuh”
2. Four-limbed staff pose (ChaturANGA Dandasana): “chuh-tur-ANG-uh dahn-DAHS-uh-nuh”
3. Nine-limbed Sun Salutation (Nava-ANGA Surya Namaskar): “nah-vuh-ANG-uh soo-ree-yuh nuh-muh-skar”
4. Shoulderstand pose (SarvANGAsana): “sar-vuhng-GAHS-uh-nuh”
5. Rabbit pose (SasANGAsana): “shah-suhng-GAHS-uh-nuh”

Bhuja: Arm (or Trunk Of Elephant) 

Here is a list of yoga asanas with the word “bhuja”, which is the Sanskrit word for “arm”:

1. Cobra pose (BHUJAngasana): “boo-jah-ang-gah-suh-nuh”
2. Extended shoulder-pressing pose A (BHUJApidasana A): “boo-jah-pee-dah-suh-nuh ey”
3. Extended shoulder-pressing pose B (BHUJApidasana B): “boo-jah-pee-dah-suh-nuh bee”
4. Grasshopper pose (BHUJA Dandasana): “boo-jah-dahn-duh-suh-nuh”
5. Shoulder-pressing pose (BHUJApidasana): “boo-jah-pee-dah-suh-nuh”
6. One-arm staff pose (Eka BHUJA dandasana): “ay-kuh boo-jah dahn-duh-suh-nuh”
7. 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”:

1. Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose (Utthita HASTA Padangusthasana): “oo-TEE-tuh hah-stuh puh-dahn-goosh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
2. Hand to Foot Pose (HASTA Padasana): “HAHS-tuh puh-DAH-suh-nuh”
3. Hand Under Foot Pose (PadaHASTAsana): “puh-duh-HAH-stuh-suh-nuh”
4. Raised Arms Pose (HASTA Uttanasana): “HAHS-tuh oo-tuhn-AHS-uh-nuh”
5. 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”:

1. Head-to-Knee Forward Bend Pose (Janu Sirsasana): “jah-new shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
2. Knee Bending Pose (Janu Namanasana): “jah-new nah-muh-NAH-suh-nuh-suh-nuh”
3. Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose (Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana): “pah-ree-VREE-tah jah-new shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”

Boat Pose (Navasana)

 

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)

 

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)

 

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)

 

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”.

 

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 Feature 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 Rama’s greatest devotees who came to his aid. Hanuman made huge leaps across the sea- first to find Sita and then to save Rama’s 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 Shiva’s 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

 

Here is a glossary of Sanskrit terms from A to Z with memory cues to recall them effortlessly.

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	English	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