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.

George WattsWelcome 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

Part II: How To Recall Asanas In Sanskrit Using The Memory Palace

Glossary

Conclusion

Part I: How To Pronounce Asanas In Sanskrit. 101 Asanas. 101 Pronunciations.

How To Pronounce Asanas In Sanskrit
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:

  1. Bharadvaja’s Twist (Bharadvajasana): “bah-rud-vaa-JAA-suh-nuh” (audio)
  2. Big Toe Pose (Padangusthasana): “pah-dahn-goose-TAHS-uh-nuh”
  3. Boat Pose (Navasana) : “nah-VAHS-uh-nuh”
  4. Bound Angle Pose / Butterfly / Cobbler / Throne (Baddha Konasana) : ā€œBAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  5. Bound Extended Side Angle (Baddha Utthita Parsvakonasana) : ā€œBAH-dah oo-TEE-tah parsh-vah-cone-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  6. Bound Revolved Side Angle (Parivrtta Baddha Parsvakonasana): ā€œpar-ee-vrit-tah BAH-dah parsh-vah-cone-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  7. Bound Triangle Pose (Baddha Trikonasana): “BAH-dah tree-koh-NAH-suh-nuh”
  8. Bow Pose (Dhanurasana): ā€œDAHN-yur-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  9. Bridge Pose (Dwi Pada Pitham) : “DWI pah-DAH PIT-ham”
  10. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana): ā€œSAY-too BAHN-duh SAR-vahn-GAHS-uh-nuhā€
  11. Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana) : ā€œBAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  12. Butterfly Twist Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana) : ā€œAHR-duh MOTS-yen-DRAHS-uh-nuhā€
  13. Camel Pose (Ustrasana): ā€œOOSH-trah-suh-nuhā€
  14. Cat Pose (Marjaryasana): ā€œmar-jar-ee-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  15. Chair Pose (Utkatasana) : “oot-kah-TAHS-uh-nuh”
  16. Child’s Pose (Balasana): ā€œbah-LAHS-uh-nuhā€
  17. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): ā€œboo-jang-GAHS-uh-nuhā€
  18. Corpse Pose (Savasana): ā€œshuh-VAHS-uh-nuhā€
  19. Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana): ā€œgo-moo-KHAHS-uh-nuhā€
  20. Cradle Baby Pose (Hindolasana) : “hin-doh-LAHS-uh-nuh”
  21. Crane Pose (Bakasana): ā€œbah-KAHS-uh-nuhā€
  22. Crocodile Pose (Makarasana): ā€œmah-kah-RAHS-uh-nuhā€
  23. Crow Pose (Kakasana): ā€œKAH-kuh-suh-nuhā€
  24. Dead Bug Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) : “SOOP-tuh BAH-duh KOH-nuh-suh-nuh”
  25. Dolphin Pose (Ardha Pincha Mayurasana): ā€œARE-duh PEEK-cha my-your-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  26. Downward-Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana): ā€œAH-doh MOO-kuh shvah-NAHS-uh-nuhā€
  27. Eagle Pose (Garudasana): ā€œgah-rue-DAHS-uh-nuhā€
  28. Easy Pose (Sukhasana): ā€œsoo-KAH-suh-nuhā€
  29. Easy Side Bend (Parsva Sukhasana): “PARSH-vah soo-KAH-suh-nuh”
  30. Eye Of The Needle Pose (Sucirandhrasana): ā€œsoo-chee-rahn-drah-suh-nuhā€
  31. Extended Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana): “oo-TAH-nuh shee-SHO-suh-nuh”
  32. Extended Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana): ā€œoo-TEE-tah tree-koh-NAHS-uh-nuhā€
  33. Fish Pose (Matsyasana): ā€œmaht-see-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  34. Four Limbed Staff Pose (Chaturanga Dandasana): ā€œchah-tur-ANG-uh don-DAHS-uh-nuhā€
  35. Frog Pose (Bhekasana): ā€œbhek-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  36. Garland Pose (Malasana): ā€œmah-LAHS-uh-nuhā€
  37. Gate Pose (Parighasana): ā€œpuh-REE-guh-suh-nuhā€
  38. Half Boat Pose (Ardha Navasana): ā€œARE-dah nah-vahs-uh-nuhā€
  39. Half Butterfly Pose (Ardha Badha Konasana): ā€œARE-dah BAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  40. Half Frog pose (Ardha Bhekasana): “Are-dah bee-kahs-uh-nuh”
  41. Half Happy Baby Pose (Ardha Ananda Balasana): “ARE-dah ah-NAHN-dah BAH-lah-SAH-nah”
  42. Half Lord of the Fishes Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana): ā€œARE-duh maht-see-en-DRAHS-uh-nuhā€
  43. Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana): ā€œARE-duh chahn-DRAHS-uh-nuhā€
  44. Half Pigeon Pose (Ardha Kapotasana): ā€œARE-duh kah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuhā€
  45. Half Shoulderstand Pose (Ardha Sarvangasana): ā€œARE-dah shar-vahn-GAHS-uh-nuhā€
  46. Handstand Pose (Adho Mukha Vrksasana): “AH-doh MOO-kuh vrik-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
  47. Happy Baby Pose (Ananda Balasana): ā€œuh-NAHN-duh BAH-lah-suh-nuhā€
  48. Hare Pose (Shashankasana): ā€œshuh-SHUN-kuh-suh-nuhā€
  49. Headstand Pose (Sirsasana): ā€œsheer-SHAHS-uh-nuhā€
  50. Head to Knee Pose (Janu Sirsasana): ā€œjah-NEW shear-SHAHS-uh-nuhā€
  51. Hero Pose (Virasana): ā€œveer-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  52. Heron Pose (Krounchasana): ā€œkrow-CHAN-uh-suh-nuhā€
  53. King Pigeon Pose (Kapotasana): ā€œkah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuhā€
  54. Knee To Ear Pose (Karnapidasana): ā€œkar-nuh-pee-DAHS-uh-nuhā€
  55. Kneeling Half Moon Pose (Ardha Chandrasana) : ā€œARE-dah chan-DRAHS-uh-nuhā€
  56. Knees to Chest Pose (Apanasana) : “ah-pah-nah-suh-nuh”
  57. Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose (Viparita Karani): ā€œvip-par-ee-tah kah-RAH-neeā€
  58. Lion Pose (Simhasana): ā€œsim-HAHS-uh-nuhā€
  59. Lizard Lunge Pose (Utthan Pristhasana): ā€œoo-TAHN prish-TAHS-uh-nuhā€
  60. Locust Pose (Salabhasana): ā€œsha-la-BAHS-uh-nuhā€
  61. Lord of the Dance Pose (Natarajasana) : ā€œnot-ah-raj-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  62. Lotus Pose (Padmasana) : ā€œpod-MAHS-annaā€
  63. Low Lunge Pose (Anjaneyasana) : ā€œAHN-jah-nay-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  64. Marichi Pose (Marichyasana) : ā€œmah-ree-chee-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  65. Monkey Splits Pose (Hanumanasana) : ā€œhah-new-MAH-nah-suh-nuhā€
  66. Mountain Pose (Tadasana) : ā€œtah-DAHS-annaā€
  67. Noose Pose (Pasasana) : ā€œpah-SHAHS-annaā€
  68. One Handed Tiger Pose (Upavistha Eka Pada Pavanamuktasana) : oo-pah-VEESH-tah EH-kuh PAH-duh puh-vuh-NAHM-ook-TAHS-uh-nuh
  69. One-Legged Tiger Pose (Eka Pada Vyaghrasana): “EH-kah PAH-dah vee-AH-grah-suh-nuh”
  70. Peacock Pose (Mayurasana): “my-your-AHS-uh-nuh”
  71. Pigeon Pose (Kapotasana) : ā€œkah-poh-TAHS-annaā€
  72. Plank Pose (Phalakasana) : ā€œpah-LAH-kah-suh-nuhā€
  73. Plough / Plow Pose (Halasana) : ā€œhah-LAHS-annaā€
  74. Prayer Squat Pose (Namaste Malasana) : ā€œnah-mah-STAY mah-LAHS-annaā€
  75. Prostration Pose (Naman Pranamasana) : “nah-MAHN prah-nuh-MAHS-uh-nuh”
  76. Pyramid Pose (Parsvottanasana) : ā€œparsh-voh-tahn-AHS-annaā€
  77. Rabbit Pose (Sasangasana) : ā€œsha-SANG-gah-suh-nuhā€
  78. Reclined Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose A (Supta Padangusthasana A): ā€œSOOP-tuh pah-DAHN-goo-stahs-uh-nuhā€
  79. Reclined Hero Pose (Supta Virasana): “SOOP-tuh veer-AHS-uh-nuh”
  80. Reverse Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana): “EH-kah PAH-dah rah-JAH-kah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
  81. Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose (Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana): “PAHR-ee-VREE-tah JAH-noo shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
  82. Revolved Triangle Pose (Parivrtta Trikonasana) : ā€œpar-ee-vrit-tah tree-koh-NAHS-annaā€
  83. Revolved Staff Pose (Parivritta Dandasana): par-ee-vrit-tah dahn-dah-suh-nuh
  84. Revolved Seated Angle Pose (Parivrtta Upavistha Konasana): ā€œpa-ree-VRI-tah oo-pah-VEESH-tah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  85. Sage Pose (Marichyasana): ā€œmah-REE-chee-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  86. Sage Koundinya Pose (Eka Pada Koundinyasana) : ā€œeh-kah pah-dah koon-dee-nee-AHS-annaā€
  87. Sage Twist Pose (Marichyasana III): ā€œmah-REE-chee-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  88. Scorpion Pose (Vrschikasana) : ā€œvrik-SHAHS-annaā€
  89. Seated Forward Bend Pose (Paschimottanasana) : ā€œPOSH-ee-moh-tahn-AHS-annaā€
  90. Shoulderstand Pose (Sarvangasana) : ā€œsar-van-GAHS-annaā€
  91. Side Plank (Vasisthasana) : ā€œVAH-shees-THAH-suh-nuhā€
  92. Staff Pose (Dandasana): ā€œdahn-DAHS-uh-nuhā€
  93. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) : ā€œtrik-cone-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  94. Upward Bow (Urdhva Dhanurasana) : ā€œOORD-vah don-your-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  95. Upward Facing Dog Pose (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana) : ā€œOORD-vah MOO-kuh shvan-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  96. Upward Plank Pose (Purvottanasana): “poor-voh-tuhn-AHS-uh-nuh”
  97. Warrior I, II, III Pose (Virabhadrasana) : ā€œveer-uh-buh-DRAHS-uh-nuhā€
  98. Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend (Upavistha Konasana) : ā€œoo-pah-VEESH-tah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  99. Wheel Pose (Chakrasana) : ā€œchahk-RAHS-uh-nuhā€
  100. Wind Relieving Pose (Pavanamuktasana) : ā€œPAH-vuh-nuh-mook-tuh-suh-nuhā€
  101. 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:

  1. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose): ā€œAH-doh MOO-kuh shvah-NAHS-uh-nuhā€
  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): ā€œuh-NAHN-duh BAH-lah-suh-nuhā€
  5. Anantasana (Side-Reclining Leg Lift Pose): “ah-nahn-TAHS-uh-nuh-suh-nuh”
  6. Anjaneyasana (Low Lunge Pose): ā€œAHN-jah-nay-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  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): ā€œARE-dah BAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  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): ā€œARE-duh chahn-DRAHS-uh-nuhā€
  13. Ardha Kapotasana (Half Pigeon Pose): ā€œARE-duh kah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuhā€
  14. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose): ā€œARE-duh maht-see-en-DRAHS-uh-nuhā€
  15. Ardha Navasana (Half Boat Pose): ā€œARE-dah nah-vahs-uh-nuhā€
  16. Ardha Padangusthasana A (Reclined Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose A): ā€œSOOP-tuh pah-DAHN-goo-stahs-uh-nuhā€
  17. Ardha Parsvottanasana (Pyramid Pose): ā€œparsh-voh-tahn-AHS-annaā€
  18. Ardha Pincha Mayurasana (Dolphin Pose): ā€œARE-duh PEEK-cha my-your-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  19. Ardha Rajakapotasana (Reverse Pigeon Pose): “EH-kah PAH-dah rah-JAH-kah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuh”
  20. Ardha Sarvangasana (Half Shoulderstand Pose): ā€œARE-dah shar-vahn-GAHS-uh-nuhā€
  21. Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose, Butterfly Pose): ā€œBAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  22. Baddha Trikonasana (Bound Triangle Pose): “BAH-dah tree-koh-NAH-suh-nuh”
  23. Baddha Utthita Parsvakonasana (Bound Extended Side Angle): ā€œBAH-dah oo-TEE-tah parsh-vah-cone-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  24. Bakasana (Crane Pose): ā€œbah-KAHS-uh-nuhā€
  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): ā€œboo-jang-GAHS-uh-nuhā€
  29. Bhekasana (Frog Pose): ā€œbhek-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  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) : ā€œchahk-RAHS-uh-nuhā€
  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) : ā€œeh-kah pah-dah koon-dee-nee-AHS-annaā€
  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): ā€œgah-rue-DAHS-uh-nuhā€
  45. Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose): “go-moo-KHAHS-uh-nuh”
  46. Halasana (Plow Pose): ā€œhah-LAHS-uh-nuhā€
  47. Hanuman asana (Monkey Pose or Splits Pose): ā€œhah-noo-MAHN-uh-suh-nuhā€
  48. Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend): “jah-new shear-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
  49. Kapotasana (King Pigeon Pose) : ā€œkah-poh-TAHS-uh-nuhā€
  50. Karnapidasana (Knee To Ear Pose) : ā€œkar-nuh-pee-DAHS-uh-nuhā€
  51. Krounchasana (Heron Pose): “kroon-CHAHS-uh-nuh”
  52. Kukkutasana (Rooster Pose): “koo-koo-TAHS-uh-nuh”
  53. Lolasana (Swinging Pose): ā€œloh-lahs-uh-nuhā€
  54. Malasana (Garland Pose): “mah-LAHS-uh-nuh”
  55. Marjaryasana (Cat Pose): “mar-jar-YAHS-uh-nuh”
  56. Marichyasana III (Sage Twist Pose) : ā€œmah-REE-chee-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  57. Matsyasana (Fish Pose): ā€œmaht-see-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  58. Namaste Malasana (Prayer Squat Pose) : ā€œnah-mah-STAY mah-LAHS-annaā€
  59. Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose): ā€œnot-ah-raj-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  60. Navasana (Boat Pose): ā€œnah-VAHS-uh-nuhā€
  61. Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose): ā€œnot-ah-raj-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  62. Padangusthasana (Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose): ā€œpah-dahn-goose-TAHS-uh-nuhā€
  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): ā€œPARSH-vah BAH-kah-suh-nuhā€
  66. Parsvottanasana (Intense Side Stretch Pose): ā€œparsh-voh-tahn-AHS-annaā€
  67. Pasasana (Noose Pose): “pah-SHAHS-uh-nuh”
  68. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend Pose): ā€œPOSH-ee-moh-tahn-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  69. Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose) : ā€œPAH-vuh-nuh-mook-tuh-suh-nuhā€
  70. Pincha Mayurasana (Feathered Peacock Pose or Forearm Stand Pose): ā€œPEEN-chuh my-your-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  71. Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Forward Fold Pose): “PRAH-sah-REE-tah pah-doh-tahn-AHS-uh-nuh”
  72. Purvottanasana (Upward Plank Pose): ā€œpurr-voh-tahn-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  73. Salabhasana (Locust Pose): ā€œshah-lah-BAHS-uh-nuhā€
  74. Sashtang Pranam (Prostration Pose) : “shahsh-tang prah-nahm”
  75. Savasana (Corpse Pose): ā€œshah-VAHS-uh-nuhā€
  76. Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose): ā€œSAY-too BAHN-dah sar-vahn-GAHS-uh-nuh-suh-nuhā€
  77. Shalabhasana (Locust Pose): ā€œsha-lah-BAHS-uh-nuhā€
  78. Siddhasana (Accomplished Pose): ā€œsid-DAHS-uh-nuhā€
  79. Simhasana (Lion Pose): ā€œsim-HAHS-uh-nuhā€
  80. Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose): ā€œSOOP-tuh BAH-dah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  81. Supta Padangusthasana (Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose): ā€œSOOP-tuh pah-DAHN-goo-stahs-uh-nuhā€
  82. Supta Virasana (Reclined Hero Pose) : “SOOP-tuh veer-AHS-uh-nuh”
  83. Tadasana (Mountain Pose): ā€œtah-DAHS-uh-nuhā€
  84. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose): ā€œtree-koh-NAH-suh-nuhā€
  85. Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose or Wheel Pose): ā€œOORD-vah dahn-yoor-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  86. Urdhva Hastasana (Upward Salute or Mountain Pose): ā€œOORD-vah hahs-TAHS-uh-nuh-suh-nuhā€
  87. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog Pose): ā€œOORD-vah MOO-kuh shvah-NAHS-uh-nuh-suh-nuhā€
  88. Utthan Pristhasana (Lizard Pose) : ā€œoo-TAHN prish-TAHS-uh-nuhā€
  89. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold Pose): ā€œoo-tahn-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  90. Uttitha Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose): ā€œoo-TEE-tah parsh-vah-cone-AHS-uh-nuh-suh-nuhā€
  91. Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose): ā€œvahj-RAHS-uh-nuhā€
  92. Vasisthasana (Side Plank Pose): ā€œvah-shees-TAHS-uh-nuhā€
  93. Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-Wall Pose): ā€œvip-uh-REE-tuh kah-RAH-neeā€
  94. Virabhadrasana I (Warrior Pose I): ā€œveer-uh-bah-DRAHS-uh-nuhā€
  95. Virabhadrasana II (Warrior Pose II): ā€œveer-uh-bah-DRAHS-uh-nuhā€
  96. Virabhadrasana III (Warrior Pose III): ā€œveer-uh-bah-DRAHS-uh-nuhā€
  97. Vrikshasana (Tree Pose): ā€œvrik-SHAHS-uh-nuhā€
  98. Vrschikasana (Scorpion Pose) : ā€œvrik-SHAHS-annaā€
  99. Ustrasana (Camel Pose): ā€œooh-STRAHS-uh-nuhā€
  100. Adho Mukha Virasana (Downward-Facing Hero Pose): ā€œAH-doh MOO-kuh veer-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  101. Upavistha Konasana (Seated Wide-Legged Forward Fold Pose): ā€œoo-pah-VEESH-tah cone-AHS-uh-nuhā€
Asana Sanskrit Names & Pronunciations Organised By STANDING

Pronounce Dancer Pose In 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 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”

 

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

 

 

  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): ā€œmahr-jahr-ee-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  5. Cat Cow Pose (Marjaryasana Bitilasana): ā€œmahr-jahr-ee-AHS-uh-nuh bee-tee-LAHS-uh-nuhā€
  6. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) : “boo-jahn-GAHS-uh-nuh”
  7. Crocodile Pose (Makarasana): ā€œmah-kah-RAHS-uh-nuhā€
  8. Fish Pose (Matsyasana) : “maht-see-AHS-uh-nuh”
  9. Half Bow Pose (Ardha Dhanurasana): ā€œARE-dah don-your-AHS-uh-nuhā€
  10. King Pigeon Pose (Rajakapotasana): ā€œrah-JAH-cuh-poh-TAHS-uh-nuhā€
  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): ā€œchah-maht-kahr-AHS-uh-nuhā€

 

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”
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:

  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): ā€œbah-KAHS-uh-nuhā€
  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): ā€œtiht-tihb-BAHS-uh-nuhā€
  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”
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”:

  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)Ā 

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”

Part II: How To Recall Asanas In Sanskrit: Memory Palace

Memory Palace Recall Asanas In Sanskrit
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)

Easy Boat Pose Boat Pose Memory Cues

 

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)

Bound Angle Pose Bound Angle Pose Memory Cue

 

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)

Cow Pose Bitilasana Cow Pose Memory Cue

 

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)

Cow Face Pose Gomukhasana Cowface Pose Pronounce Asanas In Sanskrit

 

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 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

 

Glossary Of 77 Sanskrit Asana Terms & Pronunciation: With Memory Cues
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 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

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.

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