Garudasana
Garuda means an eagle. It is also the name of the king of birds. Garuda
is represented as the vehicle of Visnu and as having a white face. An acquiline beak, red wings and a golden body.
Technique
1. Stand in Tadasan Bend the right knee.
2. Bring the left leg over the right thigh above the right knee and rest the back of the left thigh on
the front of the right thigh.
3. Then move the left foot behind the right calf so that the
left shin touches the riht calf and the left big toe hooks just above the inner
side of the right ankle. The left leg is now entwined around the right leg.
4. You are balancing on the right leg only, this will take some
time to learn.
5. Bend the elbow and raise the arms to the level of the chest.
Rest the right elbow on the front of the left upper arm near the elbow joint.
Then move the right hand back to the
right and the left hand back to the left
and join the palms. The left arm will now be entwined around the right arm. (
Plate 56)
6. Remain in this
position for a few seconds, say about 15 to 20 with deep breathing. Then
release the arms and legs and come back to Tadasana
7. Repeat the pose, standing on the left leg and entwining the
right leg around the left leg and the right arm around the left arm. Stay for
an equal length of time on both the sides.
Effects
This asana develops the ankles and removes
stiffness in the shoulders. It is recommended for preventing cramps in the calf
muscles. For removing cramps in the legs and for relieving pain the poses
recommended are Garudasana, Virasana ( Plate 89) and Bhekasana, also called
Mandukasana ( Plate 100), described later.
