Yoga often draws inspiration from nature. Among its many influences, birds hold a special place, symbolizing freedom, grace, and connection with the sky. Bird-inspired asanas, or poses, not only evoke the beauty and agility of our feathered friends but also bring a deeper sense of balance and focus to our practice. From the majestic Eagle Pose to the peaceful Pigeon Pose, each bird-named asana carries unique benefits and symbolism. Join us as we take flight through the world of bird-inspired yoga poses and the origin of their names. 

1. Kakasana

• Sanskrit: काकासन

• Breakdown: Kaka (काक) – Crow, Asana (आसन) – Pose

• English: Crow Pose

2. Garudasana

• Sanskrit: गरुडासन

• Breakdown: Garuda (गरुड) – Eagle, Asana (आसन) – Pose

• English: Eagle Pose

3. Mayurasana

• Sanskrit: मयूरासन

• Breakdown: Mayura (मयूर) – Peacock, Asana (आसन) – Pose

• English: Peacock Pose

4. Hamsasana

• Sanskrit: हंसासन

• Breakdown: Hamsa (हंस) – Swan, Asana (आसन) – Pose

• English: Swan Pose

5. Bakasana

• Sanskrit: बकासन

• Breakdown: Baka (बक) – Crane, Asana (आसन) – Pose

• English: Crane Pose

6. Kukkutasana

• Sanskrit: कुक्कुटासन

• Breakdown: Kukkuta (कुक्कुट) – Rooster, Asana (आसन) – Pose

• English: Rooster Pose

7. Krounchasana

• Sanskrit: क्रौञ्चासन

• Breakdown: Krouncha (क्रौञ्च) – Heron, Asana (आसन) – Pose

• English: Heron Pose

8. Kakrakasana

• Sanskrit: कक्रकासन

• Breakdown: Kakraka (कक्रक) – Sparrow, Asana (आसन) – Pose

• English: Sparrow Pose

9. Kokilakasana

• Sanskrit: कोकिलकासन

• Breakdown: Kokila (कोकिल) – Cuckoo, Asana (आसन) – Pose

• English: Cuckoo Pose

10. Kapinjalasana

• Sanskrit: कपिञ्जलासन

• Breakdown: Kapinjala (कपिञ्जल) – Partridge (though a bird, this can be included for variety), Asana (आसन) – Pose

• English: Partridge Pose 

11. Shikrasana

• Sanskrit: शिक्रासन

• Breakdown: Shikra (शिक्र) – Hawk, Asana (आसन) – Pose

• English: Hawk Pose

12. Kapotasana

• Sanskrit: कपोतासन

• Breakdown: Kapota (कपोत) – Pigeon, Asana (आसन) – Pose

• English: Pigeon Pose

Keep an eye open for our upcoming blog posts where we will break down each of the bird’s name asanas in detail, exploring their benefits, techniques, and tips for your practice. Don’t miss out on these insightful deep dives! Join our newsletter to get the latest updates, exclusive content, and more delivered straight to your inbox.