Garudasana {Eagle Pose}-Steps And Benefits

The name of garudasana comes from the Sanskrit words garuda meaning “eagle”, and asana meaning “posture” or “seat”.In Hindu mythology Garuda  is known as the king of birds. He transports the God Vishnu and is eager to help humanity fight against demons. The word is usually rendered into English as “eagle,” though according to one dictionary the name literally means “devourer,” because Garuda was originally identified with the “all-consuming fire of the sun’s rays”.This standing asana may enhance concentration. It focuses on the ankles, calves, thighs, hips and shoulders.

Garudasana steps:-

• Stand straight on both feet. Raise the right leg and wrap it around the left leg
• The right thigh should be over the left thigh and the right feet will touch the calf muscles from behind

• Similarly wrap the right hand around the left hand.
• Now place the palms together to resemble the beak of an eagle.

• Try to maintain the balance and slowly bend the left leg and lower the body until right toes touch the ground.
• Try to remain in this pose for long as you can maintain the balance.

• Concentrate on balancing the body pose
• Now straighten the left leg and unwrapthe right leg. Also release the right arm and come to normal standing position,
• Relax for sometime and repeat the same process.

Benefits of Garudasana :-

• It enhances the sense of balance of the body.
• It also strengthen the muscles of the legs.
• It can loosen the joints of the legs
• It alleviates sciatica and rheumatism in the leg joints.