Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Ashwa Sanchalanasana Mean?
Ashwa sanchalanasana is a low lunge posture with the chest lifted while the palms remain grounded on either side of the front foot. The name comes from the Sanskrit words ashva, meaning “horse,” sanchalana, meaning “stepping movement” (like a march) and asana, meaning “seat."
Ashwa sanchalanasana is the fourth and ninth posture in Surya Namaskar. It is believed to increase confidence, willpower and determination.
The English name for ashwa sanchalanasana is equestrian pose.
Yogapedia Explains Ashwa Sanchalanasana
Ashwa sanchalanasana provides a range of physical benefits and is also considered a balancing posture because the spine lengthens upwards while the hands are grounded. These opposing movements teach the practitioner about equalizing opposite forces in order to create stability. This lesson can also be applied to the balance between the forces of intellect/logic and the more intuitive forces of nature.
This posture should be practiced with a focus on the ajna, or third eye, chakra. A mantra can also be chanted out loud or silently during this posture. The corresponding mantras for ashwa sanchalanasana are "Aum Bhanave namah," meaning “Salutations to Bhaanu, the shining one," or the shorter bija mantra, “Om Hraym.”
This posture is thought to stimulate the anahata, manipura and svadisthana chakras.
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