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Parighasana

Last updated: December 21, 2023

What Does Parighasana Mean?

Parighasana is one of the simplest yoga postures for beginners to start with. The name is derived from the Sanskrit parigha, referring to the bar that closes a gate, and asana, meaning "posture." It offers a number of physical, mental and spiritual benefits to the practitioner despite its simplicity.

To enter this pose, the yogi kneels on the mat and stretches the right leg out to the side. The right arm rests on the right leg or ankle while the left arm is raised upward. More advanced practitioners may bend into a deeper position. This is then all repeated on the opposite side.

Parighasana is known in English as gate pose.

Parighasana

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Yogapedia Explains Parighasana

The opening up of the body in parighasana provides a number of benefits, both physical and mental. This asana stretches the sides, spine and hamstrings. It is also known to open the shoulders and stimulate a number of the body’s abdominal organs.

On a spiritual level, this asana is a good entry point into pranayama breathing exercises and meditation. Parighasana also works to open up the muladhara (root), manipura (solar plexus) and anahata (heart) chakras. Energizing these chakras increases the practitioner's sense of groundedness, stability, emotional wellness, openness, self-acceptance and love.

This asana can also help beginners gain confidence and get them into the correct mental state for yoga practice before moving on to more challenging postures.


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