Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Viparita Virabhadrasana Mean?
Viparita Virabhadrasana is a standing back-bending asana that also provides a deep side stretch. The pose is considered a variation of Virabhadrasana B (warrior two pose). The name is derived from the Sanskrit, viparita, meaning “reverse” vira, meaning “hero”; bhadra, meaning “friend”; and asana, meaning “pose.”
From Virabhadrasana B – a high lunge position with the arms extended front and back and the hips square with the length of the mat – the back arches as the back hand reaches toward its corresponding leg and the front arm reaches skyward. The drishti is toward the sky.
In English, this posture is known as reverse warrior pose.
Yogapedia Explains Viparita Virabhadrasana
Viparita Virabhadrasana is one in a series of foundational yoga poses named for the mythological warrior, Virabhadra, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
This asana shares a range of benefits with Virabhadrasana B, as well as some specific to this variation. The mental and spiritual benefits include:
- Reduces fatigue
- Calms and focuses the mind
- Builds perseverance
- Boosts self-esteem
- Energizes the mind and body
The posture is also believed to balanced three of the chakras, or energy centers, in the body: muladhara (root), associated with a sense of grounding and stability; manipura (solar plexus), associated with self-confidence; and ajna (third eye), associated with intuition and imagination.
During These Times of Stress and Uncertainty Your Doshas May Be Unbalanced.
To help you bring attention to your doshas and to identify what your predominant dosha is, we created the following quiz.
Try not to stress over every question, but simply answer based off your intuition. After all, you know yourself better than anyone else.
Synonyms
Parsva Virabhadrasana
Urdhva Virabhadrasana B
Urdhva Virabhadrasana 2
Urdhva Virabhadrasana Two
Urdhva Virabhadrasana II