Decode the Secret Logic of Sanskrit
Sanskrit asana names aren't just labels—they are descriptive blueprints. By understanding a few root words, you can visualize any pose before you even see it.
The Formula
Most yoga pose names follow a logical sequence. Think of it like Lego bricks fitting together:
Direction
Utthita
Extended
Number / Shape
Trikona
Triangle
Suffix
Asana
Pose
"Utthita Trikonasana" → Extended Triangle Pose
Why learn the roots?
Intuitive Understanding
Instantly know the orientation and goal of a pose without needing a translation.
Better Retention
It's easier to remember "Pada" (Foot) and "Hasta" (Hand) than abstract labels.
Honor the Tradition
Connect more deeply with the sacred lineage and the original intent of the practice.
Expert Example
Adho Mukha Svanasana
The Sanskrit Dictionary
Your quick reference guide to common roots found in asana names.
Numbers
Quantifying limbs or positions.
Eka
One
Dwi
Two
Tri
Three
Chatur
Four
Pancha
Five
Ashta
Eight
Directions
Orientation and spatial movement.
Adho
Downward
Urdhva
Upward
Utthita
Extended
Parivrtta
Revolved / Twisted
Parsva
Side / Flank
Prasarita
Spread out / Expanded
Supta
Reclined / Sleeping
Ardha
Half
Paschima
West / Back of body
Purva
East / Front of body
Baddha
Bound
Body Parts
Focus areas or grounding points.
Hasta
Hand
Pada
Foot
Angusta
Big toe
Sirsha
Head
Bhuja
Arm / Shoulder
Mukha
Face
Karna
Ear
Janu
Knee
Anga
Limb
Sarvanga
Whole body
Animals & Nature
Inspired by the natural world.
Go
Cow
Svana
Dog
Baka
Crane
Bhujanga
Cobra / Snake
Matsya
Fish
Vrksa
Tree
Chandra
Moon
Surya
Sun
Garuda
Eagle
Kapot
Pigeon
Mayura
Peacock
Simha
Lion
Ustra
Camel
Kurma
Tortoise
Makara
Crocodile
Salabha
Locust
Parvata
Mountain
Hamsa
Swan / Goose
Vrschika
Scorpion
Kukkuta
Rooster
Tittibha
Firefly
Krouncha
Heron
Manduka
Frog
Shapes & Objects
Geometric forms and tools.
Kona
Angle
Trikona
Triangle
Dhanur
Bow
Hala
Plow
Chakra
Wheel
Danda
Staff / Stick
Setu
Bridge
Nāva
Boat (as in Navasana)
Padma
Lotus
Vajra
Thunderbolt
Tada
Mountain
Pasa
Noose / Loop
Mala
Garland
Pinda
Embryo / Ball
Parigha
Iron Bar / Gate Latch
Sages & Deities
Honoring lineage and mythology.
Vasistha
A Sage
Ashtavakra
A Sage (Eight-Bends)
Matsyendra
Lord of the Fishes (A Sage)
Virabhadra
A Warrior (Incarnation of Shiva)
Nataraja
Lord of the Dance (Shiva)
Hanuman
Monkey God
Bharadvaja
A Sage
Marichi
Ray of Light (A Sage)
Skanda
God of War (Son of Shiva)
Actions
The quality of the movement.
Uttana
Intense Stretch
Utkata
Fierce / Powerful
Upavishta
Seated
Akarna
Towards the ear
Salamba
With Support
Niralamba
Without Support
Bandha
Lock / Bond
Pida
Pressure / Pain
Tolana
Balancing / Weighing
Yoga
Union / Yoke
Think you've mastered the roots?
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"Practice until the tradition flows through you."
Put Your Knowledge into Practice
Ready to see these words in action? Explore our complete library of 100+ asanas, complete with alignment cues, anatomical breakdowns, and traditional lineage insights.