Parsva Virabhadrasana – The Reverse Warrior Pose

Parsva Virabhadrasana or the Reverse Warrior Pose is good for energizing the body and improving balance. In Sanskrit, Parsva means side or reverse in this case, Virabhadra is a legendary warrior from the Puranas, created by Lord Shiva to destroy Daksha’s Yagna; and Asana is a pose. Parsva Virabhadrasana is an easy pose and can be done by beginners.

How to do Parsva Virabhadrasana (Reverse Warrior Pose)?

1. Stand on your mat with hands on the sides.
2. Place your left leg forward about 2 – 3 feet with feet pointing straight ahead.
3. Slowly bend your left knees so that the thighs make a 90 degrees angle with the fore legs.
4. Let the right leg, pointing backwards, maintain an angle of about 45 degrees to the ground.
5. Let the right hand rest on the right thighs.
6. Raise the left hand upwards and simultaneously arch the spine forward. The chest is opened up and face and gaze is turned upwards. The left palm points straight to the sky.
7. Remain in this pose for as long as you are comfortable. This is the final pose for Parsva Virabhadrasana.
8. To release the pose, bring down the left hand and straighten the left leg. Bring the two feet together again.
9. Rest for few breaths and repeat the same with the right leg forward.
10. You can practice this with other variations of Virabhadrasana (Virabhadrasana I, II and III). Virabhadrasana is a series of yoga poses which develops confidence, energy and balance.

Benefits of Parsva Virabhadrasana (Reverse Warrior Pose)

1. Parsva Virabhadrasana calms the mind.
2. It brings balance to the body.
3. Parsva Virabhadrasana energizes the body.
4. It stretches the arms and opens up the hips.
5. This asana opens up the chest and develops core strength.

Contraindications for Parsva Virabhadrasana

1. Parsva Virabhadrasna is an easy pose. Anyone can do it. However, if you are suffering from any injury to your knee, you should avoid it.