Kurmasana
is a somewhat advanced yoga posture that putatively prepares the aspirant for
Pratyahara, a higher stage in Yoga practice.
First mentioned in the Ahirbhudnya Samhita (200 BC), there has been a
Yogic pose termed Kurmasana for at least 2000 years, although its description
has demonstrably changed significantly. The asana in its present state is
highly beneficial to the spine and the abdominal organs.
Meaning of Kurmasana
Kurma means tortoise in Sanskrit, although in this context it refers to the second avatar of Vishnu who took the form of a gigantic tortoise to help the Devas and Asuras churn nectar from the ocean, using a mountain as the churning stick and the celestial serpent Vasuki for rope.
Kurma means tortoise in Sanskrit, although in this context it refers to the second avatar of Vishnu who took the form of a gigantic tortoise to help the Devas and Asuras churn nectar from the ocean, using a mountain as the churning stick and the celestial serpent Vasuki for rope.
Yoga Texts and Kurmasana
The asana was first described in the Ahirbhudnya Samhita (200 BC) and was thenceforth described only in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (1400 AD). The Hatha Yoga Pradipika's description of the Kurmasana differs significantly from the contemporary pose; that involves bending forward and touching the ground with your forehead.
The asana was first described in the Ahirbhudnya Samhita (200 BC) and was thenceforth described only in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (1400 AD). The Hatha Yoga Pradipika's description of the Kurmasana differs significantly from the contemporary pose; that involves bending forward and touching the ground with your forehead.
Effects of Kurmasana
The Kurmasana is considered sacred to the Yogi as it resembles an avatar of Vishnu. It is reputed to prepare the yogi for Pratyahara, a higher stage in yoga practice. The whole spine is stretched forward in a lengthening state. The abdominal organs automatically receive an internal massage. The circulation to the hip joints is increased. This forward bend allows the head, neck and shoulders to relax.
The Kurmasana is considered sacred to the Yogi as it resembles an avatar of Vishnu. It is reputed to prepare the yogi for Pratyahara, a higher stage in yoga practice. The whole spine is stretched forward in a lengthening state. The abdominal organs automatically receive an internal massage. The circulation to the hip joints is increased. This forward bend allows the head, neck and shoulders to relax.
Precautions in practice of Kurmasana
Always work within your own capacity. Never move in a painful manner or overexert yourself trying to reach the ground. Never over strain, inhale and exhale normally as you hold the final pose.
This posture emphasizes the need for the slow development of all asanas if they are to be experienced in depth. The slowness as symbolized by the tortoise should be the guiding principle in performing this asana. To know more read:
