Asana Digest Overview

Poses

Anantasanaa (Side Reclining Leg Lift / Vishnu’s Pose)

Objective

Become knowledgeable about the pose and review detailed teaching considerations.

Description

Explain the Sanskrit naming; associated benefits and typical effects; instructions and cues for setting up and practicing the pose; and more teaching considerations.

Prerequisite Knowledge

The focus of Asana Digests is teaching specific poses. This support presumes you’re aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Balancing.

Poses Overview

Anantasana

AH-nan-TAHS-ana
“anta” = end  “an” = without (source)
“ananta” = “without end” “eternal” “the infinite one” (source) and (source)
Vishnu’s Pose, Reclining Pose Dedicated to Vishnu, Sleeping Vishnu’s Pose, Vishnu’s Couch Pose, Eternal One’s Pose, Side Reclining Leg Lift

Naming & Mythology

This pose got the name “Sleeping Vishnu’s Pose” based on images of Vishnu reclining on his side on top of a snake.

Some sources explain that “Ananta” is another name for the god Vishnu. (source) and (source)

Some report that “ananta” is the name of the thousand-headed serpent upon whom Lord Vishnu rests. (source) Others say the name is “related to” the serpent, named Sesha. (source)

Ananta, a word meaning “unending” or “infinite,” describes what is timeless, beyond birth, growth, death, and all modifications — a limitless state of joy and contentment. This sweet, natural state of ours, beyond the things of the senses, is embodied by the vast mythological serpent, Ananta, whose coils support the universe and who serves as Vishnu’s couch when Vishnu rests between avataric incarnations. – Zo Newell, Yoga International, The Mythology Behind Anantasana (Vishnu’s Couch) link

Heart of Pose

• Asymmetrical Balancing
• Core Strengthening
• Hip & Hamstring Stretching

Anantasana requires you to balance on the fine line of the side of the body while one leg extends up to infinity. Any number of things can pull you off balance. If you lose your focus, you might topple over, tweak your neck, or bruise your pride. Lose stability along your spine, slouch your back, or round your shoulders, and the pose collapses. – Lisa Walford, Yoga Journal, Laid Back: 5 Steps to Vishnu’s Pose link

Notes

• Preparatory poses include Parighasana (Gate), Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle) and Supta Padangusthasana (Reclined Hand to Toe)
• See also: Core Strengthening and Core Anatomy

Much More in this Digest

Asana Digests are precisely organized so that you can quickly get what you need. Please select from the menu above and be sure to review any contraindications and cautions.

Related Support

• Asana Categories
• General Alignment Principles
• Alignment Cueing