Tittibhasana
Tittibhasana (Sanskrit: टिट्टिभासन Ṭiṭṭibhāsana) or Firefly pose is an arm-balancing asana with the legs stretched out forwards in hatha yoga and modern yoga as exercise.[1] Variants include Bhujapidasana, with the legs crossed at the ankle, and Eka Hasta Bhujasana, with one leg stretched out forwards.
Etymology and origins
The name Tittibhasana comes from Sanskrit: Ṭiṭṭibha, "small insect, firefly", and āsana, "posture" or "seat".[2] Indian folklore tells the story of a pair of Tittibha birds that nested by the sea; the ocean swept away their eggs, and the birds complained to Vishnu, asking for the eggs to be returned. The god gave the order, and the sea gave the eggs back. The effectiveness of the small weak birds is said to be used as a symbol of yoga, able to overcome the power of illusion in the world.[3]
The name Bhujapidasana (
Description
Tittibhasana is described in Light on Yoga as being entered from
Variations
Bhujapidasana, Shoulder Pressing Pose, is similar, with the thighs resting on the upper arms, but the legs are crossed at the ankle in front of the body.[4][8]
Eka Hasta Bhujasana, Elephant's Trunk Pose or One Leg Over Arm Balance, has one leg stretched out straight forwards between the supporting arms.[9]
See also
- Bakasana – a hand balancing pose, with the shins resting on the upper arms
References
- ^ Sell, Christina. "A Challenging Balance Pose: Tittibhasana (Firefly Pose)". Yoga International. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
- ^ "Firefly Pose". Yoga Journal. 28 August 2007.
- ^ "Tittibhasana [A]". Ashtanga Yoga. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
- ^ a b c Iyengar 1979, pp. 280–282.
- ^ Sjoman 1999, p. 72.
- ^ a b Sjoman 1999, pp. 100, 102.
- ^ Iyengar 1979, pp. 308–309.
- ^ Anon (7 May 2008). "Shoulder-pressing posture". Yoga Journal. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
- ^ Anon (30 August 2010). "Challenge Pose: Eka Hasta Bhujasana". Yoga Journal. Retrieved 18 November 2022.
Sources
- ISBN 978-1855381667.
- ISBN 81-7017-389-2.