Tandavasana
Shiva's dance pose
Learn this posture in person with a teacher.
From Tandava, the divine dance of Lord Shiva, the cosmic cycle of life.
Technique
- Stand upright, feet slightly apart.
- Bend and raise the left knee until the thigh is horizontal, the foot pointing away, slightly to the right of the right leg.
- Bend the right knee slightly.
- Place the left arm across the body in line with the left thigh, palm facing down.
- Bend the right elbow so that the right palm faces forward and the forearm is vertical, the elbow just behind the left wrist.
- Make gyan mudra with the right hand and gaze towards the horizon.
Awareness
Physically on the balance while focusing on gyan mudra; gradually on Ajna chakra.
What it gives
- Balancing for the nervous system.
- Develops body control and mental concentration.
- Makes the legs supple.
Precautions
No specific precaution in the handbook. Practise progressively, never force, and learn intermediate postures with a teacher first.
Learn it with Acharya Lokesh
Intermediate postures are safest when a teacher watches you. Book a free trial session at home in Delhi or online, or take the illustrated guide home.
Text from Acharya Lokesh's handbook Yogasana for Intermediates (Agastya Yoga School, 2022), edited for clarity. General information about a traditional practice, not medical advice: if you have a health condition, are pregnant or recovering from surgery, ask your doctor first.