Discover Authentic Himalayan Yoga at Jungle Mahal Wellness Resort Kathmandu
Welcome to the most authentic योग (Yoga) sanctuary in the Nepal Himalayas, where ancient yogic wisdom meets pristine jungle immersion. This comprehensive glossary presents the classical yoga asanas in their traditional Sanskrit form for educational reference and deeper understanding of yogic heritage. At Jungle Mahal Wellness Resort Kathmandu, our वन योग (Vana Yoga – Forest Yoga) approach uniquely combines traditional asanas with the powerful healing energy of the Himalayan foothills. As an eco-boutique ayurveda retreat in Himalayan forest, we provide an intimate, sustainable wellness experience that harmoniously blends luxury comfort with environmental consciousness.
While our in-house yoga instructors guide guests through foundational and intermediate practices suited to all levels, specialized gurus and yoga masters are welcome to book our venue for intensive retreats focusing on advanced asanas and specific yogic traditions. Jungle Mahal Wellness Resort assures the perfect jungle-immersive environment that amplifies the effectiveness of any yoga practice through पञ्चमहाभूत (Panchamahabhuta – Five Elements) harmony, pristine mountain air, sacred forest energy, and abundant प्राण वायु (Prana Vayu – Life Energy) that flows naturally in our untouched forest ecosystem, creating optimal practice conditions impossible to replicate in city studios.
Complete List of 50 Classical Yoga Asanas
1. Adho Mukha Svanasana (अधो मुख श्वानासन)
Explanation: Downward-facing dog pose to strengthen arms and legs while calming the mind
Jungle Enhancement: Forest floor provides natural grip and stability while meditative awareness than sterile indoor studios.
2. Agnistambhasana (अग्निस्तम्भासन)
Explanation: Fire log pose that opens hips and stretches outer thighs and glutes
Jungle Enhancement: Natural earth connection deepens hip opening while forest aromatics enhance internal fire and circulation for more effective muscle release.
3. Anantasana (अनन्तासन)
Explanation: Side-lying pose that stretches the legs and improves balance and concentration
Jungle Enhancement: Soft forest ground cushions the body naturally while peaceful surroundings eliminate urban distractions, allowing deeper concentration and alignment.
4. Anjaneyasana (अञ्जनेयासन)
Explanation: Low lunge pose that opens hip flexors and strengthens legs
Jungle Enhancement: Uneven forest terrain challenges stability muscles while clean air enhances lung capacity, deepening the pose’s energizing effects.
5. Ardha Chandrasana (अर्ध चन्द्रासन)
Explanation: Half moon pose that improves balance while strengthening legs and core
Jungle Enhancement: Natural light filtering through canopy creates perfect illumination while forest energy enhances proprioception and balance awareness.
6. Ardha Matsyendrasana (अर्ध मत्स्येन्द्रासन)
Explanation: Half spinal twist that improves spinal mobility and aids digestion
Jungle Enhancement: Grounding forest energy amplifies spinal alignment while natural quiet allows deeper internal awareness of digestive system activation.
7. Ardha Padmasana (अर्ध पद्मासन)
Explanation: Half lotus pose for meditation and hip flexibility
Jungle Enhancement: Earth’s natural electromagnetic field supports meditative states while forest silence creates optimal conditions for inner contemplation.
8. Ashtanga Namaskara (अष्टाङ्ग नमस्कार)
Explanation: Eight-limbed salutation that builds upper body strength
Jungle Enhancement: Forest floor’s natural texture provides superior grip while outdoor practice builds functional strength impossible to achieve indoors.
9. Bakasana (बकासन)
Explanation: Crow pose that develops arm strength and mental focus
Jungle Enhancement: Forest environment naturally improves concentration while clean air supports sustained focus needed for challenging arm balances.
10. Balasana (बालासन)
Explanation: Child’s pose for rest and introspection between active postures
Jungle Enhancement: Direct earth connection provides grounding energy while natural forest sounds create therapeutic soundscape for deeper relaxation.
11. Bharadvajasana (भरद्वाजासन)
Explanation: Sage twist that gently rotates the spine and calms the nervous system
Jungle Enhancement: Natural forest setting reduces cortisol levels while plant aromatics enhance the pose’s calming effects on the nervous system.
12. Bhujangasana (भुजङ्गासन)
Explanation: Cobra pose that strengthens the back and opens the chest
Jungle Enhancement: Morning forest light stimulates vitamin D production while fresh air maximizes chest expansion and respiratory benefits.
13. Bhujapidasana (भुजपीडासन)
Explanation: Arm pressure pose that requires strength and flexibility in shoulders
Jungle Enhancement: Natural terrain challenges provide functional strength training while forest peace allows deeper mind-muscle connection.
14. Chaturanga Dandasana (चतुराङ्ग दण्डासन)
Explanation: Four-limbed staff pose that builds core and arm strength
Jungle Enhancement: Uneven forest surface engages stabilizing muscles while natural environment prevents energy depletion common in heated studios.
15. Dandasana (दण्डासन)
Explanation: Staff pose that establishes proper sitting alignment and core engagement
Jungle Enhancement: Direct connection with earth enhances spinal awareness while forest environment naturally promotes upright posture and alertness.
16. Dhanurasana (धनुरासन)
Explanation: Bow pose that opens the chest and strengthens the entire back body
Jungle Enhancement: Forest’s natural energy field supports back extension while clean air maximizes heart opening and respiratory expansion.
17. Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (एक पाद राजकपोतासन)
Explanation: One-legged king pigeon pose for deep hip opening
Jungle Enhancement: Natural forest setting reduces stress hormones that cause muscle tension, allowing deeper hip release than urban environments.
18. Garudasana (गरुडासन)
Explanation: Eagle pose that improves balance and concentration while stretching shoulders
Jungle Enhancement: Observing actual forest eagles enhances pose understanding while natural balance challenges develop superior proprioception.
19. Gomukhasana (गोमुखासन)
Explanation: Cow face pose that opens shoulders and stretches hip muscles
Jungle Enhancement: Forest humidity maintains muscle pliability while natural quiet allows deeper awareness of shoulder and hip restrictions.
20. Halasana (हलासन)
Explanation: Plow pose that calms the nervous system and stretches the spine
Jungle Enhancement: Natural negative ions from forest air enhance the pose’s calming effects while earth connection deepens inversion benefits.
21. Hanumanasana (हनुमानासन)
Explanation: Monkey pose (splits) that requires deep hamstring and hip flexor flexibility
Jungle Enhancement: Warm forest environment naturally increases muscle elasticity while observing agile monkeys inspires deeper flexibility goals.
22. Janu Sirsasana (जानु शीर्षासन)
Explanation: Head-to-knee pose that stretches hamstrings and calms the mind
Jungle Enhancement: Forest’s peaceful energy enhances introspective benefits while natural warmth supports deeper hamstring release.
23. Kapotasana (कपोतासन)
Explanation: Pigeon pose that opens hips and stretches the psoas muscles
Jungle Enhancement: Earth’s natural support allows deeper hip opening while forest environment reduces fight-or-flight response affecting psoas tension.
24. Kukkutasana (कुक्कुटासन)
Explanation: Rooster pose that strengthens arms and develops balance
Jungle Enhancement: Natural forest sounds enhance mental focus required for arm balances while organic terrain builds functional stability.
25. Kurmasana (कूर्मासन)
Explanation: Tortoise pose that promotes introspection and hip flexibility
Jungle Enhancement: Forest’s natural silence supports deep introspection while earth connection enhances the pose’s grounding and calming effects.
26. Marichyasana (मरीच्यासन)
Explanation: Sage pose that combines forward folding with spinal rotation
Jungle Enhancement: Natural forest wisdom inspires sage-like contemplation while clean air supports the pose’s detoxifying spinal twist benefits.
27. Matsyasana (मत्स्यासन)
Explanation: Fish pose that opens the chest and stretches the neck
Jungle Enhancement: Soft natural surface cushions neck while forest aromatics enhance respiratory benefits of chest opening.
28. Mayurasana (मयूरासन)
Explanation: Peacock pose that strengthens wrists and core while improving digestion
Jungle Enhancement: Observing actual peacocks inspires pose expression while forest’s natural energy supports digestive fire activation.
29. Natarajasana (नटराजासन)
Explanation: Dancer pose that improves balance while opening chest and shoulders
Jungle Enhancement: Natural forest stage enhances artistic expression while uneven terrain develops superior balance and grace.
30. Navasana (नावासन)
Explanation: Boat pose that strengthens core muscles and improves posture
Jungle Enhancement: Forest’s natural stability challenges core engagement while clean air supports sustained breath awareness during holds.
31. Padmasana (पद्मासन)
Explanation: Lotus pose for meditation and spiritual practice
Jungle Enhancement: Sacred forest environment naturally elevates consciousness while earth connection deepens meditative absorption and spiritual awareness.
32. Parsva Bakasana (पार्श्व बकासन)
Explanation: Side crow pose that builds arm strength and requires core stability
Jungle Enhancement: Natural terrain provides varied practice surfaces while forest focus eliminates urban distractions during challenging arm balance.
33. Paschimottanasana (पश्चिमोत्तानासन)
Explanation: Seated forward fold that stretches the entire back body
Jungle Enhancement: Forest environment promotes introspective folding while natural warmth enhances hamstring and spine flexibility.
34. Pincha Mayurasana (पिञ्च मयूरासन)
Explanation: Forearm stand that builds upper body strength and improves balance
Jungle Enhancement: Soft forest floor provides safe inversion practice while natural environment builds confidence for advanced poses.
35. Salabhasana (शलभासन)
Explanation: Locust pose that strengthens the posterior chain and improves posture
Jungle Enhancement: Natural forest floor supports spine extension while clean air maximizes the pose’s energizing and strengthening effects.
36. Sarvangasana (सर्वाङ्गासन)
Explanation: Shoulderstand that stimulates the thyroid and calms the nervous system
Jungle Enhancement: Forest’s natural peace enhances inversion’s calming effects while clean air supports optimal circulation and glandular function.
37. Savasana (शवासन)
Explanation: Corpse pose for complete relaxation and integration of practice
Jungle Enhancement: Natural forest soundscape provides therapeutic relaxation while earth connection facilitates complete nervous system restoration.
38. Setu Bandhasana (सेतु बन्धासन)
Explanation: Bridge pose that strengthens glutes and opens chest and shoulders
Jungle Enhancement: Natural arch mimics forest bridges while earth support enhances heart opening and therapeutic back strengthening.
39. Siddhasana (सिद्धासन)
Explanation: Perfect pose for meditation and pranayama practices
Jungle Enhancement: Sacred forest energy naturally awakens spiritual potential while natural quiet creates optimal conditions for breath practices.
40. Simhasana (सिंहासन)
Explanation: Lion pose that releases facial tension and energizes the body
Jungle Enhancement: Forest freedom encourages authentic expression while natural setting supports the pose’s primal energy release.
41. Sirsasana (शीर्षासन)
Explanation: Headstand that improves circulation and develops mental clarity
Jungle Enhancement: Forest’s stable energy supports inversion practice while clean air enhances circulation and mental clarity benefits.
42. Sukhasana (सुखासन)
Explanation: Easy pose for comfortable seated meditation
Jungle Enhancement: Natural forest cushioning provides comfortable seating while peaceful environment naturally induces meditative states.
43. Surya Namaskara (सूर्य नमस्कार)
Explanation: Sun salutation sequence that warms the body and honors the sun
Jungle Enhancement: Practicing at sunrise in forest clearings connects directly with solar energy while natural rhythm enhances flow sequence.
44. Tadasana (ताडासन)
Explanation: Mountain pose that establishes proper standing alignment
Jungle Enhancement: Surrounded by towering trees naturally inspires mountain-like stability while forest grounding enhances postural awareness.
45. Trikonasana (त्रिकोणासन)
Explanation: Triangle pose that stretches sides of body and strengthens legs
Jungle Enhancement: Natural geometric patterns in forest inspire pose alignment while uneven terrain strengthens stabilizing muscles.
46. Urdhva Dhanurasana (ऊर्ध्व धनुरासन)
Explanation: Wheel pose that opens chest and strengthens arms and legs
Jungle Enhancement: Forest’s natural energy supports advanced backbends while clean air maximizes heart opening and respiratory expansion.
47. Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (ऊर्ध्व मुख श्वानासन)
Explanation: Upward-facing dog that opens chest and strengthens arms
Jungle Enhancement: Morning forest light enhances chest opening while natural surface provides superior grip for proper alignment.
48. Ustrasana (उष्ट्रासन)
Explanation: Camel pose that opens heart center and increases spinal flexibility
Jungle Enhancement: Forest’s supportive energy facilitates heart opening while natural environment reduces fear associated with deep backbends.
49. Utkatasana (उत्कटासन)
Explanation: Chair pose that builds leg strength and improves concentration
Jungle Enhancement: Imaginary forest chair strengthens connection to nature while terrain challenges enhance functional leg strength.
50. Uttanasana (उत्तानासन)
Explanation: Standing forward fold that calms mind and stretches hamstrings
Jungle Enhancement: Folding toward earth enhances grounding while forest quiet amplifies the pose’s introspective and calming benefits.
Yoga Practice at Jungle Mahal Wellness Resort
In-House Instruction
Our resident yoga instructors offer daily classes in हठ योग (Haṭha Yoga), विन्यास (Vinyāsa) flow, and राज योग (Rāja Yoga) meditation suitable for practitioners of all levels, from beginners to advanced students seeking to deepen their practice in our sacred forest setting.
Specialized Retreats
Renowned yoga masters and specialized gurus are invited to conduct intensive training programs and retreats at our venue. These expert teachers bring deep knowledge of specific yogic traditions, advanced asanas, and specialized practices to our pristine Himalayan forest environment, ensuring participants receive authentic teachings enhanced by our unique वन संस्कार (Vana Saṃskāra – Forest Impressions).
Venue Benefits for Yoga Retreats
- Natural acoustics that enhance मन्त्र (Mantra) chanting
- Forest floors that provide superior grounding
- Clean air that deepens प्राणायाम (Prāṇāyāma) practices
- Sacred energy that naturally elevates consciousness during ध्यान (Dhyāna) meditation
Understanding Our Jungle Advantage
Forest Yoga Integration
Our unique वन योग (Vana Yoga – Forest Yoga) approach combines traditional asana practice with proven forest therapy benefits. Research demonstrates that practicing yoga in natural environments naturally reduces cortisol levels, boosts immunity, and enhances physical performance—effects that amplify every pose’s therapeutic value.
Pure Natural Environment
The pristine वन पर्यावरण (Vana Paryāvaraṇa – Forest Environment) provides practice advantages unavailable elsewhere: oxygen-rich air that enhances breathing, negative ions that naturally elevate mood, uneven terrain that challenges stability muscles, and natural electromagnetic fields that support energetic alignment.
Enhanced Mind-Body Connection
Practicing among living trees and wildlife creates what researchers call “biophilic resonance”—a natural harmony between human consciousness and forest wisdom. This sacred प्रकृति संयोग (Prakṛiti Saṃyoga – Nature Union) deepens every asana beyond mere physical exercise into transformative spiritual practice.
Sacred Energy Landscape
Our location in the sacred Nepal Himalayas connects practitioners with देव भूमि (Deva Bhūmi – Divine Land) energy that has been recognized for millennia as possessing extraordinary consciousness-expanding properties. This spiritual dimension transforms every pose into साधना (Sādhanā – Spiritual Practice) that nourishes body, mind, and soul.