Sanskrit Yoga Pose Names

A complete A-Z reference of 87 yoga pose names in Sanskrit with English translations, pronunciation guides, and the naming patterns that make memorization easy.

Why Learn Sanskrit Yoga Names?

Sanskrit is the classical language of yoga, dating back over 3,000 years. When you learn the Sanskrit name of a pose, you gain a universal vocabulary that works in any yoga studio, in any country. A teacher saying "Virabhadrasana" in Berlin, Buenos Aires, or Bangalore is understood by every student.

Beyond practicality, Sanskrit names encode information about each pose. "Adho Mukha Svanasana" literally translates to "Downward-Facing Dog Pose" — "adho" (downward), "mukha" (face), "svana" (dog), "asana" (pose). Once you learn 15-20 common roots, you can decode most pose names on sight.

For yoga teacher training students, Sanskrit fluency is typically required. The Yoga Alliance 200-hour curriculum includes Sanskrit terminology. Using this guide alongside the yoga-bits quiz is one way to internalize these names.

Common Sanskrit Roots

Sanskrit pose names are built from repeating roots. Learn these and you can decode most names without memorization. The Sanskrit roots decoder lists every pose that uses each root, with a quiz; same pose, many names covers names that differ between styles.

Directional Roots

Sanskrit	Meaning	Example
Adho	Downward	Adho Mukha Svanasana
Urdhva	Upward	Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
Parivrtta	Revolved / Twisted	Parivrtta Trikonasana
Utthita	Extended	Utthita Parsvakonasana
Supta	Reclined / Supine	Supta Matsyendrasana
Ardha	Half	Ardha Chandrasana

Animal Roots

Sanskrit	Animal	Pose
Svana	Dog	Downward Dog, Upward Dog
Bhujanga	Cobra / Serpent	Cobra Pose
Garuda	Eagle	Eagle Pose
Baka	Crane	Crow/Crane Pose
Matsya	Fish	Fish Pose
Kapota	Pigeon	Pigeon Pose
Salabha	Locust	Locust Pose

Body Part Roots

Sanskrit	Body Part	Pose
Mukha	Face	Adho Mukha Svanasana
Pada	Foot / Leg	Eka Pada Rajakapotasana
Hasta	Hand	Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana
Sirsa	Head	Sirsasana
Janu	Knee	Janu Sirsasana

Try it: decode these names

Naming Patterns

Sanskrit pose names follow predictable formulas. Once you recognize the pattern, new names become transparent:

Pattern 1: [Modifier] + [Object] + Asana — e.g., "Ardha Chandrasana" = Half + Moon + Pose. "Utthita Trikonasana" = Extended + Triangle + Pose.

Pattern 2: [Direction] + [Body Part] + [Object] + Asana — e.g., "Adho Mukha Svanasana" = Downward + Face + Dog + Pose. "Urdhva Mukha Svanasana" = Upward + Face + Dog + Pose.

Pattern 3: [Figure/Deity] + Asana — e.g., "Virabhadrasana" = Warrior (Virabhadra) + Pose. "Hanumanasana" = Hanuman (monkey god) + Pose.

Pattern 4: [Number] + [Body Part] + [Object] + Asana — e.g., "Eka Pada Rajakapotasana" = One + Foot + King Pigeon + Pose.

Pronunciation Tips

Sanskrit pronunciation is more consistent than English — each letter has one sound. These guidelines cover 90% of what you need:

Vowels: "a" as in "about", "i" as in "ski", "u" as in "flu", "e" as in "prey", "o" as in "go". Long vowels (marked with a line) are held twice as long.

Consonants: Most consonants sound similar to English. "Ch" is always as in "church" (not "character"). "Th" is an aspirated "t" (not as in "the"). "Sh" as in "shy".

Stress: Sanskrit words are typically stressed on the second-to-last syllable when it is long, otherwise the third-to-last.

Every pose page on yoga-bits includes a phonetic pronunciation guide. Visit any pose page to see it in action.

Test Your Sanskrit Knowledge — Take the Quiz

A-Z Sanskrit Yoga Pose Reference

All 87 yoga poses sorted alphabetically by Sanskrit name. Click any pose to see step-by-step instructions, pronunciation, and practice tips.

Can You Name These Poses? Play the Quiz

Sanskrit Names of Breathing Techniques (Pranayama)

Pose names are not the only Sanskrit you will hear in class. Each of these 30 pranayama (breathing) techniques has a Sanskrit name too. Click any technique to learn how to practice it, when to use it, and who should avoid it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do yoga poses have Sanskrit names?

Sanskrit is the classical language of yoga, originating in ancient India. Using Sanskrit names provides a universal vocabulary that yogis understand regardless of their native language. When a teacher says "Adho Mukha Svanasana" in any country, every student knows it means Downward-Facing Dog.

What does "asana" mean?

Asana literally means "seat" in Sanskrit. In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, it referred to a comfortable seated position for meditation. Over centuries, the meaning expanded to include all physical yoga postures. Nearly every pose name ends with "-asana."

How do I pronounce Sanskrit yoga names?

Sanskrit follows consistent phonetic rules. Vowels are pure sounds (a, i, u), and most consonants are similar to English. Each pose page on yoga-bits includes a phonetic pronunciation guide to help you practice.

What are common Sanskrit roots in yoga?

Common roots include "Adho" (downward), "Urdhva" (upward), "Utthita" (extended), "Parivrtta" (revolved), "Ardha" (half), "Svana" (dog), "Bhujanga" (cobra), "Garuda" (eagle), "Mukha" (face), "Pada" (foot), and "Hasta" (hand).

How can I memorize Sanskrit names quickly?

The most effective approach is active recall. The yoga-bits quiz tests you on pose identification under time pressure. Combined with learning common roots, most practitioners memorize 20-30 names within a week of daily practice.

Continue Learning

Curious how the catalogue breaks down? See yoga by the numbers. Preparing for teacher training? Use the free YTT study tool to drill these names by category and take a mock test. Read our in-depth article on Sanskrit yoga terminology for more context on the language and its role in modern practice. Browse the full pose library to explore each pose individually, or take the quiz to test what you have learned.