AdvancedseatedBhairavasana
भैरवासन
Bhairavasana (Formidable Pose) is an advanced seated pose where one leg is placed behind the head, requiring extreme hip flexibility.
Anatomy Involved
Benefits
- Extreme hip opening
- Stretches hamstrings deeply
- Improves spinal flexibility
- Develops patience and concentration
- Full anatomical benefits — muscles, joints, organs →
Avoid If
- Hip injuries
- Hamstring injuries
- Neck injuries
- Lower back problems
- Not for beginners
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Teaching Cues
For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students
6 cues
Teaching Cues
For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students
- 1Sit on the front edge of your sitting bones
- 2Lengthen the spine upward on each inhalation
- 3Keep the chest lifted and shoulders relaxed
- 4Ground down through the sitting bones
- 5Maintain an elongated spine — avoid rounding the back
- 6Allow the hip joints to open gradually — never force
Pose Details
Helps With
Pose Type
Body Focus
Focus Areas
Yoga Styles
When to Practice
Position
Modify If You Have
hip injury
Do not attempt — practice Agnistambhasana instead as preparation.
Target Areas
Practice Flow
About this Pose
Bhairavasana (Formidable Pose) is an advanced seated pose where one leg is placed behind the head, requiring extreme hip flexibility.
How to Practice
1. Sit in Dandasana.
2. Bend the right knee, hold the right foot with both hands.
3. Slowly lift the right leg upward, bringing it behind the head.
4. Place the right leg behind the neck — foot rests behind the shoulder.
5. Bring both hands to Anjali Mudra (prayer) at the chest.
5 more steps remaining
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bhairavasana
What is Bhairavasana?
Bhairavasana (Formidable Pose) is an advanced seated pose where one leg is placed behind the head, requiring extreme hip flexibility.
What are the benefits of Bhairavasana?
Extreme hip opening. Stretches hamstrings deeply. Improves spinal flexibility. Develops patience and concentration.
Who should avoid Bhairavasana?
Avoid this pose if you have: Hip injuries, Hamstring injuries, Neck injuries, Lower back problems, Not for beginners.
How many steps are in Bhairavasana?
Bhairavasana is practiced in 10 steps. Sit in Dandasana.
Is Bhairavasana suitable for beginners?
Bhairavasana is an advanced-level pose. Beginners should practice with props or under guidance.
What conditions does Bhairavasana help with?
Bhairavasana is therapeutic for: flexibility.
What poses should I do before Bhairavasana?
Prepare with: Staff Pose, Baddha Konasana, Upavistha Konasana. These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.
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Build Your Own Sequence
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