Virabhadrasana I Yoga Pose (Warrior I Pose)



Information on Yoga Asana Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Yoga Pose) Meaning & Uses


Virabhadrasana or Veerabhadrasana is locally known as Warrior Pose. It is a standing asanas with eye focus to palm. Its Iyengar difficulty is cited as 3 stars. This particular asana largely commemorates the exploits and rooted deeply of a Hindu mythical warrior. This particular pose actually strengthens the shoulders, arms, back muscles and thighs, all in just one go. It is to be highly remembered that this pose is largely named after a fierce warrior, Veerabhadra who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The interesting story of this warrior has a moral that adds better value to life. It is to be highly noted that Veera means warrior, vigorous, courageous; Bhadra - auspicious; good, friend and Asana means posture. This asana is rightly pronounced as Vee- Ra- Bha- Dra-aasana. It really adds grace and beauty to one's yoga practice. It is one of the most elegant yoga postures.

Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) Steps / Instructions / Procedure

Follow the following steps in order to complete the asana -

  1. Just stand straight relaxed with your legs a little apart by a distance of about 3-4 feet.

  2. Now turn your left foot in by about 15 degrees and right foot out by 90 degrees.

  3. Do check whether the heel of the right foot is perfectly in a straight line to the center of the left foot?

  4. Lift both your arms sideways to shoulder height at an oblique angle with your palms facing upwards.

  5. Do check whether your arms are parallel to the ground?

  6. Bend your right knee by breathing out.

  7. Do check whether your right ankle and right knee forming a straight line? Do also ensure that your knee doesn't overshoot the ankle.

  8. Turn slowly your head and look to your right side.

  9. Now as you perfectly settle down in the posture just stretch your arms little further.

  10. Make an effort gently to directly push your pelvis down.

  11. Hold or maintain the posture with the actual determination of a warrior.

  12. Do smile wholeheartedly like a happy smiling warrior.

  13. Do keep breathing gently as you go down.

  14. Come up, breathing in.

  15. Bring your hands down from the sides, breathing out.

  16. In the same manner just repeat the posture for the left side.

Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) Anatomical Focus

The main anatomical focus of this particular asana are the hips/thighs, mid-back, core, hips and shoulders. It assists to immediately eliminate all the problems and ailments related things by making it stronger and flexible.

Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) Therapeutic Applications

This asana is primarily beneficial for high blood pressure, asthma, sciatica and infertility.

Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) Medical Health Benefits

There are many benefits of Virabhadrasana. Few of them are as follows -

  1. Tones and strengthens the lower back, arms and legs.

  2. helps to increase stamina

  3. Improves perfect balance in the body.

  4. It is really advantageous for those with deskbound or sedentary jobs.

  5. It is extremely good for those suffering with frozen shoulder.

  6. In a short span of time, this asana largely releases stress in the shoulders in an effectively manner.

  7. It helps in bringing peace, grace, courage and auspiciousness.

Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) Contraindications and Cautions

You should practice Veerabhadrasana or Warrior Pose only after personally consulting your doctor or general physician if you have just recovered from a chronic illness or recently experienced spinal disorders. All those patient who have high blood pressure should avoid this particular posture. Pregnant ladies who are in their second and third trimester, benefits especially from Veerabhadrasana largely provided they have been regularly practicing yoga in the early morning and evening hours. It is highly advised to practice this asana while closely standing to a wall so that you can take support of the wall and yourself if required in any situation and circumstance. However, pregnant ladies are advised to consult personal doctor before indulging in this yoga posture. Do avoid this particular posture if you are had recently suffered or suffering from diarrhoea. In case, if you have arthritis or knee pains then do use some solid support at the knee in order to hold this posture.

Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) Beginner's Tip

Beginners at times might face problems particularly doing this asana, especially if they have rounded back and very high knees. They are advised to indulge in this posture with the assistance of a yoga trainer.

Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) Variations

Each and everyone can certainly bring verifications in this asana to make it suitable and apt for them. They can take small steps apart and indulge in the entire practice without feeling uncomfortable. The breathing activity can also be done in their comfortable pace.

Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) Modifications and Props

Each and everyone can use the assistance of certain props in order to make this particular asana more easy and comfortable. Do take the support of a wall or stood to hold in case you feel loosing balance in any circumstance and situation.

Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) Partnering

It is to be noted that partnering can really make this particular asana easier to perform and adds fun. They can assist you in order to learn to step apart your legs in this pose at right measurement. Make your partner to stand behind you while indulging in the practice with much dedication and commitment with a lot of perfection. Ask him or her to advice you immediately hen you go wrong plus help in correcting the posture.

Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) Preparatory Poses

In order to properly be able to do this particular asana try out certain preparatory poses such as Adho Mukha Svanasana, Parivrtta Parsvakonasana, Gomukhasana, Parivrtta Trikonasana, Supta Virasana, Prasarita Padottanasana, Supta Baddha Konasana, Upavistha Konasana, Supta Padangusthasana, Upavistha Konasana, Utthita Parsvakonasana, Virasana, Virabhadrasana II, Vrksasana, Vrksasana Supta and Padangusthasana.

Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) Follow up Poses

It is better to follow up this asana by a standing pose. Virabhadrasana I is generally used as the beginning position for indulging in Virabhadrasana II and Virabhadrasana III. This yoga starts with a better standing pose preparation for forward bends and backbends.

Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) Deepen the Pose

After regular practice, you can imagine that you are working along with your partner and indulge in regular practice with a lot of perfection. You can have better control on your inward and outward breathing ability to a great extent.