Taking Inspiration from the Lord

Taking Inspiration from the Lord

October 2023

Who would think that lying on your side  could tone your body? But Kamala Venkat says it’s possible 

Anantasana is also known as Lord  Vishnu’s Reclining Pose or Side Reclining Leg Lift Pose. In Sanskrit,  ananta means ‘infinite or endless.’ According  to Hindu mythology, this pose resembles Lord  Vishnu’s reclining position. The celestial snake  on which Lord Vishnu reclines is said to hold  the Universe together and hence it is called  ananta, which means ‘endless,’ just like the  Universe. 

Method  

• Start this pose by lying straight on the mat,  facing the ceiling. Then slowly turn towards  your left side. Try to keep your right foot  over the left foot. Press your left heel and  balance your whole body on the left side. 

• Stretch your left arm straight above your  head and slowly try to lift your torso and  head. Fold your left arm in such a way that  you can cradle the left side of your head  properly on the left palm. Try to keep your  whole body in one line in this position.  

• Slowly lift your right leg upwards in such  a way that your right toes are pointing  upwards. 

• Slowly bend your right knee, and try to  hold your right big toe with your right  fingers. Then try to stretch your right leg  straight by holding your right toes with  your right fingers. This is the final position  of Anantasana. Stay in this pose for 30  seconds, breathing normally. Try to keep  both legs and your right hand straight. 

• Release the grip on your right leg and bring  it down onto the left leg slowly. Then slowly  remove your head from the left palm and  place it on the mat. Return to the lying  position facing the ceiling and relax. 

• Repeat the same steps with the other side. 

Benefits 

• Stretches and strengthens the hamstrings  and side muscles of your body 

• Makes your legs and spine flexible • Helps tone your hips and thighs • Helps to release tension and stress from  your body 

Contraindications 

• Injuries of the ankle, knee, or shoulder • Neck pain 

• Surgery of the knee, hip, or spine