Asanas in Hatha yoga deliver two abstract objectives; one is to specify the posture of meditation in which a person can sit for a long time with ease and command. The better is the mastery for such posture; further deep one can go in inner meditation techniques. The second goal is to tone up for better health and energy of both body and mind. A pure body is mandatory for better flow of prana in Nadis. Although the real objective of Hatha yoga doess not just to master only postures, still such mastery automatically opens the doorway for further progress in hatha yoga. Not to mention that it strengthens the will power and concentration. The nomenclature of Asana is usually assigned according to the image of animal or object it resembles to. It`s also named after some quality that it invokes. Generally these are prefixes and can be used on any pose to explain a variation.

Ardha means "half"

Supta means "reclining"

Adho means "downward"

Parivrtta means "revolved" or "twisted"

Urdhva means "upward"

Utthita means "extended"

A particular asana works in a distinct way on our muscles, breath and mind. Many asanas are even suggested for their therapeutic value. The detailed description of each asana, with its technique, benefits and precautions are given with the relevant pictures.

Adho Mukha Vrksasana
This asana is also known as the Hand stand pose.

Adho Mukha Svanasana
In this asana, the body takes the form of a Downward-facing Dog.

Anjali Mudra
The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another.

Ardha Matsyendrasana
The asana is an instrument for destroying the group of the most deadly diseases.

Baddha Konasana
This asana is also known as the Bound angle pose.

Bakasana
Also known as the Crane pose, it symbolises the bird as it is an arm balance asana.

Balasana
This asana relieves the fatigue of both mind and body.

Bhadrasana
Bhadrasana has a beneficial effect on the muscles & ligaments of the uro-genital region.

Bhujangasana
The asana is more effective for Asthma, Dyspepsia and Vata diseases.

Garudasana
This asana is useful for the patients of asthma & lower back problem.

Gomukhasana
The Asana just like the face of a cow which removes pain in hip and lower extremities.

Halasana
The ultimate yogic therapeutic for backache, headache, infertility, insomnia and sinusitis.

Hanumanasana
This is also known as the Monkey pose dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Janu Sirsasana
This asana is a spinal twist suitable for all levels of aspirants.

Krounchasana
Also known as the Heron pose, this is a very intense pose for stretching.

Kurmasana
Also known as the Tortoise pose, this posture resembles the tortoise with his legs out.

Matsyasana
The asana for strengthening the muscles of the upper back and back of the neck.

Mayurasana
This Asana tones up the abdominal muscles and it assumes the shape of a peacock.

Natarajasana
This asana assumes the pose of the Lord of the dance - Nataraja

Padmasana
This Asana steadies the body and calms the mind.

Paripurna Navasana
This asana requires you to balance on the tripod of your sitting bones & tailbone.

Parivrtta Trikonasana
Thisasana is therapeutically good for asthma, constipation and lower backache.

Pasasana
It is wrapping of the arms around the squatting legs with the hands clasped behind the back.

Paschimottanasana
The Asana that removes constipation, dyspepsia and seminal weaknesses.

Pincha Mayurasana
The body in this posture resembles a peacock with feathers fully spread and dancing.

Prasarita Padottanasana
This is a wide-legged forward bend and stretched out, expanded, spread with outstretched limbs.

Salabhasana
The asana activates the blood circulation in the body.

Salamba Sarvangasana
This asana, is therapeutic for asthma, infertility and sinusitis.

Shavasana
The Asana removes fatigue and gives rest to the mind.

Simhasana
The Asana facilitates the three Bandhas: the Mula, Jalandhara and the Uddiyana.

Swastikasana
This asana improves one`s concentrating power.

Supta Virasana
This is a reclining hero pose that intensifies the stretch in the thighs and ankles of its upright version.

Supta Baddha Konasana
This is a reclining bound angle pose that can be modified to meet any level of resistance in the hips and groins.

Tadasana
The Asana that removes Visceroptosis and pain in the backbone.

Upavistha Konasana
This is a Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend, good for detoxifying the kidney.

Urdhva Dhanurasana
A bow shaped pose, good for strengthening the the arms, legs, abdomen and spine.

Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
This asana depicts an upward facing dog and it is beneficial for asthma patients.

Ustrasana
This is a camel pose and for this pose, you can pad your knees and shins with a thickly folded blanket.

Utkatasana
This pose Chair helps to stimulate the diaphragm and heart.

Uttanasana
Uttanasana wakes up your hamstrings and soothes your mind.

Utthita Parsvakonasana
It creates a stretch along the top side of the body, from the back heel through the raised arm.

Vasisthasana
It is a powerful arm and wrist strengthener and might also be called the One-Arm Balance.

Virasana
Virasana is good for tired legs as well as an alternative to Padmasana.

Viparita Karani Asana
Viparita refers to a state of turned around or reversed, and karani means doing or some action.