Virasana, also known as Hero Pose, is a seated yoga posture that is commonly used for meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises). The name “virasana” comes from the Sanskrit word “vira”, which means hero, and “asana”, which means pose.
To practice Virasana, you should begin by kneeling on the floor with your legs together and your feet pointing directly back behind you. Separate your feet slightly wider than your hips and then sit down between your feet. If you find this difficult or uncomfortable, you can use a folded blanket or cushion under your buttocks for support.
Once you are seated, place your hands on your thighs and lengthen your spine. Relax your shoulders down and back, and gaze straight ahead. Breathe deeply and evenly, feeling the stretch in your thighs and hips.
Virasana offers a variety of benefits for both the mind and body. Here are some of the benefits of practicing Virasana: