What are the Warrior Poses?

Almost as renowned as Downward Dog, the Warrior poses (or Virabhadrasanas) play a predominant role in your average vinyasa class. Below you’ll learn how to actually perform each pose, alongside their numerous health benefits.

But first let’s delve into the origin story of these powerful poses.

The Myth

Warrior I, II and III embody the myth of Virabhadra, the warrior aspect of the Hindu God Shiva.

This myth follows the ongoing conflict between Lord Shiva and Daksha, a priestly god preoccupied with societal rules and laws of the physical realm. The two were at odds due to their opposing personas. Shiva was an unorthodox wanderer that threatened Daksha’s world view by failing to conform to traditional behaviours. He subscribed to no particular religion, had no home, and danced raucously whenever he pleased.

Lord Shiva married Daksha’s daughter, Sati, against the priest’s wishes. In retaliation, Daksha hosts a ceremonial sacrifice for all the deities but fails to invite Shiva and his new wife. Sati is upset by her father’s actions and attends the sacrifice to confront him. Daksha publicly mocks her marriage by insulting Shiva and taunts her in front of his heavenly guests.

Sati is devastated by her father’s dismissal. In response to his cruelty, Sati disowns her father and disassociates herself from the body he has given her. She meditates on this separation as her physical form bursts into flame!

The news of his wife’s death reaches Shiva. He is struck with a vengeful anguish and, in a rage, pulls a lock of hair from his head. As it falls to the ground, this hair transfigures into the warrior, Virabhadra. He is said to wear a garland of skulls, have three eyes and a thousand arms. Shiva orders his warrior to destroy Daksha and disrupt the gathering.

In some versions of this tale, Virabhadra slaughters the entire party, but one detail remains consistent through all. He beheads Daksha. The Warrior poses themselves are symbolic of this act. Warrior I sees Virabhadra raise his sword overhead. Warrior II he is aiming his sword to strike Daksha, and Warrior III is his deathly lunge forward.

Upon seeing the devastation his warrior has inflicted, Shiva is overcome with regret and sorrow. He discovers the headless body of his father-in-law and restores his life by planting a goat’s head upon his neck. Though this may seem to us somewhat insulting, the goat is a sacred animal and Daksha is extremely thankful for Shiva’s mercy. His scorn transforms into awe, respect and gratitude, while Shiva’s anger melts into forgiveness.

The Meaning

The How-To

The Benefits

By practicing the Warrior series you will cultivate the strength of a warrior, but also the resilience and focus to combat mental negativity. Harness your power to enhance physical well-being and behead your ego to embrace confidence and calm.

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