6 Pillar Challenge

6 Pillar Challenge- Balance Pillar – Garud Asana

In Hindu mythology, Garuda is described as a divine bird with the head and wings of an eagle while the body and legs of a man. It is the carrier of Lord Vishnu who had to once fetch the nectar of immortality (Amrit) to rescue its own mother from the clutches of serpents (nagas). It had to overcome a lot of obstacles to get it, one of which was crossing a spiked ring for which it had to shrink itself in size to fit pass through it harmlessly. This is how the Garuda Asana or Eagle pose originated.

Just like an eagle, Garuda Asana, represents focus, strength and the ability to think clearly. Its continuous practice not only makes one meditation focused but also helps in maintaining mental & physical balance. To sustain this balance, our body needs a complementary balance of food. You can build this discipline by including healthy dishes in your daily meal plan. Check out here interesting recipes best suited to all the yogis.

Balance Challenge –

Hold Garudasana for 108 Seconds.

Garuda Asana is one of the easiest poses to practice to work on your Balance Pillar of Yogic Wellness. To know more about the 6 Pillars of Yogic Wellness click here.


Why you should take this Challenge?

Here’s why you should participate in this challenge with Garuda Asana!

  • It develops a sense of balance
  • Strengthens the hips, thighs, arms, shoulders, ankles, calves, and upper back
  • Improves digestion and concentration
  • Enhances sexual performance
  • Helps alleviate sciatica and rheumatism
  • Good for respiratory problems

Follow the steps for performing Garuda Asana:

  1. Stand in Samasthiti: It is the simplest standing asana where both the feet and the body are upright
  2. Stretch your arms forward. Bend your knees. Put all the weight into your left foot
  3. Cross your right thigh over the left and hook the right foot behind the left calve.
  4. Take your right arm underneath. Wrap up the elbow. Wrap up the wrist. Breathe
  5. Sit down low and feel the stretch in your hips
  6. With an exhalation, unwrap the hands, legs and calm up
  7. Repeat the same with the other side

Contraindications: Who shouldn’t do this Challenge?

Now, though the Eagle pose might seem simpler to you yet it is advisable to with caution. A true yogi should always know his/her own limitations and the precautions necessary for each Yoga pose (Asana).

Avoid this asana during the following conditions:

  • If you have severe arthritis, injuries of bones and joints
  • People suffering from plantar fasciitis should keep away from this asana
  • Women on their menstrual cycles
  • Completely avoid this pose when you are more than 2 months pregnant.
  • Refrain from trying this pose if you have blood pressure fluctuations, headache, or ear problems

Take the challenge and share your Pics and updates in the comments below. Also, tag us on Instagram @Sattviko @yogawithyashi #6PillarChallenge.