Bhujaṅgāsana

Classical Description

The Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā (2.42-43) describes:

“Let the body, from the navel to the toes, rest on the ground. Place the palms on the ground and raise the head and torso like a serpent. This is called Bhujaṅgāsana. It always increases bodily heat, destroys all diseases, and through the practice of this āsana the Serpent Goddess (Kuṇḍalinī) awakens.”

Technique

1. Lie face down with legs extended and together
2. The palms are placed beside the shoulders
3. The elbows remain close to the body
4. From the navel downward, the body remains in contact with the ground
5. Inhale and slowly raise the head
6. Continue raising the chest, curving the spine backward
7. The lift comes mainly from back strength, not from pushing with the hands
8. The head tilts back, imitating the expanded hood of a cobra

Benefits According to the Texts

The Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā specifies that Bhujaṅgāsana:

• Increases bodily heat (dehāgni-vivardhinī)
• Destroys all diseases (sarva-roga-vināśinī)
• Awakens the Kuṇḍalinī Śakti dormant in the mūlādhāra
• Strengthens the spine
• Opens the chest and improves breathing capacity
• Stimulates the abdominal organs

Notes

Bhujaṅga means “serpent” or “cobra”. The posture imitates the cobra when it raises its hood in an alert state. This āsana has special tantric significance due to its association with the awakening of Kuṇḍalinī, the serpent energy dormant at the base of the spine. It is considered complementary to forward-bending postures.