Śavāsana

Classical Description

The Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā (1.32) describes briefly:

“Lying flat on the ground face up, like a corpse, is Śavāsana. It removes fatigue and gives rest to the mind.”

The Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā is equally concise:

“Lying face up on the ground like a dead body is Śavāsana. This āsana removes fatigue and quiets the agitated mind.”

Technique

1. Lie on your back on the floor
2. Legs separated approximately hip-width apart
3. Arms at the sides of the body, palms facing up
4. Toes fall naturally to the sides
5. Head centered, chin slightly toward the chest
6. Close the eyes
7. Systematically relax the entire body
8. Observe the breath without modifying it
9. Remain motionless like a corpse

Benefits According to the Texts

The texts are consistent:

• Śrama-vināśinī — destroys fatigue
• Citta-viśrānti — gives rest to the mind

Additional benefits recognized in the tradition:

• Integrates the effects of āsana practice
• Reduces blood pressure and heart rate
• Allows absorption of mobilized prāṇa
• Prepares for meditation and pratyāhāra

Notes

Śava means corpse. The posture imitates the total stillness of a lifeless body. Although it appears simple, the HYP includes it among the important āsanas because deep relaxation is difficult to achieve: the mind tends to become agitated precisely when the body quiets. It is the traditional closing āsana of any practice.