Kūrmāsana — the tortoise posture. The tortoise is a symbol of longevity, stability, and withdrawal. Its shell is protection; its slowness, patience.

“Facilitator of happiness.” Unlike more intense postures, Kūrmāsana seeks sustained comfort. It is a posture for remaining, not for striving.

The name also evokes the Kūrma-avatāra, the tortoise incarnation of Viṣṇu who supported Mount Mandara during the churning of the milk ocean. It is the posture of cosmic support.