Dvitīyopadeśaḥ (Āsana) · Verse 53
गरुडासनमाख्यातं महापातकनाशनम् | एकं पादं द्वयोर्मध्ये क्षिप्त्वा वै दृढमासनम् ||
garuḍāsanam ākhyātaṃ mahāpātakanāśanam | ekaṃ pādaṃ dvayor madhye kṣiptvā vai dṛḍham āsanam ||
Garuḍāsana — the eagle posture. Garuḍa is the king of birds, vehicle of Viṣṇu, enemy of serpents. It represents speed, sharp vision, and mastery of the skies.
“Destroyer of great sins.” Like other avian postures (peacock, cockerel), the eagle has the power of deep karmic purification.
The typical execution intertwines the legs and arms in a manner similar to a folded eagle’s wings. It is a balance posture that opens the shoulders and strengthens the legs.