Now, Dhanurāsana: holding the big toes with the hands, stretch them toward the ears as if drawing a bow. This is called Dhanurāsana.

Dhanurāsana, the “bow posture,” is the first backbend described in the text. The body forms the curve of the bow, with the arms acting as the string.

The classical description of this posture differs slightly from the better-known modern version. Here, the practitioner pulls the feet toward the ears (śravaṇonmukhau — “toward the ears”), suggesting a more pronounced back flexion.

Dhanur ākarṣaṇam — “drawing the bow” — captures the dynamic of the posture. It is not static but involves active tension, like an archer preparing to shoot.

The benefits include:

• Strengthening of the back
• Stretching of the abdomen and chest
• Stimulation of the abdominal organs
• Opening of the front body

This posture is complementary to forward bends and helps maintain spinal flexibility in all directions.