Warrior: The Story Behind The Pose

In today's class we talked about (and of course did) Virabhadrasana (warrior pose). This is a pose we frequently endure during a yoga class. Let's face it, no matter which warrior (I, II, or III) that pose can be a bear. I hinted at the story in class. However, here's the story of Virabhadra...

In Sanskrit "vira" means hero and "bhadra" means great. So Virabhadra was the greatest, most fearsome warrior ever known. Here's his (very) abbreviated story:

​Lord Shiva (also know as the Destroyer and considered the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon) was married to a beautiful woman Sati. Unfortunately, Sati's father, Daksha, didn't like that she was married to Shiva and set about doing his best to exclude Shiva from family events. This upset Sati and after frequent snubs and insults Sati couldn't take it anymore and threw herself into a ceremonial fire. 

Shiva was grief stricken. He didn't realize just how much her father's insults were hurting Sati. He was terribly angry. He loved Sati dearly. So with deep sorrow and anger, Shiva tore out his hair and threw it to the ground. There upon that spot the earth split open and Virabhadra (and Kali) were born. Virabhadra was tall and muscular, his body was dark as storm clouds. He had three burning eyes, and fiery hair. Around his neck were a garland of skulls and he carried terrible weapons. Virabhadra was the manifestation of Shiva's grief and anger.

Virabhadra bowed his knee and raised up his arms in service to Shiva. (Warrior I) Shiva looked at Virabhadra and said, "Lead my army against Sati's father. Destroy him and all those that side with him."

So off Virabhadra went with his huge swords and weapons. When he arrived at Daksha's palace (Sati's father). He began to wield his swords, slicing off the head's of Shiva's enemies. (Warrior II). The battle raged on and Virabhadra continued to fight. Eventually he found Sati's father and in one final act of rage and vengence, he cuts the head off of Daksha. (Warrior III).

What a story! However, when you dig deeper. Virabhadra is simply a bloody warrior. Like Shiva, Virabhadra destroys to save. His real enemy is the ego. His cutting the head off Daksha is symbolic of  cutting off the head of the ego. Virabhadra is there to remind us to be humble. 

So, the next time your thighs are screaming and your arms are shaking in Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose), reflect on the story of Virabhadra, for whom this pose is named. Tap into the strength of this great warrior. Put that fierce energy into the pose and remember to set aside your ego as you practice and throughout your daily life. 

To read more about the mythology of Virabhadra, Shiva, Sati, and Daksha, check out these resources: 

• Fierce Warrior: Virabhadra
• How Lord Shiva Killed His Father-in-Law
• Hinduism Mythology - Gods & Goddesses

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