Natarajasana
King Dancer Pose
(not-ah-raj-AHS-anna)
nata = actor, dancer, mime
raja = king
asana = seat of the mind
Nata means actor or dancer and raja is king. Also called the Cosmic Dancer, Nataraja is another name for Shiva. Natarajasana is depicted in Indian iconography as a graceful figure with one leg lifted in dance, surrounded by a circle of flames. His dance symbolizes cosmic energy in its "five actions:" creation, maintenance, and destruction or re-absorption of the world, concealment of authentic being, and grace. Nataraja, or Shiva as the Cosmic Dancer, destroys and recreates the universe with each step. The Cosmic Dancer symbolizes the constant flow of energy and matter. It represents the destruction of the old self in preparation for the creation of a new one.
Natarajasana is a balancing back bend which cultivates openheartedness and helps you uncover your inner radiance. As you stretch your whole body, you develop balance.
Benefits
Opens and stretches the shoulders, chest, thighs, groin,
and abdomen. Legs and ankles are strengthened. Balance
improves while opening to the shoulder and chest. Vertebral
joints learn better performance for the body and builds
inner and outer steadiness. Imbues a psychological lift
and opens the heart.
---