Sirsasana - Revision history

Xenja at 22:10, 28 March 2026

2026-03-28T22:10:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:10, 29 March 2026
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	Shirshasana is part of the [[A:Rishikesh series\|Rishikesh series]]<ref name=":1"> André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79, p. 191''</ref> and part of the finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.<ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.''] Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>		Shirshasana is part of the [[A:Rishikesh series\|Rishikesh series]]<ref name=":1"> André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79, p. 191''</ref> and part of the finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.<ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.''] Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>

	==Preliminary ~~Remark~~==		==Preliminary remark==

	At first glance, it appears that the headstand is not mentioned in the ancient Hatha Yoga scriptures, as the Sanskrit name Shirshasana does not explicitly appear. However, in the 3rd chapter of the [[w:Hathapradipika\|Hathapradipika]] the Viparita Karani posture is mentioned – ''viparīta'' "reversed",<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=viparIta&dir=au ''Search results for "viparIta".'' ] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> ''karaṇa'' "activity"<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=karana&dir=au ''Search results for "karana".'' ] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> – and could thus refer to the headstand: "On the first day [the yogi] should keep his head down and his feet up for a short while, and he should [then] practise for a little longer every day"<ref>[https://hathapradipika.online/ ''hathapradipika.online''] retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> This is clarified more clearly in verse III, 35 in the [[w:Gherandasamhita\|Gherandasamhita]]: "Place the head on the ground with hands spread, raise the legs up, and thus remain steady. This is called Viparitakarani."<ref>[https://www.aghori.it/Gherandasamhita.pdf ''Gherandasamhita''] p. 25 .</ref>		At first glance, it appears that the headstand is not mentioned in the ancient Hatha Yoga scriptures, as the Sanskrit name Shirshasana does not explicitly appear. However, in the 3rd chapter of the [[w:Hathapradipika\|Hathapradipika]] the Viparita Karani posture is mentioned – ''viparīta'' "reversed",<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=viparIta&dir=au ''Search results for "viparIta".'' ] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> ''karaṇa'' "activity"<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=karana&dir=au ''Search results for "karana".'' ] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> – and could thus refer to the headstand: "On the first day [the yogi] should keep his head down and his feet up for a short while, and he should [then] practise for a little longer every day"<ref>[https://hathapradipika.online/ ''hathapradipika.online''] retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> This is clarified more clearly in verse III, 35 in the [[w:Gherandasamhita\|Gherandasamhita]]: "Place the head on the ground with hands spread, raise the legs up, and thus remain steady. This is called Viparitakarani."<ref>[https://www.aghori.it/Gherandasamhita.pdf ''Gherandasamhita''] p. 25 .</ref>

Xenja: Punctioation

2026-03-25T22:25:55Z

Punctioation

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:25, 26 March 2026
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	[[File:Śīrṣāsana, Julija Zora Mazover 2022.jpg\|240px\|thumb\|Śīrṣāsana, Julija Zora Mazover 2022]]		[[File:Śīrṣāsana, Julija Zora Mazover 2022.jpg\|240px\|thumb\|Śīrṣāsana, Julija Zora Mazover 2022]]

	'''Shirshasana''' ([[w:Sanskrit\|Sanskrit]] शीर्षासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ''śīrṣāsana''), English '''headstand''', is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the group of inverted yoga poses. The Sanskrit name ''śīrṣāsana'' is composed of the words ''śīrṣa'' ~~„head“~~ <ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=zIrSa&dir=au ‘'Search results for ~~“zIrSa”~~.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.~~cc’~~'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> and ''āsana'' ~~„seat“~~<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=Asana&dir=au ‘'Search results for ~~“Asana”~~.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.~~cc’~~'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> or, more generally, ~~„posture“~~.		'''Shirshasana''' ([[w:Sanskrit\|Sanskrit]] शीर्षासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ''śīrṣāsana''), English '''headstand''', is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the group of inverted yoga poses. The Sanskrit name ''śīrṣāsana'' is composed of the words ''śīrṣa'' "head"<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=zIrSa&dir=au ''Search results for "zIrSa".''] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> and ''āsana'' "seat"<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=Asana&dir=au ''Search results for "Asana".''] In:''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> or, more generally, "posture".

	Shirshasana is part of the [[a:Rishikesh series\|Rishikesh series]] <ref name=":1"> André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-~~Taught’'~~ 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79</ref> and part of the finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga <ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.''] Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>		Shirshasana is part of the [[A:Rishikesh series\|Rishikesh series]]<ref name=":1"> André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79, p. 191''</ref> and part of the finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.<ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.''] Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>

	==Preliminary Remark==		==Preliminary Remark==

	At first glance, it appears that the headstand is not mentioned in the ancient Hatha Yoga scriptures, as the Sanskrit name Shirshasana does not explicitly appear. However, in the 3rd chapter of the [[w:Hathapradipika\|Hathapradipika]] the Viparita Karani posture is mentioned – ''viparīta'' "reversed",<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=viparIta&dir=au ''Search results for "viparIta".'' ] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> ''karaṇa'' "activity"<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=karana&dir=au ''Search results for "karana".'' ] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> – and could thus refer to the headstand: "On the first day [the yogi] should keep his head down and his feet up for a short while, and he should [then] practise for a little longer every day." <ref>[https://hathapradipika.online/ ''hathapradipika.online''] retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> This is clarified more clearly in verse III, 35 in the [[w:Gherandasamhita\|Gherandasamhita]]: "Place the head on the ground with hands spread, raise the legs up, and thus remain steady. This is called Viparitakarani."<ref>[https://www.aghori.it/Gherandasamhita.pdf ''Gherandasamhita''] p. 25 .</ref>		At first glance, it appears that the headstand is not mentioned in the ancient Hatha Yoga scriptures, as the Sanskrit name Shirshasana does not explicitly appear. However, in the 3rd chapter of the [[w:Hathapradipika\|Hathapradipika]] the Viparita Karani posture is mentioned – ''viparīta'' "reversed",<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=viparIta&dir=au ''Search results for "viparIta".'' ] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> ''karaṇa'' "activity"<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=karana&dir=au ''Search results for "karana".'' ] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> – and could thus refer to the headstand: "On the first day [the yogi] should keep his head down and his feet up for a short while, and he should [then] practise for a little longer every day"<ref>[https://hathapradipika.online/ ''hathapradipika.online''] retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> This is clarified more clearly in verse III, 35 in the [[w:Gherandasamhita\|Gherandasamhita]]: "Place the head on the ground with hands spread, raise the legs up, and thus remain steady. This is called Viparitakarani."<ref>[https://www.aghori.it/Gherandasamhita.pdf ''Gherandasamhita''] p. 25 .</ref>

	== Physical execution ==		== Physical execution ==
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	The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center points out that the key to balance in the headstand lies in the tripod which is formed by elbows and hands. The tripod is formed from a kneeled position, putting the forearms on the ground, wrapping the hands around the ellbows. Then release the hands and place them in the front without moving the ellbows. It is important that the elbows don’t shift out of the formed tripod.<ref>The Sivananda Yoga Center: ''The Sivananda companion to yoga'' First Fireside Edition, New York, 2000, ISBN 0-684-87000-2, p. 38.</ref>		The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center points out that the key to balance in the headstand lies in the tripod which is formed by elbows and hands. The tripod is formed from a kneeled position, putting the forearms on the ground, wrapping the hands around the ellbows. Then release the hands and place them in the front without moving the ellbows. It is important that the elbows don’t shift out of the formed tripod.<ref>The Sivananda Yoga Center: ''The Sivananda companion to yoga'' First Fireside Edition, New York, 2000, ISBN 0-684-87000-2, p. 38.</ref>

	Heinz Grill suggests that the next step is to very consciously place the head with the crown on the ground, … "so consciously that you perceive the closeness of your head to the ground, and stably clasp the back of your head with your interlaced fingers." <ref name=":4">Heinz Grill: ~~„The~~ Soul Dimension of Yoga.~~“ISBN&Auflage~~</ref>		Heinz Grill suggests that the next step is to very consciously place the head with the crown on the ground, … "so consciously that you perceive the closeness of your head to the ground, and stably clasp the back of your head with your interlaced fingers."<ref name=":4">Heinz Grill: The Soul Dimension of Yoga. ISBN: 978-1-916732-32-2</ref>

	Erling Petersen, a student of [[~~wen~~:Swami Narayanananda\|Swami Narayanananda]], now stretches his legs and walks toward the body, lifting the hips high enough to keep the back straight <ref>Erling Petersen: ‚'Yoga - Das große Übungsbuch für Anfänger und Fortgeschrittene'' (Yoga - The big exercise Book for Beginners and advanced practitioners). 3rd edition. Heyne ISBN 3-453-17963-3, german p. 115 </ref>		Erling Petersen, a student of [[Wen:Swami Narayanananda\|Swami Narayanananda]], now stretches his legs and walks toward the body, lifting the hips high enough to keep the back straight.<ref>Erling Petersen: Yoga - Das große Übungsbuch für Anfänger und Fortgeschrittene'' (Yoga - The big exercise Book for Beginners and advanced practitioners). 3rd edition. Heyne ISBN 3-453-17963-3, german p. 115 ''</ref>

	This position is a preliminary preparatory pose for the headstand. It is called Ardha Shirshasana, or "half headstand," and can be practised on its own.		This position is a preliminary preparatory pose for the headstand. It is called Ardha Shirshasana, or "half headstand," and can be practised on its own.

	Now bend your legs. Lift your feet off the floor and move your heels towards your buttocks. [[w:B. K. S. Iyengar\|B. K. S. Iyengar]] recommends practising lifting the feet off the floor until you feel confident, and only then moving the legs further into the vertical position by first bringing the thighs into alignment. Finally, the legs are stretched completely until the body is completely vertical. <ref name=„:2“>~~[https://ia800108~~.us.~~archive.org/29/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.149689/2015.149689~~.Light-On~~-Yoga_text.pdf „Light on Yoga“]~~</ref>		Now bend your legs. Lift your feet off the floor and move your heels towards your buttocks. [[w:B. K. S. Iyengar\|B. K. S. Iyengar]] recommends practising lifting the feet off the floor until you feel confident, and only then moving the legs further into the vertical position by first bringing the thighs into alignment. Finally, the legs are stretched completely until the body is completely vertical.<ref name="„:2“">B.K.S. Iyengar: ''Light On Yoga'', HarperCollins Publishers India</ref>

	When leaving the position, it is important to lower the legs very slowly and to avoid jerks, says [[Swami Vishnudevananda]], and then you should stand erect for a minute or two to harmonize the blood circulation. <ref>Swami Vishnu-Devananda: ''The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga'' Edition Three Rivers Press, New York, , ISBN 978-0-307-78620-3, p. 99.</ref>		When leaving the position, it is important to lower the legs very slowly and to avoid jerks, says [[Swami Vishnudevananda]], and then you should stand erect for a minute or two to harmonize the blood circulation.<ref>Swami Vishnu-Devananda: ''The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga'' Edition Three Rivers Press, New York, , ISBN 978-0-307-78620-3, p. 99.</ref>

	[[Swami Sivananda]], who describes Shirshasana as the king of all asanas, suggests that this asana is easy to learn with the help of a wall: "Keep the finger-lock and head near the wall and throw away your legs on the wall. Try to remove the legs from the wall. By this method also you can learn to balance the body." <ref name=":3"> Sri Swami Sivananda: ''Hatha Yoga.'' 5th edition, The Divine Life Trust Society, Sivananda Nagar, p. 29 </ref>		[[Swami Sivananda]], who describes Shirshasana as the king of all asanas, suggests that this asana is easy to learn with the help of a wall: "Keep the finger-lock and head near the wall and throw away your legs on the wall. Try to remove the legs from the wall. By this method also you can learn to balance the body."<ref name=":3"> Sri Swami Sivananda: ''Hatha Yoga.'' 5th edition, The Divine Life Trust Society, Sivananda Nagar, p. 29 </ref>

	In his instructions, [[w:André Van Lysebeth\|André Van Lysebeth]] distinguishes between Shirshasana and Kapalasana (IAST: '' kapālāsana''), whereby ''kapāla'' means "head, skull"<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=kapAla&dir=au ''Search results for "kapAala".''] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref>. Kapalasana therefore also refers to the headstand. In contrast to Shirshasana, the forearms do not rest on the floor, but rather the head and the two supported palms form the tripod. <ref name=":1"/~~> p. 191 </ref~~>		In his instructions, [[w:André Van Lysebeth\|André Van Lysebeth]] distinguishes between Shirshasana and Kapalasana (IAST: '' kapālāsana''), whereby ''kapāla'' means "head, skull".<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=kapAla&dir=au ''Search results for "kapAala".''] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> Kapalasana therefore also refers to the headstand. In contrast to Shirshasana, the forearms do not rest on the floor, but rather the head and the two supported palms form the tripod.<ref name=":1"/>

	Iyengar calls this pose Salamba Shirshasana, which translates as "supported headstand". The Sanskrit word "sālamba" means ~~„as~~ support".<ref name=„:2“/><ref>[https://www.learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=sAlamba&dir=se "Search results for '~~sAlamba~~'."] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>		Iyengar calls this pose Salamba Shirshasana, which translates as "supported headstand". The Sanskrit word "sālamba" means "as support".<ref name=„:2“/><ref>[https://www.learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=sAlamba&dir=se ''Search results for "sAlamba".''] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>

	== Focusing attention ==		== Focusing attention ==
	Swami Sivananda points out that ~~„If~~ you observe the breath you will notice that it becomes finer and finer.“ Furthermore you should breath only through the nose and not breathe through the mouth. <ref name=":3" />		Swami Sivananda points out that "If you observe the breath you will notice that it becomes finer and finer." Furthermore you should breath only through the nose and not breathe through the mouth.<ref name=":3" />

	== The picture and the meaning of the exercise ==		== The picture and the meaning of the exercise ==
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	Heinz Grill writes about the picture and meaning of the headstand exercise:		Heinz Grill writes about the picture and meaning of the headstand exercise:

	~~„Practitioners~~ experience the vertical line particularly intensively in the inverted form, as this form		"Practitioners experience the vertical line particularly intensively in the inverted form, as this form inevitably exists in the headstand and at the same time moves into consciousness through the inversion. The vertical line reveals the nature of the thought, which in itself is concrete and clear and represents a celestial power, a spiritual substance itself. In this symbol, which can be vividly experienced, lies the meaning of this graceful asana."<ref name=":4"/>
	inevitably exists in the headstand and at the same time moves into consciousness through the
	inversion. The vertical line reveals the nature of the thought, which in itself is concrete and clear
	and represents a celestial power, a spiritual substance itself. In this symbol, which can be vividly
	experienced, lies the meaning of this graceful asana.““<ref name=":4"/>

	== Health aspects ==		== Health aspects ==

			B. K. S. Iyengar states that the practice of Shirshasana allows healthy and pure blood to flow through the brain cells. "This rejuvenates them so that thinking power increases and thoughts become clearer."<ref name=„:2“ /> André van Lysebeth reports that the inverted posture relieves the organs of the abdominal cavity from gravity, allowing them to rest on the diaphragm and receive a gentle massage through the breathing movement.<ref name=":1" />
	B. K. S. Iyengar states that the practice of Shirshasana allows healthy and pure blood to flow through the brain cells. "This rejuvenates them so that thinking power increases
	and thoughts become clearer." <ref name=„:2“ /> André van Lysebeth reports that the inverted posture relieves the organs of the abdominal cavity from gravity, allowing them to rest on the diaphragm and receive a gentle massage through the breathing movement. <ref name=":1" />


	=References=		=References=

Xenja at 22:21, 12 February 2026

2026-02-12T22:21:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:21, 13 February 2026
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	‘’'Shirshasana'‘’ ([[w:Sanskrit\|Sanskrit]] शीर्षासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ‘'~~śīrṣāsana’~~'), English ‘''headstand''’, is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the group of inverted yoga poses. The Sanskrit name ‘'~~śīrṣāsana’~~' is composed of the words ‘'~~śīrṣa’~~' ~~“head”~~ <ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=zIrSa&dir=au ‘'Search results for “zIrSa”.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.cc’'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> and ‘'~~āsana’~~' ~~“seat”~~<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=Asana&dir=au ‘'Search results for “Asana”.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.cc’'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> or, more generally, ~~“posture~~.”		[[File:Śīrṣāsana, Julija Zora Mazover 2022.jpg\|240px\|thumb\|Śīrṣāsana, Julija Zora Mazover 2022]]

			'''Shirshasana''' ([[w:Sanskrit\|Sanskrit]] शीर्षासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ''śīrṣāsana''), English '''headstand''', is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the group of inverted yoga poses. The Sanskrit name ''śīrṣāsana'' is composed of the words ''śīrṣa'' „head“ <ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=zIrSa&dir=au ‘'Search results for “zIrSa”.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.cc’'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> and ''āsana'' „seat“<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=Asana&dir=au ‘'Search results for “Asana”.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.cc’'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> or, more generally, „posture“.

	Shirshasana is part of the [[a:Rishikesh series\|Rishikesh series]] <ref name=":1"> André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught’' 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79</ref> and part of the finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga <ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.''] Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>		Shirshasana is part of the [[a:Rishikesh series\|Rishikesh series]] <ref name=":1"> André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught’' 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79</ref> and part of the finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga <ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.''] Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>

Xenja at 00:00, 19 January 2026

2026-01-19T00:00:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:00, 19 January 2026
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	Swami Sivananda points out that „If you observe the breath you will notice that it becomes finer and finer.“ Furthermore you should breath only through the nose and not breathe through the mouth. <ref name=":3" />		Swami Sivananda points out that „If you observe the breath you will notice that it becomes finer and finer.“ Furthermore you should breath only through the nose and not breathe through the mouth. <ref name=":3" />

	== The picture and meaning of the exercise ==		== The picture and the meaning of the exercise ==

	Heinz Grill writes about the picture and meaning of the headstand exercise:		Heinz Grill writes about the picture and meaning of the headstand exercise:

Xenja at 00:00, 19 January 2026

2026-01-19T00:00:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:00, 19 January 2026
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	Shirshasana is part of the [[a:Rishikesh series\|Rishikesh series]] <ref name=":1"> André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught’' 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79</ref> and part of the finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga <ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.''] Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>		Shirshasana is part of the [[a:Rishikesh series\|Rishikesh series]] <ref name=":1"> André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught’' 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79</ref> and part of the finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga <ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.''] Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>

	=Preliminary Remark=		==Preliminary Remark==

	At first glance, it appears that the headstand is not mentioned in the ancient Hatha Yoga scriptures, as the Sanskrit name Shirshasana does not explicitly appear. However, in the 3rd chapter of the [[w:Hathapradipika\|Hathapradipika]] the Viparita Karani posture is mentioned – ''viparīta'' "reversed",<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=viparIta&dir=au ''Search results for "viparIta".'' ] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> ''karaṇa'' "activity"<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=karana&dir=au ''Search results for "karana".'' ] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> – and could thus refer to the headstand: "On the first day [the yogi] should keep his head down and his feet up for a short while, and he should [then] practise for a little longer every day." <ref>[https://hathapradipika.online/ ''hathapradipika.online''] retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> This is clarified more clearly in verse III, 35 in the [[w:Gherandasamhita\|Gherandasamhita]]: "Place the head on the ground with hands spread, raise the legs up, and thus remain steady. This is called Viparitakarani."<ref>[https://www.aghori.it/Gherandasamhita.pdf ''Gherandasamhita''] p. 25 .</ref>		At first glance, it appears that the headstand is not mentioned in the ancient Hatha Yoga scriptures, as the Sanskrit name Shirshasana does not explicitly appear. However, in the 3rd chapter of the [[w:Hathapradipika\|Hathapradipika]] the Viparita Karani posture is mentioned – ''viparīta'' "reversed",<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=viparIta&dir=au ''Search results for "viparIta".'' ] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> ''karaṇa'' "activity"<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=karana&dir=au ''Search results for "karana".'' ] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> – and could thus refer to the headstand: "On the first day [the yogi] should keep his head down and his feet up for a short while, and he should [then] practise for a little longer every day." <ref>[https://hathapradipika.online/ ''hathapradipika.online''] retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> This is clarified more clearly in verse III, 35 in the [[w:Gherandasamhita\|Gherandasamhita]]: "Place the head on the ground with hands spread, raise the legs up, and thus remain steady. This is called Viparitakarani."<ref>[https://www.aghori.it/Gherandasamhita.pdf ''Gherandasamhita''] p. 25 .</ref>
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	experienced, lies the meaning of this graceful asana.““<ref name=":4"/>		experienced, lies the meaning of this graceful asana.““<ref name=":4"/>

			== Health aspects ==


			B. K. S. Iyengar states that the practice of Shirshasana allows healthy and pure blood to flow through the brain cells. "This rejuvenates them so that thinking power increases
			and thoughts become clearer." <ref name=„:2“ /> André van Lysebeth reports that the inverted posture relieves the organs of the abdominal cavity from gravity, allowing them to rest on the diaphragm and receive a gentle massage through the breathing movement. <ref name=":1" />


	=References=		=References=

Xenja at 23:48, 18 January 2026

2026-01-18T23:48:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:48, 19 January 2026
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	‘’'Shirshasana'‘’ ([[w:Sanskrit\|Sanskrit]] शीर्षासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ‘'śīrṣāsana’'), English ‘''headstand''’, is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the group of inverted yoga poses. The Sanskrit name ‘'śīrṣāsana’' is composed of the words ‘'śīrṣa’' “head” <ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=zIrSa&dir=au ‘'Search results for “zIrSa”.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.cc’'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> and ‘'āsana’' “seat”<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=Asana&dir=au ‘'Search results for “Asana”.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.cc’'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> or, more generally, “posture.”		‘’'Shirshasana'‘’ ([[w:Sanskrit\|Sanskrit]] शीर्षासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ‘'śīrṣāsana’'), English ‘''headstand''’, is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the group of inverted yoga poses. The Sanskrit name ‘'śīrṣāsana’' is composed of the words ‘'śīrṣa’' “head” <ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=zIrSa&dir=au ‘'Search results for “zIrSa”.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.cc’'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> and ‘'āsana’' “seat”<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=Asana&dir=au ‘'Search results for “Asana”.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.cc’'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> or, more generally, “posture.”

	Shirshasana is part of the [[a:Rishikesh series\|Rishikesh series]] <ref >André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught’' 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79</ref> and part of the finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga <ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.''] Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>		Shirshasana is part of the [[a:Rishikesh series\|Rishikesh series]] <ref name=":1"> André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught’' 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79</ref> and part of the finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga <ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.''] Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>

	=Preliminary Remark=		=Preliminary Remark=
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	The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center points out that the key to balance in the headstand lies in the tripod which is formed by elbows and hands. The tripod is formed from a kneeled position, putting the forearms on the ground, wrapping the hands around the ellbows. Then release the hands and place them in the front without moving the ellbows. It is important that the elbows don’t shift out of the formed tripod.<ref>The Sivananda Yoga Center: ''The Sivananda companion to yoga'' First Fireside Edition, New York, 2000, ISBN 0-684-87000-2, p. 38.</ref>		The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center points out that the key to balance in the headstand lies in the tripod which is formed by elbows and hands. The tripod is formed from a kneeled position, putting the forearms on the ground, wrapping the hands around the ellbows. Then release the hands and place them in the front without moving the ellbows. It is important that the elbows don’t shift out of the formed tripod.<ref>The Sivananda Yoga Center: ''The Sivananda companion to yoga'' First Fireside Edition, New York, 2000, ISBN 0-684-87000-2, p. 38.</ref>

	Heinz Grill suggests that the next step is to very consciously place the head with the crown on the ground, … "so consciously that you perceive the closeness of your head to the ground, and stably clasp the back of your head with your interlaced fingers." <ref>Heinz Grill: „The Soul Dimension of Yoga.“ISBN&Auflage</ref>		Heinz Grill suggests that the next step is to very consciously place the head with the crown on the ground, … "so consciously that you perceive the closeness of your head to the ground, and stably clasp the back of your head with your interlaced fingers." <ref name=":4">Heinz Grill: „The Soul Dimension of Yoga.“ISBN&Auflage</ref>

	Erling Petersen, a student of [[wen:Swami Narayanananda\|Swami Narayanananda]], now stretches his legs and walks toward the body, lifting the hips high enough to keep the back straight <ref>Erling Petersen: ‚'Yoga - Das große Übungsbuch für Anfänger und Fortgeschrittene'' (Yoga - The big exercise Book for Beginners and advanced practitioners). 3rd edition. Heyne ISBN 3-453-17963-3, german p. 115 </ref>		Erling Petersen, a student of [[wen:Swami Narayanananda\|Swami Narayanananda]], now stretches his legs and walks toward the body, lifting the hips high enough to keep the back straight <ref>Erling Petersen: ‚'Yoga - Das große Übungsbuch für Anfänger und Fortgeschrittene'' (Yoga - The big exercise Book for Beginners and advanced practitioners). 3rd edition. Heyne ISBN 3-453-17963-3, german p. 115 </ref>

	This position is a preliminary preparatory pose for the headstand. It is called Ardha Shirshasana, or "half headstand," and can be practised on its own.		This position is a preliminary preparatory pose for the headstand. It is called Ardha Shirshasana, or "half headstand," and can be practised on its own.

			Now bend your legs. Lift your feet off the floor and move your heels towards your buttocks. [[w:B. K. S. Iyengar\|B. K. S. Iyengar]] recommends practising lifting the feet off the floor until you feel confident, and only then moving the legs further into the vertical position by first bringing the thighs into alignment. Finally, the legs are stretched completely until the body is completely vertical. <ref name=„:2“>[https://ia800108.us.archive.org/29/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.149689/2015.149689.Light-On-Yoga_text.pdf „Light on Yoga“]</ref>

			When leaving the position, it is important to lower the legs very slowly and to avoid jerks, says [[Swami Vishnudevananda]], and then you should stand erect for a minute or two to harmonize the blood circulation. <ref>Swami Vishnu-Devananda: ''The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga'' Edition Three Rivers Press, New York, , ISBN 978-0-307-78620-3, p. 99.</ref>

			[[Swami Sivananda]], who describes Shirshasana as the king of all asanas, suggests that this asana is easy to learn with the help of a wall: "Keep the finger-lock and head near the wall and throw away your legs on the wall. Try to remove the legs from the wall. By this method also you can learn to balance the body." <ref name=":3"> Sri Swami Sivananda: ''Hatha Yoga.'' 5th edition, The Divine Life Trust Society, Sivananda Nagar, p. 29 </ref>

			In his instructions, [[w:André Van Lysebeth\|André Van Lysebeth]] distinguishes between Shirshasana and Kapalasana (IAST: '' kapālāsana''), whereby ''kapāla'' means "head, skull"<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=kapAla&dir=au ''Search results for "kapAala".''] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref>. Kapalasana therefore also refers to the headstand. In contrast to Shirshasana, the forearms do not rest on the floor, but rather the head and the two supported palms form the tripod. <ref name=":1"/> p. 191 </ref>

			Iyengar calls this pose Salamba Shirshasana, which translates as "supported headstand". The Sanskrit word "sālamba" means „as support".<ref name=„:2“/><ref>[https://www.learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=sAlamba&dir=se "Search results for 'sAlamba'."] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>

			== Focusing attention ==
			Swami Sivananda points out that „If you observe the breath you will notice that it becomes finer and finer.“ Furthermore you should breath only through the nose and not breathe through the mouth. <ref name=":3" />

			== The picture and meaning of the exercise ==

			Heinz Grill writes about the picture and meaning of the headstand exercise:

			„Practitioners experience the vertical line particularly intensively in the inverted form, as this form
			inevitably exists in the headstand and at the same time moves into consciousness through the
			inversion. The vertical line reveals the nature of the thought, which in itself is concrete and clear
			and represents a celestial power, a spiritual substance itself. In this symbol, which can be vividly
			experienced, lies the meaning of this graceful asana.““<ref name=":4"/>

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‘’'Shirshasana'‘’ ([[w:Sanskrit|Sanskrit]] शीर्षासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration|IAST]] ‘'śīrṣāsana’'), English ‘''headstand''’, is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the group of inverted yoga poses. The Sanskrit name ‘'śīrṣāsana’' is composed of the words ‘'śīrṣa’' “head” <ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=zIrSa&dir=au ‘'Search results for “zIrSa”.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.cc’'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> and ‘'āsana’' “seat”<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=Asana&dir=au ‘'Search results for “Asana”.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.cc’'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> or, more generally, “posture.”

Shirshasana is part of the [[a:Rishikesh series|Rishikesh series]] <ref >André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught’' 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79</ref> and part of the finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga <ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.''] Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>

=Preliminary Remark=

At first glance, it appears that the headstand is not mentioned in the ancient Hatha Yoga scriptures, as the Sanskrit name Shirshasana does not explicitly appear. However, in the 3rd chapter of the [[w:Hathapradipika|Hathapradipika]] the Viparita Karani posture is mentioned – ''viparīta'' "reversed",<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=viparIta&dir=au ''Search results for "viparIta".'' ] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> ''karaṇa'' "activity"<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=karana&dir=au ''Search results for "karana".'' ] In: ''learnsanskrit.cc''. Retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> – and could thus refer to the headstand: "On the first day [the yogi] should keep his head down and his feet up for a short while, and he should [then] practise for a little longer every day." <ref>[https://hathapradipika.online/ ''hathapradipika.online''] retrieved 18 January 2026</ref> This is clarified more clearly in verse III, 35 in the [[w:Gherandasamhita|Gherandasamhita]]: "Place the head on the ground with hands spread, raise the legs up, and thus remain steady. This is called Viparitakarani."<ref>[https://www.aghori.it/Gherandasamhita.pdf ''Gherandasamhita''] p. 25 .</ref>

== Physical execution ==

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center points out that the key to balance in the headstand lies in the tripod which is formed by elbows and hands. The tripod is formed from a kneeled position, putting the forearms on the ground, wrapping the hands around the ellbows. Then release the hands and place them in the front without moving the ellbows. It is important that the elbows don’t shift out of the formed tripod.<ref>The Sivananda Yoga Center: ''The Sivananda companion to yoga'' First Fireside Edition, New York, 2000, ISBN 0-684-87000-2, p. 38.</ref>

Heinz Grill suggests that the next step is to very consciously place the head with the crown on the ground, … "so consciously that you perceive the closeness of your head to the ground, and stably clasp the back of your head with your interlaced fingers." <ref>Heinz Grill: „The Soul Dimension of Yoga.“ISBN&Auflage</ref>

Erling Petersen, a student of [[wen:Swami Narayanananda|Swami Narayanananda]], now stretches his legs and walks toward the body, lifting the hips high enough to keep the back straight <ref>Erling Petersen: ‚'Yoga - Das große Übungsbuch für Anfänger und Fortgeschrittene'' (Yoga - The big exercise Book for Beginners and advanced practitioners). 3rd edition. Heyne ISBN 3-453-17963-3, german p. 115 </ref>

This position is a preliminary preparatory pose for the headstand. It is called Ardha Shirshasana, or "half headstand," and can be practised on its own.

=References=

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:21, 13 February 2026
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	‘’'Shirshasana'‘’ ([[w:Sanskrit\|Sanskrit]] शीर्षासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ‘'~~śīrṣāsana’~~'), English ‘''headstand''’, is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the group of inverted yoga poses. The Sanskrit name ‘'~~śīrṣāsana’~~' is composed of the words ‘'~~śīrṣa’~~' ~~“head”~~ <ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=zIrSa&dir=au ‘'Search results for “zIrSa”.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.cc’'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> and ‘'~~āsana’~~' ~~“seat”~~<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=Asana&dir=au ‘'Search results for “Asana”.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.cc’'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> or, more generally, ~~“posture~~.”		[[File:Śīrṣāsana, Julija Zora Mazover 2022.jpg\|240px\|thumb\|Śīrṣāsana, Julija Zora Mazover 2022]]

			'''Shirshasana''' ([[w:Sanskrit\|Sanskrit]] शीर्षासन, [[w:International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]] ''śīrṣāsana''), English '''headstand''', is one of the main exercises of [[w:Hatha Yoga\|Hatha Yoga]] and belongs to the group of inverted yoga poses. The Sanskrit name ''śīrṣāsana'' is composed of the words ''śīrṣa'' „head“ <ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=zIrSa&dir=au ‘'Search results for “zIrSa”.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.cc’'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> and ''āsana'' „seat“<ref>[https://learnsanskrit.cc/translate?search=Asana&dir=au ‘'Search results for “Asana”.’'] In: ‘'learnsanskrit.cc’'. Retrieved 18 January, 2026</ref> or, more generally, „posture“.

	Shirshasana is part of the [[a:Rishikesh series\|Rishikesh series]] <ref name=":1"> André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught’' 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79</ref> and part of the finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga <ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.''] Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>		Shirshasana is part of the [[a:Rishikesh series\|Rishikesh series]] <ref name=":1"> André Van Lysebeth: ''Yoga Self-Taught’' 1971 Harper & Row Publishers New York , ISBN 06-465073-1 p. 79</ref> and part of the finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga <ref>[https://www.liveandbreatheyoga.com.au/finishing-sequence-of-ashtanga-yoga/ ''Finishing sequence of Ashtanga Yoga.''] Retrieved 18 January 2026.</ref>