In Hindu mythology, Garuda is revered as the divine king of birds and serves as the mount (vahana) of Lord Vishnu. This majestic figure is depicted as a powerful being with the body of a man, adorned with the wings, head, beak, and talons of an eagle. Symbolizing courage, strength, and freedom, Garuda’s tales inspire countless lessons about perseverance and spiritual focus.
One fascinating story links Garuda to the Eagle Pose, known in yoga as Garudasana. The tale begins with a great sage, Vishwamitra, who was engaged in a gruelling penance. Standing on one leg with his arms raised high, the sage was completely immersed in deep meditation. As he persevered through his practice, his balance wavered, and his body teetered under the strain.
At that moment, Garuda, flying majestically overhead, noticed the sage’s unwavering dedication. Impressed by Vishwamitra’s determination, Garuda descended and observed him for some time. Seeing the sage struggle to maintain stability, Garuda offered his wisdom: “O Sage, to master balance, you must strengthen your foundation and unify your focus. Try this stance: cross one leg over the other, wrap your arms together, and ground yourself deeply.”
Vishwamitra heeded Garuda’s advice and practiced the newly revealed Eagle Pose. With time and effort, the sage improved his balance and stability, and his meditation practice grew even stronger. The connection between Garuda and Vishwamitra forged a bond, and the eagle became a symbol of grace, strength, and spiritual focus.
Today, Garudasana is a foundational yoga posture that challenges balance, concentration, and flexibility. It serves as a reminder of Garuda’s qualities and the importance of cultivating strength and stability in both body and mind.
Whether you’re stepping into Eagle Pose for the first time or revisiting it as part of your practice, you can draw inspiration from Garuda’s myth—a timeless story of grace, perseverance, and connection to the divine.
B.K.S. Iyengar and the Eagle Pose
In the early 1980s, the world-renowned yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar was invited to teach yoga to a group of students in Indonesia. During his visit, he became fascinated by the cultural and symbolic importance of the eagle in the country. He noticed that Indonesia’s national airline, Garuda Indonesia, was named after the divine bird Garuda from Hindu mythology, and its logo prominently featured a striking eagle in flight. The connection between this powerful symbol and the traditions of yoga deeply resonated with him.
While Garudasana, or the eagle pose, existed as part of yoga tradition, Iyengar’s sharp observation and teaching methodology led him to evolve and refine the pose further. He sought to enhance its physical and spiritual benefits, making it a key part of his approach to yoga. The pose requires practitioners to balance on one leg while twisting the other leg around it. At the same time, the arms are crossed in front of the body, mimicking the intricate and graceful appearance of an eagle perched or preparing for flight.
The pose became not just a test of physical balance but also a representation of mental focus and spiritual strength. It embodies the qualities of Garuda, the mythical bird who is revered for his courage, freedom, and determination. Through Garudasana, practitioners are encouraged to channel these attributes—finding stability amid challenges and embracing the grace that comes with perseverance.
Iyengar’s inspiration from the Indonesian context elevated the symbolism of the eagle pose, which soon gained global recognition. With Iyengar’s influence, Garudasana became a staple in yoga classes worldwide, captivating practitioners with its unique combination of physical challenge and profound symbolic meaning.
The eagle pose is now celebrated as a reminder of the eagle’s qualities: freedom, strength, and grace. Whether soaring through the sky or staying grounded on one leg, the essence of Garuda continues to inspire yogis across the globe to aim for balance—not just in their bodies, but in their minds and spirits as well.