In the image above, we witness the graceful arc of Anjaneyasana, or the Low Lunge Pose, elevated by a gentle backbend and an open heart. This posture symbolizes a perfect balance of stability and surrender — a grounding of the lower body paired with an expansive lift through the chest, heart, and spirit.
Named after Anjaneya, the mother of Lord Hanuman, this pose carries the spirit of devotion, humility, and strength. It invites us to root ourselves deeply into the present moment while lifting our gaze and energy toward higher awareness.
Symbolic Meaning
At its core, Anjaneyasana is about transformation— the courage to step forward, the grace to open up, and the trust to release. With one foot firmly planted ahead and the heart opening toward the sky, this posture speaks to a soul ready to rise, evolve, and move forward with love.
It is the pose of new beginnings — the very essence of walking a conscious path with faith and surrender.
Physical Benefits
Hip and Groin Opener: This pose stretches the hip flexors, psoas, and quadriceps, especially beneficial for those with sedentary lifestyles or tight hips.
Spine and Chest Expansion: The gentle backbend strengthens the spine while opening the chest and shoulders, enhancing lung capacity and posture.
Improved Balance and Focus: As the front foot stabilizes and the body lifts, it challenges both core stability and concentration.
Strengthens Legs and Glutes: The lunge activates and tones the thighs and gluteal muscles.
Emotional and Energetic Effects
Anjaneyasana helps activate the heart chakra (Anahata), allowing emotions to flow freely and heart-centered energy to rise. Simultaneously, it grounds the root chakra (Muladhara) and activates the sacral chakra (Swadhisthana), encouraging emotional stability, creative flow, and a sense of inner safety.
The backbend encourages openness, joy, and vulnerability, helping release fears and anxieties held in the chest and abdomen. With each breath in this pose, the body learns to soften — not as a sign of weakness, but as an offering of presence.
Practicing With Intention
This variation of Low Lunge encourages the practitioner to move with mindfulness. As the hands drop behind and the heart lifts forward, it is important to:
* Keep the front knee aligned over the ankle to protect the joints
* Engage the core to avoid compressing the lower back
* Breathe deeply into the hips and chest, allowing each inhale to lengthen and each exhale to soften
You may use blocks under the hands or place a blanket under the back knee for support. This pose is not about how deep you go — it is about how fully you arrive.
Final Reflection
Anjaneyasana is not just a physical posture — it is a prayer in motion. It teaches us to ground and grow, to surrender and shine, to move forward with trust even when the path ahead is unknown.
In each gentle curve and every rooted breath, this pose reminds us: it is safe to open your heart. It is powerful to be present. And it is beautiful to rise — with grace, with courage, and with love