2019, Vol. 5, Issue 4, Part E

Hatha Yoga is one of the important stream of yogic tradition where Asanas find prominence and is defined as the tool to maintaining the body fit, healthy and immune to diseases. The main source for these Asanas are the Hathapradeepika, the Gheranda Samhita, and the Hatharathnavali; texts that describe various types of Asanas. There are references to, and information about, Hatha Yogic practice in Thirumandiram which is a Tamil script written by Thirumula Nayanar. Yoga Rahasya of Nathamuni mentions the names of multiple Asanas, but doesnot elaborate on the method of practicing. Amongst the Puranas, Agni Purana has explained the significance and importance of Ashtanga Yoga. Also the Agamas like Ahirbudhnya Samhitha has mentioned the importance of Asthanga Yoga in following a Spiritual life. Other than Hatha Yogic texts another remarkable source for Asanas is the Rudra Yamala Uttara Tantra.

This present review of the literature explores the scriptural evidence for Asanas, the procedures described therein, and a brief comparative analysis of a few Asanas. There are still more texts to be studied, explored and reviewed to understand the actual antiquity of Yoga and the procedure for various Asanas and their impact.