Anjaneyasana (Anjaneya’s Pose; Low Lunge Pose): Meaning and Definition

What does Anjaneyasana mean in Sanskrit?

Anjaneyasana combines Anjaneya, a name of Hanuman meaning “son or descendant of Anjana,” with asana, meaning a seat, sitting posture, or yoga posture. The compound can therefore be translated literally as “Anjaneya’s pose” or “the posture of Anjaneya.”

The familiar English name “Low Lunge” describes the physical shape but leaves out the devotional meaning of the Sanskrit name. “Crescent Moon Pose” and “Crescent Low Lunge” are also used, although crescent terminology is inconsistent across modern yoga styles.

Why are there two Sanskrit spellings?

The form commonly printed in modern yoga materials is Anjaneyasana, represented as अञ्जनेयासन and transliterated Añjaneyāsana. This spelling matches the established English yoga name and is widely recognizable to practitioners.

Classical Sanskrit dictionaries generally list the name of Hanuman as Anjaneya with a long initial vowel, represented as आञ्जनेय and transliterated Āñjaneya. On that lexical basis, the compound becomes आञ्जनेयासन, transliterated Āñjaneyāsana. Both forms can therefore be encountered, but the form without the initial long vowel is more common in contemporary English-language yoga teaching.

What pose does Anjaneyasana describe?

In most contemporary yoga classes, Anjaneyasana refers to a kneeling lunge. One foot steps forward with the knee bent, while the opposite knee rests on the floor behind the body. The torso may remain upright, the arms may reach overhead, and some versions include a gentle backbend.

Teachers use several arm positions and different amounts of depth in the lunge. The hands may stay on the floor or blocks, rest on the front thigh, or lift overhead. The back toes may be tucked or pointed. These variations do not necessarily change the pose’s name.

The term Crescent Lunge sometimes refers to a high lunge with the back knee lifted. For clear instruction, teachers can pair the Sanskrit name with a physical cue such as “Anjaneyasana, with the back knee down.”

• Keep the front knee oriented in the same general direction as the front toes.
• Use padding under the back knee when the floor creates uncomfortable pressure.
• Lift through the torso before adding a backbend.
• Choose an arm position that allows steady breathing and stable balance.

How is Anjaneyasana connected with Hanuman?

Anjaneya is an epithet of Hanuman based on the name of his mother, Anjana. Hanuman is a central figure in the Ramayana and is especially honored for his devotion and service to Rama. In traditions of Bhakti, or devotional practice, Hanuman may represent courage, humility, disciplined action, and wholehearted dedication.

A yoga teacher may invite students to contemplate these qualities while practicing Anjaneyasana. Such themes are interpretive teaching applications rather than a universally established meaning of the physical alignment. Stories claiming that the posture depicts one particular moment in Hanuman’s life vary among modern teachers and should not be presented as the single historical origin of the pose.

How can teachers use the name accurately?

Teachers can introduce Anjaneyasana as “Low Lunge, named for Anjaneya, another name for Hanuman.” This gives students an immediate physical reference while preserving the meaning carried by the Sanskrit name.

When discussing the mythology, it is useful to distinguish the established linguistic connection from modern symbolism. The name clearly refers to Anjaneya. Specific claims about the pose representing Hanuman reaching toward the sun, preparing to leap, or offering himself in devotion are later interpretive associations unless supported by a named tradition or source.