Sleeping Vishnu’s Pose

Anantasana is a reclining asana that enhances core stability and relieves fatigue. In this pose, the body is in a side-lying position, and the top arm and leg are held in an Extended hand-to-big-toe position (utthita hasta padangusthasana). Anantasana pose resembles the enormous 18-foot statue of Lord Vishnu lounging on his seat of love, Anantha or Adisesa, that can be seen in the Ananthapadmanabha temple in Thiruvananthapuram, South India. Ananthasana (Sleeping Vishnu Pose), a yoga pose for balancing sleep, is categorized as an intermediate pose. It also alludes to traditional yoga breathing techniques. It offers the practitioner numerous environmental and health advantages.

Steps to do Sleeping Vishnu’s Pose / Anantasana

• Lie down on the right side.
• Right armpit resting on the floor.
• Head supported with the right palm.
• Fold the left leg and hold the left big toe from the front with the left hand.
• Now as you inhale, straighten the left leg to 90 degree angle.
• Keep breathing in and out while holding the pose.
• Exhale and relax.

Tips for beginners

• A good balance while doing this asana is important. 
• Make sure you use your strap to support your foot in the beginning. Once your balance is acquired, you can practise this asana without the strap.  
• Preparatory poses for Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (Extended hand -to- big toe pose)  are Titli Asana, Upavishta Konasana(Wide Angel Seated Forward Bend), Janu Shirsasana(Head to Knee Pose), Utkata konasana(Goddess Pose), Ardha Chandrasana(Half Moon), Natarajasana(Dancer's Pose). 

Benefits

• Stretches and strengthens hamstrings, back of the legs and sides of the torso.
• It helps reduce thighs and hips fat.
• Tones abdominal muscles and improves digestion.

Watch out for

• If you have spondylitis, slip disc, or sciatica, you must make sure you practise this asana only under the guidance of an experienced teacher.
• People with hamstring or hip injury avoid this pose.

Variations

• You can do this pose on the chair or by the support of the wall.
• You can try to balance the leg in the air without touching the toe.