Virabhadrasana I - Warrior 1

The story of Virabhadra

The first impression of Virabhadra, a mythic warrior of the Hindu tradition.
Virabhadra is a terrifying form of the God Shiva. The story says that Sati, daughter of Daksha, was in love with Shiva since a young age. When the time came to choose a husband, her father Daksha invited all the devas (Gods) except Shiva. But she summoned him with a garland and Shiva appeared, quashing Daksha’s chances to stop their union. Later on, Daksha deliberately invited all the devas except Shiva to a Yagna ceremony, a ritual fire. Sati and Daksha started arguing and after hearing her father insulting her husband she set herself ablaze and died. Devastated by anger and sorrow, Shiva began plucking his hair out of rage. His strands fell on the floor and gave birth to two divinities: Veerabhadra (or Virabhadra) the masculine God and Bhadrakali the feminine Shakti Goddess. Thus, Shiva ordered Virabhadra to defeat Daksha. A huge battle followed, involving many powerful Gods but the fierce Virabhadra was able to vanquish them all.

Virabhadrasana 1 is, therefore, his first battle move, wielding proudly his sword to the sky. His wrath, pride and strength are lifting up the practitioner’s mood and energy. From the sole of the feet to the fingertips, you can feel a fire burning in your thighs and the heat rising up your spine. Your legs are strongly engaged and your will power swirling at Manipura chakra lifts you up, making you feel light and rooted at the same time. You’re keeping your ground on the battlefield, opening the chest proudly, your eyes filled up with determination and fixing a sharp Drishti (gaze) to the blade of your sword above you. Your Ujjayi breath, “victorious” breath, will support you in this physical and spiritual battle.