Peacock Pose (Mayurasana)
The Peacock Pose, or Mayurasana (my-YUR-AH-sah-nah), is an advanced arm-balancing posture renowned in traditional yoga for its powerful effect on the digestive system. The Sanskrit name, Mayurasana, translates to "Peacock Posture," reflecting the pose's graceful, fanned-out appearance, reminiscent of a peacock displaying its feathers. This challenging asana is celebrated for its ability to ignite *agni*, the digestive fire, and promote purification within the body.
How to Practice Mayurasana
Mayurasana requires significant core strength, balance, and strong wrists. Approach this pose with patience and mindful awareness.
- Begin in a kneeling position with your knees wide apart and your big toes touching.
- Place your hands firmly on the floor between your knees, with your fingers pointing back towards your body.
- Slowly bend your elbows, bringing them together and pressing them deeply into your abdomen, just above the navel. This abdominal pressure is key to stabilizing the body in the pose.
- Lean your torso forward, shifting your weight into your hands and forearms.
- Extend your legs straight back behind you, keeping them together.
- Exhale and, with controlled effort, lift your legs off the floor, keeping them straight and parallel to the ground. Simultaneously, lift your head lightly so your body forms a straight line from head to heels, parallel to the floor.
- Gaze gently towards the tip of your nose (Nasagre Drishti).
- Hold the pose for as long as you can maintain stability and a steady breath.
- To release, exhale and gently lower your legs and torso back to the floor. Rest in Child’s Pose to counter the wrist and arm engagement.
Benefits of Peacock Pose
Mayurasana offers a range of profound benefits, primarily targeting the digestive and eliminative systems, while also building significant physical strength.
- Stimulates Digestion: The deep compression of the elbows into the abdomen massages the internal organs, stimulating blood flow and enhancing digestive functions. This pose is particularly noted for boosting metabolic fire.
- Detoxification: By improving circulation to the abdominal organs, Mayurasana aids the body in detoxifying and eliminating waste more efficiently.
- Strengthens Upper Body: This is an excellent pose for strengthening the arms, wrists, forearms, and shoulders. It is a fantastic precursor for other advanced arm balances like Forearm Stand.
- Enhances Balance and Focus: Executing Mayurasana demands intense concentration and physical balance, which in turn helps to sharpen mental focus and cultivate a calm, steady mind.
- Energizes the Mind: The invigorating nature of this pose helps to alleviate lethargy and energize both the body and mind.
Cautions and Contraindications
Given its advanced nature, Mayurasana should be approached with care.
- Only practice Mayurasana on an empty stomach.
- It is best performed towards the end of your asana practice when the body is sufficiently warmed up.
- Avoid this pose if you have any existing injuries to the wrists, forearms, elbows, shoulders, or back.
- Pregnant individuals should not practice Mayurasana.
Peacock Pose Details
| Sanskrit Name: | Mayurasana |
| Pronunciation: | my-YUR-AH-sah-nah |
| Pose Level: | Advanced |
| Drishti (Gaze): | Nasagre (Tip of the nose) |
| Pose Type: | Arm Balance, Balancing, Core, Strength |
For those seeking to explore advanced arm balances or visualize variations, a specialized yoga generator or pose generator can sometimes provide visual inspiration. You might even find a Mayurasana generator to help visualize optimal alignment and modifications.











