Downward Dog, also known as Adho Mukha Svanasana, is a popular yoga pose that stretches and strengthens the entire body. This pose is often included in yoga sequences and is considered a foundational pose in many styles of yoga. While Downward Dog is its commonly used English name, it also has a Sanskrit name that reflects its origins and significance in the practice of yoga.
Sanskrit is an ancient language that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is considered the language of yoga as most yoga poses, mantras, and chants have Sanskrit names. Knowing the Sanskrit name for a yoga pose can deepen your understanding of its essence and add a sense of authenticity to your practice. In the case of Downward Dog, its Sanskrit name is Adho Mukha Svanasana.
Adho Mukha Svanasana translates to “Downward-Facing Dog” in English. The name comes from the combination of three Sanskrit words – “adho” meaning “downward,” “mukha” meaning “facing,” and “svana” meaning “dog.” This name perfectly describes the shape of the pose, where the body resembles an inverted V shape with the head facing downwards, like a dog stretching.
Choose Between These Sanskrit Names for Downward Dog
- Adho Mukha Svanasana
- Arda Adho Mukha Svanasana (Half Downward-Facing Dog)
- Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog)
- Tri Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana (Three-Legged Downward-Facing Dog)
- Parivrtta Adho Mukha Svanasana (Revolved Downward-Facing Dog)
- Eka Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana (One-Legged Downward-Facing Dog)
- Ardha Matsyendrasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Downward-Facing Dog)
- Dvi Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana (Two-Legged Downward-Facing Dog)
- Utthita Adho Mukha Svanasana (Extended Downward-Facing Dog)
- Baddha Adho Mukha Svanasana (Bound Downward-Facing Dog)
- Malasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Garland Downward-Facing Dog)
- Paripurna Adho Mukha Svanasana (Full Downward-Facing Dog)
- Utthita Parsva Adho Mukha Svanasana (Extended Side Downward-Facing Dog)
- Virabhadrasana I Adho Mukha Svanasana (Warrior I Downward-Facing Dog)
- Virabhadrasana II Adho Mukha Svanasana (Warrior II Downward-Facing Dog)
- Virabhadrasana III Adho Mukha Svanasana (Warrior III Downward-Facing Dog)
- Janu Sirsasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Head to Knee Downward-Facing Dog)
- Parsva Adho Mukha Svanasana (Side Downward-Facing Dog)
- Vasisthasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Side Plank Downward-Facing Dog)
- Anjaneyasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Low Lunge Downward-Facing Dog)
- Garudasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Eagle Downward-Facing Dog)
- Navasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Boat Downward-Facing Dog)
- Phalakasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Plank Downward-Facing Dog)
- Upavistha Konasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Seated Wide-Legged Forward Bend Downward-Facing Dog)
- Utkatasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Chair Downward-Facing Dog)
- Padangusthasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Big Toe Downward-Facing Dog)
- Paschimottanasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Seated Forward Bend Downward-Facing Dog)
- Bharadvajasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Bharadvaja’s Twist Downward-Facing Dog)
- Halasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Plow Downward-Facing Dog)
- Salamba Sirsasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Supported Headstand Downward-Facing Dog)
- Salamba Sarvangasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Supported Shoulderstand Downward-Facing Dog)
- Setu Bandha Sarvangasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Bridge Downward-Facing Dog)
- Supta Padangusthasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Reclining Big Toe Downward-Facing Dog)
- Tadasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Mountain Downward-Facing Dog)
- Uttanasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Standing Forward Bend Downward-Facing Dog)
- Ananda Balasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Happy Baby Downward-Facing Dog)
- Ardha Chandrasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Half Moon Downward-Facing Dog)
- Ardha Uttanasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Half Standing Forward Bend Downward-Facing Dog)
- Garbhasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Child’s Pose Downward-Facing Dog)
- Marjaryasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Cat Downward-Facing Dog)
- Bitilasana Adho Mukha Svanasana (Cow Downward-Facing Dog)
These are just a few examples of the Sanskrit names for variations and modifications of the Downward Dog pose. Each name carries its own significance and can be explored in detail to deepen your practice and understanding of yoga. Incorporating these Sanskrit names into your yoga journey can bring a sense of connection to the ancient roots of this transformative practice.
