Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga

YogQ.sanas, Bandha and Kriya 251

ground. The whole body now forms a bridge or an arch. One end of it

is supported by the crown of the head and the other end on the feet.

295

296

7. Hold this position for a few seconds with normal breathing.


8. Exhale, unfold the arms and place the hands on the floor, bend the
   knees, lower the legs and trunk to the floor, release the head grip,
   straighten the neck, lie flat on the back and relax.

Effects

The asana strengthens the neck and tones the cervical, dorsal, lumbar

and sacral regions of the spine. The extensor muscles of the back grow

powerful and the hips .are contracted and hardened. The pineal, pitui­

tary, thyroid and adrenal glands are bathed in blood and fu nction

properly.

I I 2. Bharadvajasana I One* (Plates 297 and 298)

Bharadvaja was the father of Drona, • the military preceptor of the
Kauravas and P�<;iavas, who fought the great war described in the
Mahabharata. This asana is dedicated to Bharadvaja.