Bhekasana, commonly known as the Frog posture, is a reclining asana practiced in modern yoga as exercise. Its name is derived from the Sanskrit word "Bheka," meaning "frog," and "asana," meaning "posture," reflecting the pose's resemblance to a frog. This particular posture is one of several yoga poses designed to mimic the shape of a frog, with Mandukasana being another example. While it is a recognized part of contemporary yoga practice, Bhekasana does
not have roots in the medieval hatha yoga texts, indicating its more recent integration into the yoga tradition.
Origins in the 20th Century
The absence of Bhekasana in medieval hatha yoga texts suggests that it is a relatively modern development within the broader history of yoga. Its first documented appearances are found in 20th-century yoga manuals, marking a significant period of innovation and codification in yoga as exercise. This era saw the emergence of many postures that are now considered foundational.
One of the earliest mentions of Bhekasana can be found in Swami Vishnudevananda's 1960 publication, "Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga." This manual was influential in popularizing various asanas and establishing a structured approach to yoga practice. The inclusion of Bhekasana in such a prominent work helped to solidify its place within the growing repertoire of modern yoga postures. Following this, the pose also became a part of the Ashtanga (vinyasa) yoga system developed by Pattabhi Jois, further cementing its recognition and practice among a wider yoga community.
B.K.S. Iyengar's Influence and Detailed Description
Another pivotal moment in the popularization and detailed instruction of Bhekasana came with B.K.S. Iyengar's seminal 1966 work, "Light on Yoga." Iyengar's book is renowned for its precise descriptions and photographic illustrations of numerous asanas, providing a comprehensive guide for practitioners. His inclusion of Bhekasana in this influential text ensured its widespread dissemination and detailed understanding.
Iyengar's description outlines a specific method for entering and performing the pose. It begins from a prone position, lying face down. The practitioner then bends their knees, reaching their arms back to catch their feet. A key element of the posture involves reversing the arms so that the elbows point upwards and the fingertips point downwards, while simultaneously pressing the feet down towards the floor. In the completed posture, the feet are intended to reach the floor, and the head and chest are lifted, with the gaze directed upwards. This detailed instruction highlights the emphasis on alignment and precision that characterizes Iyengar's approach to yoga, offering a clear pathway for practitioners to achieve the full expression of Bhekasana.
