When you step onto the yoga mat as a beginner, it's not just about learning poses or how to master the perfect “Om”. You'll also be introduced to hundreds of terms from an ancient Indo-European language, known as Sanskrit. From "Ashtanga" and "Pranayama" to "Shavasana" and “Hatha,” Sanskrit words form the foundation of yoga as we know it today.

However, these words are more than just labels. Deep-rooted in centuries of tradition, they reveal the essence and meaning of popular yoga poses and practices. By embracing yoga terminology, we not only enhance our physical practice but also uncover new insights of yoga philosophy and the profound wisdom hidden in each word. 

Regardless of whether you’re a complete newbie to yoga or a seasoned practitioner with a wealth of experience, this comprehensive glossary breaks down the most important Sanskrit words you’ll need to deepen your practice and discover the true meaning of yoga.

What Is Sanskrit & Why Do We Use It in Yoga?

Sanskrit is an ancient Indo-European language that originated in the Indian subcontinent around 3500 years ago. Its rich and structured form has made it a subject of study not only in India but across the world.

While it is no longer spoken as a native language, Sanskrit continues to be taught, studied, and respected for its great contribution to literature and religious texts. Many of yoga's foundational texts, such as the "Yoga Sutras of Patanjali" "Bhagavad Gita" and various Upanishads, are all written in Sanskrit. These texts provide the philosophical and practical frameworks for much of what we understand as yoga today.

Sanskrit also plays a crucial role in the physical practice of yoga, with nearly all yoga asanas (poses) using Sanskrit names. For example, "Tadasana" means "Mountain Pose" and "Shavasana" is referred to as "Corpse Pose." Most concepts in yoga philosophy are also taken directly from traditional Sanskrit words.

What Is the Meaning of Yoga in Sanskrit?

How to Pronounce Yoga Sanskrit Words?

In order to pronounce Sanskrit words accurately, you first need a basic understanding of the specific sounds in the Sanskrit alphabet. The good news is that Sanskrit pronunciation is quite phonetic, which means words are generally pronounced the way they are spelled. However, there are some nuances, and the Sanskrit alphabet contains several sounds that don’t exist in English.

Here are some basic guidelines to help you pronounce yoga Sanskrit words:

Vowels: Sanskrit words have short and long vowels. Lengthening the sound differentiates between the two. For example, "a" is a short vowel pronounced like the "a" in "but," while "ā" is a long vowel pronounced like the "a" in "father."

• Short vowel example in yoga: "a" as in "Adho" from "Adho Mukha Śvānāsana" (Downward-Facing Dog).
• Long vowel example in yoga: "ā" as in "Mālā" from "Japamālā" (a string of prayer beads).

Consonants: Some consonants in Sanskrit have unique pronunciations.

• "t" is pronounced with the tongue against the upper teeth, like in "Uttāna" from "Uttānāsana" (Standing Forward Bend).
• "ṭ" is pronounced with the tongue curled up against the roof of the mouth, like "Paṭṭabhi" from "K. Pattabhi Jois".
• "th" is a soft "t" followed by an "h", found in the yoga word "Hatha”, which we often mispronounce. This is not like the English "th" in "think" or "this", but rather a gentle “t” sound followed by a short puff of air.

Special Characters: Characters like "ṣ" and "ś" in Sanskrit words have unique pronunciations. These are both types of "sh" sounds, with "ṣ" being retroflex (pronounced with the tip of the tongue curled up toward the hard palate) and "ś" being palatal (pronounced with the body of the tongue raised against the hard palate). For example:

• "Ṣ" from "Ṣaṣāṅgāsana" (Rabbit Pose)
• "Ś" from "Śavāsana" (Corpse Pose)

Ultimately, the best way to pronounce Sanskrit words correctly is to listen to teachers well-versed in the language. Over time, you will get more comfortable with the unique sounds and gain the confidence to use these yoga terms in your daily practice.

199 Sanskrit Words to Deepen Your Practice

Below is a comprehensive list of Sanskrit words for yoga poses, practices, and philosophies. Most of these are yoga terms you would have come across in classes or courses, while others might be completely new to your lexicon. Take in these important words and their meanings and remember to use them in your daily practice for a deeper and more profound experience of yoga.

General Sanskrit & Yoga Terms

1. Asana: The physical postures and poses practiced in yoga. Examples of common yoga asanas include Downward-Facing Dog, Warrior Pose, and Tree Pose.

2. Ashram: Derived from the Sanskrit word "shrama," which means "labor", an ashram is a secluded residence where students or disciples live under the guidance of a teacher, guru, or spiritual leader.

3. Chakra: Yoga term used to describe each of the 7 energy centers located along the spine in the subtle body, responsible for maintaining physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual balance.

4. Dhanyavādaḥ: A Sanskrit term that means "thank you" or "gratitude." It's often used to express thanks or appreciation in a formal or respectful manner.

5. Guru: In Hinduism, a guru is a respected spiritual teacher, guide, or mentor who provides knowledge and wisdom to their students or followers.

6. Mantra: A sacred sound, word, or phrase repeated in meditation or chanting.

7. Mudra: Sanskrit word for hand gestures used in meditation. See: Complete Guide to Mudras: Benefits and Use in Yoga, Meditation & Chakra Balancing

8. Dhyan: Meaning meditation in Sanskrit, Dhyan refers to a state of the mind in which we experience a heightened level of awareness, concentration, inner peace, or self-realization.

9. Namaskaram: Also called “namaskar”, or “namaste” in Hindi, it is a traditional Indian greeting or gesture of respect. The Sanskrit term namaskaram is derived from the word "namah" meaning "bow." When translated, it means "I bow to the divine in you" or "the divine in me sees the divine in you."

10. Om: Pronounced “A-U-M”, Om is a sacred sound symbolizing the vibration of the universe; typically used in meditation and chanting.

11. Prana: The vital life force or energy that sustains all living beings. The five major types of prana in yoga are Udana, Prana, Samana, Vyana, and Apana.

12. Pranayama: Pranayama is the practice of breath control and regulation to enhance the flow of prana (life-force energy) in the body, aiding in mental clarity, self-awareness, and physical health.

Read: Pranayama Benefits & Daily Breathing Techniques for a Longer Life

13. Satsang: A gathering of people to listen to or be in the presence of a guru, or to meditate and discuss spiritual matters.

14. Sundara: A Sanskrit term that means "beautiful," "lovely," or "handsome." 

15. Shala: Meaning "home" or "school" in Sanskrit, shala refers to a place where yoga is taught and practiced.

16. Shanti: Shanti is the yoga term for peace. In Hinduism, Buddhism, and other spiritual traditions, it is often chanted three times consecutively during prayers or meditations to invoke peace in body, speech, and mind.

17. Svastha: Svastha is the Sanskrit word for health. It translates to "standing in one's own power" and is commonly used to mean "healthy" or "in good health."

Yoga

Yoga Practices

18. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga: A rigorous style of yoga that follows a specific sequence of postures, synchronizing breath with movement.

See: Ashtanga Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga & Raja Yoga – Understanding the Differences

19. Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion and love towards a personal deity, emphasizing emotional union with the divine.

20. Bikram Yoga: A style of hot yoga practiced in a heated room with a fixed series of poses, developed by Bikram Choudhury.

21. Chakra Yoga: Chakra Yoga is the practice of classical Hatha Yoga poses in a downward-descending order to restore balance to the body’s energy centers, or chakras.

22. Hatha Yoga: Meaning “stubborn” in Sanskrit, Hatha Yoga is the strict practice of asana, pranayama, dharana, and dhyana to achieve the sublime state of samadhi. Hatha is also thought to be a compound of the sun (ha) and the moon (tha), representing balance.

23. Iyengar Yoga: A style of yoga which emphasizes alignment in postures using props like belts, blocks, and wall ropes.

24. Jnana Yoga: Known as the Yoga of Knowledge, Jnana Yoga is the path of self-knowledge. Through dedicated study and introspection, it focuses on understanding the nature of reality. 

25. Karma Yoga: Meaning “action” in Sanskrit, Karma Yoga literally translates to the “Yoga of Action” or “Duty.” As the path of selfless action, it encourages action without any attachment to the results or outcomes.

Read: The Four Paths of Yoga Explained

26. Kundalini Yoga: Yoga practice aimed at releasing kundalini energy in the body, typically involving rigorous exercises and breathwork.

27. Prenatal Yoga: Designed for pregnant women, Prenatal Yoga teaches various practices that ease pregnancy pains and prepare for childbirth, which includes soothing yoga poses and breathing exercises.

28. Restorative Yoga: Restorative Yoga is a gentle style of yoga with poses held longer, using props for deep relaxation.

29. Raja Yoga: The path of self-control, Raja Yoga is centered on meditation and moral discipline, outlined in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.

30. Tantra Yoga: A spiritual practice that uses rituals, symbols, and yoga techniques to experience the divine and deepen connections.

31. Vinyasa Yoga: Derived from Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, or Vinyasa Flow, is a dynamic yoga style where sequences are fluid, moving from one pose to the next in a flowing manner.

32. Yin Yoga: Yin Yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga with poses held for longer durations, focusing on connective tissues of the body.

Yoga Poses

33. Adho Mukha Shvanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose): A foundational pose where the body forms an inverted "V" shape with palms and feet pressing down on the mat and hips lifted high.

34. Adho Mukha Vrkshasana (Handstand Pose): A full inversion pose in which the practitioner balances on their hands while the feet are pointing upwards.

Read: How to Practice Yoga Inversions Safely

35. Agnistambhasana (Fire Log Pose): A seated pose with legs stacked one over the other, resembling stacked logs in a fire.

36. Akarna Dhanurasana (Archer’s Pose): Sanskrit term for a pose resembling an archer about to release an arrow from a bow. In this pose one foot is held by the hand while the other leg is extended straight.

37. Anahatasana (Melting-Heart Pose): A prone pose in which the chest moves toward the ground, stretching the heart region.

38. Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose): Lying on the back, both knees are drawn into the chest and hands grasp the feet, mimicking a happy baby playing.

39. Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose): A balancing pose in which one leg is extended horizontally and one hand on the ground, forming a T-like shape.

Note: Ardha means “half” in Sanskrit. So, if a yoga pose has “Ardha” before it, then it’s a variation where only half of the pose is practiced. This includes Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose) and the preparatory pose, Ardha Shirshasana (Half Headstand). 

40. Ashta Chandrasana (Crescent Moon Pose): A high lunge variation with the back heel off the ground and arms raised overhead, forming a crescent shape with the body.

41. Ashtavakrasana (Eight-Angle Pose): An advanced arm balance pose where the legs are twisted around one arm, and the body is tilted to the side.

42. Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose or Cobbler's Pose): A seated hip opening yoga pose with soles of the feet together and knees splayed outwards.

Note: “Baddha” is the Sanskrit word for “bound”. Therefore, any yoga pose with “Baddha” at the beginning is a variation in which a part of the body is bound.

43. Bakasana (Crane Pose): An advanced arm balance pose where the knees rest on the back of the upper arms and the feet lift off the ground.

44. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): A deep backbend where the chest lifts off the floor, using the strength of the back muscles.

45. Bhujapidasana (Shoulder-Pressing Pose): An arm balancing pose where the feet cross in front of the body and the hands are placed beside the hips.

46. Chakrasana (Wheel Pose): A deep backbend where both hands and feet are on the ground and the body arches upwards, opening the chest.

47. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose): Intensive yoga pose in which the practitioner lies on their stomach, grabbing the ankles and lifting the thighs and chest off the ground, forming the shape of a bow.

48. Eka Pada Kapotasana (One-Legged Pigeon Pose) Popular hip-opening asana that stretches the hips, thighs, groin, and psoas.

Read: Hip Openers Unlocked: Guide to Strong & Tension-Free Hips

Note: “Eka Pada” means "one foot", so yoga poses with the Sanskrit word "Eka Pada" in the name refers to variations where most of the weight is on one leg. 

49. Ganda Bherundasana (Formidable Face Pose): An advanced posture that involves a deep backbend where the feet reach toward the head, while the practitioner's weight is supported on the hands and the chin.

50. Garbhasana (Womb Pose): A seated yoga asana with the body threaded through the legs.

51. Garudasana (Eagle Pose): A standing pose where arms and legs are intertwined, resembling an eagle.

52. Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose): A seated pose where knees are stacked on each other and arms reach behind to clasp, resembling the face of a cow.

53. Halasana (Plough Pose): Intensive stretch lying on the back with legs lifted overhead until the toes touch the ground behind the head.

54. Hanumanasana (Monkey Pose or Split Pose): A full front split, named after the monkey god Hanuman.

55. Janu Shirshasana (Head-to-Knee Pose): A seated forward bend where one leg is straight and the other is bent with the sole against the inner thigh.

56. Jathara Parivartanasana (Belly Revolving Pose): A twisting pose, performed lying on the back, while maintaining shoulder contact with the ground.

57. Kakasana (Crow Pose): An arm balance where the knees rest on the backs of the upper arms and the feet lift off the ground.

Read: Kakasana and Bakasana – A Guide to Practicing Crow and Crane Poses

58. Krounchasana (Heron Pose): Seated with one leg extended straight and the other bent, foot beside the hip, the practitioner lifts the extended foot, holding it with both hands.

59. Kukkutasana (Rooster Pose): From Padmasana (Lotus Pose), the practitioner inserts their arms through the spaces between their legs and torso and then lifts themselves off the ground.

60. Kurmasana (Tortoise Pose): A forward bend where the practitioner sits with legs spread wide, then slides the arms under the knees while lowering the chest to the ground.

61. Laghu Vajrasana (Little Thunderbolt Pose): From Ustrasana (Camel Pose), the practitioner bends backwards, bringing the crown of the head to the ground, while the hands grasp the ankles or calves.

62. Lolasana (Pendant Pose): Sanskrit word for a challenging arm balance pose where the body is lifted off the ground and the legs remain crossed in a seated position, supported by the hands on the ground.

63. Makarasana (Crocodile Pose): Lying face down, the hands are crossed under the head, and the head rests on the hands. This is a relaxation pose, often used to rest between other prone postures.

64. Malasana (Garland Pose): A deep squat where the heels are on the ground (or supported) and the torso is nestled between the thighs.

65. Mandukasana (Frog Pose): Frog Pose is a kneeling position typically practiced in Yin Yoga, where the practitioner widens their knees and comes onto the hands (or elbows) in front, resembling the stance of a frog.

66. Marjaryasana I & II (Cat Pose): Often paired with "Bitilasana" for the Cat-Cow stretch. In Marjaryasana, from a hands and knees position, the spine is arched upward, tucking the chin to the chest.

67. Matsyasana (Fish Pose): A reclining back-bending asana in Hatha Yoga where the practitioner arches the spine and rests on the crown of the head, opening the chest and throat.

68. Mayurasana (Peacock Pose): An arm balance pose where the body is supported by the elbows and forearms, with legs extended straight back.

69. Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose): A balancing posture where the practitioner stands on one leg, lifting the other leg behind and grabbing the foot or ankle with one hand, while extending the opposite arm forward.

70. Padmasana (Lotus Pose): Classic seated meditation posture with each foot placed on the opposite thigh.

See: Tutorial to a Pain-Free & Safe Lotus Pose

71. Parighasana (Gate Pose): Sanskrit term for a side stretch in yoga where one knee is bent (like a gate) and the other leg is extended out.

72. Paripurna Navasana (Full Boat Pose): Seated yoga pose in which the practitioner balances on the sit bones with legs and torso lifted, forming a "V" shape.

73. Parivrtta Parshvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose): Twisting lunge with the opposite elbow hooked outside the bent knee.

Note: The Sanskrit word "Parivrtta" means “turn around” or “revolve”. Therefore, if a pose has "Parivrtta" in the name, it is a twisted variation. Other examples include Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose), Parivrtta Paschimottanasana (Revolved Seated Forward Bend), and Parivrtta Uttanasana (Revolved Standing Forward Bend).

74. Parshva Kakasana (Side Crow Pose): Arm balance with a twist, weight on hands, hips lifted.

Note: Meaning “side” in Sanskrit, "Parshva" refers to poses in which the torso is turned to one side, such as Parshva Shirshasana (Side Headstand), Parshva Trikonasana (Side Triangle Pose), and Parshva Vrkshasana (Side Tree Pose).

75. Parshvottanasana (Intense Side Stretch Pose): Standing pose with a forward bend over one leg, hands clasped behind the back.

76. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): Seated pose with the torso folding over extended legs.

77. Pashchima Namaskarasana (Reverse Prayer Pose): Hands are clasped in a prayer position behind the back.

78. Pincha Mayurasana (Feathered Peacock Pose): A forearm stand, where the body is inverted and supported by the forearms.

79. Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-legged Forward Bend): Standing pose with a wide stance, bending forward.

80. Purna Chakrasana (Full Wheel Pose): A deeper variation of the bridge pose, arching the back and lifting onto hands and feet.

Note: The Sanskrit term "Purna" means “complete.” In the context of yoga, it refers to the full, more advanced version of a pose, such as Purna Natarajasana (Full Lord of the Dance Pose) or Purna Ushtrasana (Full Camel Pose).

81. Purvottanasana: Often referred to as the "Upward Plank Pose" or "Inclined Plane," Purvottanasana is a yoga asana that involves lifting the hips off the ground into a straight line from shoulders to heels.

82. Raj Bhujangasana (King Cobra Pose): An elevated variation of the Cobra Pose, with a deeper backbend.
83. Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand): An inverted yoga pose where the body is supported by the shoulders and the legs point upwards.

84. Sashtang Pranam Asana: Also called Ashtanga Namaskara, this is a posture in which eight parts of the body (two hands, two feet, two knees, chest, and chin) touch the ground.
85. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose): Chest-opening yoga pose in which the practitioner lies on their back, lifting the pelvis while keeping the shoulders and feet on the ground.

86. Shalabhasana (Locust Pose): Prone position, lifting the upper and lower parts of the body off the floor.

87. Shashankasana (Child's Pose): Also known as Balasana, Shashankasana is a relaxed seated pose in which the practitioner leans forward with forehead on the ground and arms extended.

88. Shavasana (Corpse Pose): Shavasana, or Savasana, is a resting pose typically practiced at the beginning and end of a yoga practice.

89. Shirshasana (Headstand): Yoga inversion where the body is balanced on the head.

90. Siddhasana (Accomplished Pose): Meaning “perfect pose” in Sanskrit, Siddhasana is a classical seated meditation pose practiced in Hatha Yoga.

91. Sukhasana (Easy Pose): Meaning “happiness” “ease” or “bliss”, Sukhasana is an easy, cross-legged pose often practiced in meditation.

Note: Yoga pose names with "Sukha" often refer to easier, beginner-friendly variations. For example, Sukha Eka Pada Kapotasana (Easy One-Legged Pigeon Pose) and Sukha Gomukhasana (Easy Cow Face) are both milder versions suitable for beginner practitioners.