The Complete List of Ashtanga Yoga Asanas Names: A Gateway to Mastery

Ashtanga Yoga is often described as a flow of breath, ideas, and physical movement—a journey that leads from the body to the soul. The structured sequence of postures known as the Ashtanga Yoga Asanas Names refines both physical and mental states, becoming a powerful tool for transformation.

At Divine Path Retreat, these sacred asanas are taught with precision, especially in our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, enabling students to embody the spiritual and physical strength Ashtanga offers. Understanding these postures is a vital step for those aiming to deepen their practice or become certified yoga teachers.

What Are the Ashtanga Yoga Asanas Names?

More than a mere list, these asanas represent a journey of spiritual evolution. Developed by K. Pattabhi Jois, Ashtanga Yoga features six progressive series linked by breath (vinyasa) and gaze (drishti). The Primary Series—Yoga Chikitsa—focuses on detoxification, strength, and discipline.

Complete List of Ashtanga Yoga Asanas by Series

1. Opening Sequence

  • Samasthitih
  • Surya Namaskara A
  • Surya Namaskara B

2. Standing Sequence

  • Padangusthasana
  • Padahastasana
  • Utthita Trikonasana
  • Utthita Parsvakonasana
  • Prasarita Padottanasana A, B, C, D
  • Parsvottanasana

3. Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) – Seated Poses

  • Dandasana
  • Paschimottanasana A, B, C
  • Purvottanasana
  • Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana
  • Tiryang Mukha Eka Pada Paschimottanasana
  • Janu Sirsasana A, B, C
  • Marichyasana A, B, C, D
  • Navasana
  • Bhujapidasana
  • Kurmasana
  • Supta Kurmasana
  • Garbha Pindasana
  • Kukkutasana
  • Baddha Konasana
  • Upavistha Konasana
  • Supta Konasana
  • Supta Padangusthasana
  • Ubhaya Padangusthasana
  • Urdhva Mukha Paschimottanasana
  • Setu Bandhasana

4. Finishing Sequence

  • Urdhva Dhanurasana
  • Paschimottanasana
  • Sarvangasana
  • Halasana
  • Karnapidasana
  • Urdhva Padmasana
  • Pindasana
  • Matsyasana
  • Uttana Padasana
  • Sirsasana
  • Yoga Mudra
  • Padmasana
  • Utpluthih
  • Savasana

Why Memorize Ashtanga Yoga Asanas Names?

Learning these names fosters independence, flow, and meditative practice. At Divine Path Retreat, students also learn pose alignment, benefits, modifications, and pronunciation—essential skills for teacher training graduates.

Ashtanga Yoga Asanas by Level

Beginner

  • Surya Namaskara A & B
  • Padangusthasana
  • Trikonasana
  • Marichyasana A
  • Paschimottanasana A

Intermediate

  • Navasana
  • Bhujapidasana
  • Kurmasana
  • Setu Bandhasana
  • Urdhva Dhanurasana

Advanced

  • Pincha Mayurasana
  • Kapotasana
  • Other postures from Advanced Series

Benefits of Mastering Ashtanga Asanas

  • Detoxify your system through heat and movement
  • Build strength and flexibility
  • Clear your mind with focused drishti and breath
  • Engage in spiritual discipline and meditative awareness
  • Establish a strong foundation for yoga teaching

FAQs

How many asanas are in Ashtanga Yoga?

The complete system entails over 70 postures spread across six series. The Primary Series alone contains about 41 postures, including opening and finishing sequences that help develop strength, flexibility, and focus.

Which are Ashtanga yoga poses for beginners?

Beginners typically start with Surya Namaskara A & B and foundational standing postures like Trikonasana. Seated poses such as Paschimottanasana A are also included, helping new practitioners build the necessary strength, flexibility, and awareness for deeper practices.

Which are Ashtanga Primary Series poses?

The Primary Series, known as Yoga Chikitsa, includes key postures such as Janu Sirsasana A–C, Marichyasana A–D, Bhujapidasana, Supta Kurmasana, and Setu Bandhasana. These poses are designed to detoxify the body and align the musculoskeletal system.

Ashtanga poses in order

Yes, the Ashtanga Yoga Asanas follow a strict sequence: Opening Poses, Standing Sequence, Primary Series (Seated Poses), Backbends, and the Finishing Sequence. Each posture is crafted to prepare the body and mind for the next stage of the series.

Is Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga the same as Vinyasa?

Not exactly. While both styles coordinate movement with breath, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga follows a set series of poses. In contrast, Vinyasa Yoga offers more flexibility in sequencing, allowing instructors to modify the flow based on the class. Ashtanga is more traditional and disciplined.