The Story Behind Aṣṭāvakra (updated Sept 2024)

Many times you would have seen this pose Aṣṭāvakra-asana; on social media, in publications and perhaps even tried this posture in a class. You may have been told that this pose is dedicated to the sage Aṣṭāvakra which means "one having eight bends". Aṣṭāvakra was not the sage's real name but the name he was given.

So what is the story behind this pose?

In order to fully appreciate and understand Indian mythology, its narratives, art, and rituals, you have to be willing to suspend your belief for a moment. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the complexity or contradictions within these ancient stories, especially upon first glance. The truth is, there are layers upon layers of hidden meanings in these mythological tales, and trying to unravel them all could take a lifetime. What we can hope for is to find something within these stories that resonates with us, that inspires or offers a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. If, for some reason, a particular story doesn't seem to connect or hold relevance for you, then maybe that specific tale just isn't your story at this time.

It’s also important to remember that these mythological stories, including the ones involving sages like Aṣṭāvakra, aren’t religious texts in the way many might assume. They aren’t meant to dictate dogma or instruct how we should live, but rather to serve as a cultural and spiritual resource—offering wisdom through symbolism, metaphors, and allegories. Their purpose is to provoke thought, spark imagination, and encourage spiritual growth. In other words, it’s less about taking these stories literally and more about finding what lessons or inspiration you can draw from them.

There are several versions of how Aṣṭāvakra became crooked, and the one I remember reading with fondness is from the Brahmavaivarta Purāṇa. The version I’m about to share with you is a retelling of that story.

Once upon a time, in the serene forests of ancient India, there lived a wise sage named Asita. He had spent his life in deep meditation and penance, seeking the blessings of Lord Śiva. His one heartfelt desire was to be blessed with a child—a son who would carry forward his lineage and wisdom. Pleased with Asita’s unwavering devotion, Lord Śiva appeared before him and granted him his wish. Soon after, a son was born to the sage, and he named him Devala. From the moment of his birth, it was clear that Devala was no ordinary child—he was blessed with great wisdom and the innate ability to connect deeply with the divine.

As Devala grew, word of his wisdom and spiritual prowess spread far and wide, even reaching the heavenly realms of Devaloka, where gods and celestial beings resided. Rambha, the queen of Devaloka and renowned for her beauty, heard of the young sage and became infatuated with him. She was captivated not only by his wisdom but also by his youthful charm and grace. Driven by her desire, she descended from the celestial realms and approached Devala, hoping to win his heart.

But Devala, focused on his spiritual path, had no interest in such worldly distractions. His heart belonged entirely to his devotion, and he did not yield to Rambha’s advances. Enraged by his rejection and stung by her bruised pride, Rambha, in a fit of fury, cursed Devala. The curse deformed his body, twisting and bending it in eight places. From that moment on, Devala’s form became crooked and disfigured, earning him the name Aṣṭāvakra, which means "one with eight bends."

Although Aṣṭāvakra’s body was now misshapen, his spirit remained pure and unshaken. Rather than succumbing to despair, he devoted himself even more earnestly to his practice of Bhakti Yoga—the yoga of devotion. For many years, he meditated on the divine, offering his heart and soul to Kṛiṣhṇa, the Supreme Being, and embodiment of love and compassion.

Years passed, and Aṣṭāvakra’s unwavering devotion bore fruit. One day, as he sat in deep meditation, Kṛiṣhṇa appeared before him, accompanied by his beloved consort Rādhā. The divine couple radiated an otherworldly beauty and grace, and their presence filled the air with joy and peace. However, upon seeing Aṣṭāvakra, Rādhā recoiled in shock, unable to bear the sight of his distorted and twisted form. Despite her deep compassion, she struggled to see beyond his physical appearance.

But Kṛiṣhṇa, full of love and wisdom, saw not the outward form but the purity of Aṣṭāvakra’s heart. Without hesitation, Kṛiṣhṇa approached the sage and embraced him with open arms. In that moment, a miraculous transformation occurred. As Kṛiṣhṇa’s divine love enveloped him, Aṣṭāvakra’s crooked body straightened, and he became a man of stunning beauty. His external form now matched the inner radiance of his soul.

Rādhā, witnessing this transformation, was overcome with awe and joy. She realized that true beauty is not found in the physical form but in the depths of one’s heart and soul. A chariot descended from the heavens, and together, Aṣṭāvakra, Kṛiṣhṇa, and Rādhā ascended to the celestial realms.

This story has been passed down through generations, reminding people that God does not judge based on outward appearances. Instead, it is the heart—the seat of devotion, love, and purity—that matters most. Just as Kṛiṣhṇa embraced Aṣṭāvakra despite his physical form, we too are called to see beyond the surface and recognize the divine spark within each being. The tale of Aṣṭāvakra serves as an enduring lesson to all yogis and spiritual seekers, teaching us that the path to the divine lies not in how we look but in how we love, how we serve, and how we surrender our hearts to the higher truth.

Aṣṭāvakra is credited as the author of the Aṣṭāvakra Gītā, which means "song of Aṣṭāvakra". The text examines the metaphysical nature of existence and the meaning of individual freedom, presenting its thesis that there is only one Supreme Reality (Universal Consciousness).

Osho Rajneesh in his book Theologica Mystica (1983), says of the Gita; "Man has many scriptures , but none are comparable to the Gita of Aṣṭāvakra. Before it the Vedas pale, the Upanishads are a mere whisper. Even the Bhagavad-gītā does not have the majesty found in the Aṣṭāvakra Gītā - it is simply unparalleled."

Sadhguru Jagi Vasudev a spiritualist guru in India summarises the story of Aṣṭāvakra ; "One’s progress within oneself has nothing to do with what a person does on the outside, what is most important is, what a person is doing within him or herself. What you are doing with the outside world is just social. How you are within yourself is all that matters."

Additional Paragraph on Aṣṭāvakra:

Aṣṭāvakra’s influence stretches far beyond the verses of the Aṣṭāvakra Gītā. In the vast landscape of Indian spiritual thought, he stands as a symbol of deep wisdom and true enlightenment. His teachings invite us to look beyond the limits of the physical body and explore the boundless realms of self-realization and universal truth. The profound dialogue between Aṣṭāvakra and King Janaka in the Aṣṭāvakra Gītā speaks to the timeless journey of seeking knowledge, the relentless inquiry that defines our human spirit. His story urges us to see past outward appearances and recognize the inherent divinity and perfection that resides in every soul. Even today, Aṣṭāvakra’s life and teachings continue to light the way for those on the spiritual path, offering inspiration and guidance toward awakening and self-discovery. For more on this amazing text, read my book. I have a whole chapter dedicated to it.

THE POSE: Aṣṭāvakra-asana

How Aṣṭāvakra Entered Physical Yoga

The pose commonly associated with Aṣṭāvakra is Aṣṭāvakrāsana, a challenging arm balance that involves twisting the body, echoing his eight bends. This asana embodies strength, balance, and flexibility while reflecting Aṣṭāvakra’s crooked form. It may not be historically documented as being part of the earliest yoga traditions but likely emerged as a modern addition to the physical yoga practice influenced by Hatha yoga traditions.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly who was the first to introduce Aṣṭāvakrāsana into modern physical yoga. The pose gained prominence in the 20th century with the rise of Krishnamacharya, often called the "father of modern yoga." Krishnamacharya’s students, such as Pattabhi Jois (Ashtanga Yoga) and B.K.S. Iyengar (Iyengar Yoga), brought many dynamic, physically challenging postures to Western audiences.

The incorporation of Aṣṭāvakra’s story into a physical posture would likely have been a cultural adaptation, blending the symbolic nature of his form into the physicality of yoga, especially as yoga became more widespread globally.

Below are 3 pages from the Poses Manual that is part of our Teacher Training Programme.

SUMMARY -

Aṣṭāvakrāsana—often called "Eight-Angle Pose"—is a modern yoga pose that reflects the deep symbolism of Sage Aṣṭāvakra’s story. Although the sage’s life was more about spiritual wisdom than physical practice, this challenging arm balance pose emerged in the 20th century as yoga evolved to include more dynamic movements. It’s said to have gained prominence through figures like Krishnamacharya and his students, who shaped much of what we now know as modern yoga.

History and Place in Modern Yoga

The pose didn’t originate from ancient texts. Instead, it found its way into modern yoga through the Ashtanga and vinyasa practices, which highlight physical strength and flexibility. Aṣṭāvakrāsana challenges your body in a way that echoes Aṣṭāvakra’s eight bends, requiring balance, focus, and determination. The twisting of the body in this pose mirrors the twists in Aṣṭāvakra’s own form, making it more than just a physical practice—it's a metaphor for transcending limitations.

Why Do Aṣṭāvakrāsana?

There’s more to this pose than just physical benefits. Practicing Aṣṭāvakrāsana teaches us about inner strength, perseverance, and accepting our limitations. Just as Aṣṭāvakra didn’t let his crooked form define him, we’re encouraged to push beyond our perceived boundaries and grow both on and off the mat.

Challenges of the Pose

Make no mistake—Aṣṭāvakrāsana is a tough one! It requires core strength, arm balance, and flexibility all at once. Balancing your body while holding a deep twist can be humbling, which is why it’s essential to approach this pose with patience and a sense of curiosity, rather than a need for perfection. The struggle to balance is part of the lesson, teaching us about resilience.

What Can We Learn?

The pose embodies Aṣṭāvakra’s wisdom: that physical form isn’t what defines us—it's what’s inside. Practicing this pose helps remind us that real growth comes from facing challenges and looking beyond the superficial.

A quote from the Aṣṭāvakra Gītā that fits this lesson is:

"You are not the body. You are not the mind. You are the witness of these. You are pure awareness."

This reminds us that even in the toughest moments on the mat, we are more than our physical limitations. The true practice is being aware, staying present, and embracing whatever arises, whether it’s difficulty or ease.

Final Thoughts

Aṣṭāvakrāsana holds a special place in modern yoga because it symbolizes both physical and spiritual transformation. It challenges us to face our obstacles head-on, but more importantly, it teaches us to look beyond the surface. It’s a pose that asks us to go deeper—not just into the stretch or the balance, but into ourselves, and to find the strength that lives there. In the end, it’s not about how perfectly you do the pose; it’s about what you discover along the way.

Additional Reads -

Is Yoga a Religion? - https://www.akramyoga.co.uk/single-post/is-yoga-a-religion

Interested in how Yoga started? - https://www.akramyoga.co.uk/single-post/2017/03/14/the-first-yogi-part-1

Zahir Akram - Eternal Seeker

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