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Tree Pose: A Deeper Dive into Its Mythological Roots
What we now know as Vrikshasana, or Tree Pose, was originally referred to as Bhagīrathasana by Krishnamacharya, the father of modern yoga. The name is derived from the legendary Vedic prince, Bhagīratha. His story is one of unparalleled determination, willpower, and devotion. In many ways, this story encapsulates the essence of yoga itself — unshakable focus, deep purpose, and the ability to stand tall amidst life's storms.
The Legend of Prince Bhagīratha
Prince Bhagīratha's ancestors were doomed by a curse from the powerful sage Kapila. They could only be purified by the holy waters of the River Ganga, which, at that time, resided in the heavens. Upon hearing this tragic fate, Bhagīratha was consumed by a burning desire to save his ancestors and grant them salvation. His mission was nearly impossible: to bring the celestial Ganga down to Earth.
Image above: The sage Bhagīratha praying to Śhiva.
Below: The celestial Ganga appears to wash the sins of Bhagīratha's ancestors.
To achieve this, Bhagīratha embarked on a journey of rigorous penance, retreating to the Himalayas. He stood on one leg in deep meditation, directing all his focus toward invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva, the only deity powerful enough to control Ganga's descent. His penance, performed solely on one leg, became a symbol of unyielding perseverance and resolve.
After years of steadfast dedication, Shiva was pleased with Bhagīratha’s devotion and agreed to release the mighty Ganga from the heavens, letting her flow through his locks to prevent the Earth's destruction from her torrential force. Thus, the River Ganga finally descended, washing away the sins of Bhagīratha’s ancestors.
The demon king Ravana performing the same penance pose in the hindu epic The Ramayana
The Spiritual Symbolism of Tree Pose
Krishnamacharya renamed the Tree Pose as Bhagīrathasana to honor the timeless values illustrated in this ancient story. When practicing this pose, he instructed his students to remember Bhagīratha’s incredible persistence and concentration. As you stand in Tree Pose, grounding one foot firmly into the earth while reaching upward, you're not just balancing physically. You're embodying the spiritual fortitude that Bhagīratha showed in his quest for the Ganga's descent.
Kausthub Desikachar, son and student of T.K.V. Desikachar, expands on this idea:
"This posture represents the intense penance of Bhagīratha. It’s supposed to motivate us to work towards our goals even if there are many obstacles in the way."
Tree Pose, therefore, becomes more than just a balance posture. It symbolizes the strength of our inner resolve. By balancing on one leg, we stabilize not only our bodies but also our minds, fostering the mental discipline necessary to stay steady in the face of life's challenges.
Practical Benefits with a Deeper Meaning
While modern yoga practice often highlights the physical benefits of Tree Pose — improved balance, strengthened legs, and enhanced core stability — the deeper idea often gets lost in translation. Manathirku Varuvathellam echoes this sentiment:
"This pose may help get some physical benefits. But the true idea behind the symbolism is mostly lost. When that happens, it becomes a caricature. If one practices this pose with the intensity of Bhagīratha in mind, then it will help develop the function."
Bhagīratha's story reminds us that yoga is not just a collection of physical postures. It is a pathway to developing inner strength, persistence, and focus. By practicing Tree Pose with mindfulness and intention, we channel the same energy that Bhagīratha did in his quest for Ganga. We become rooted like a tree, while also reaching upwards, aspiring for something greater.
Bringing It to Your Practice
So, the next time you enter Tree Pose, think of Bhagīratha. Feel the grounding of your foot as a connection to the Earth, just as Bhagīratha grounded himself in his quest. Feel your spine lengthening upward, like the tree that aspires to touch the sky. And most importantly, embody the unyielding perseverance that lies at the heart of this ancient story.
Let your practice of Tree Pose be more than just a balance of the body — let it be a balance of mind, spirit, and purpose.
By diving into the symbolism of Bhagīratha’s penance, we realize that even a seemingly simple yoga pose can hold a depth of meaning far beyond its physical benefits. It’s a reminder that yoga, at its core, is a practice of connecting the body, mind, and spirit in ways that elevate us — just like the descent of the celestial Ganga.
Zahir Akram - Eternal Seeker
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