Postures

The Power Of Postures

Art 02 February, 2026

Postures are more than just physical positions—they are powerful expressions that convey stories, emotions, and deeper meanings. In art and culture, each posture reflects values, beliefs, and aesthetics, shaping how we understand form and movement. This blog explores the significance of postures, from their ancient roots to their lasting impact on artistic expression.

The *Alidasanam* (or *Alidam*) posture features a standing figure with the left leg bent in front and the right leg extended behind. The arms mimic the stretched string of a bow, with the left hand holding the bow in *Shikhara Mudra* and the right hand in *Kataka Mudra*, as if pulling back the string and arrow.

*Urdhvajanu* is a posture where one leg is firmly planted on the ground, while the other is raised, bent at the knee, and placed on a pedestal or higher plane. Notable examples include Tripura Samhara Shiva with one leg on his chariot and Durga with one leg on the ground and the other on Mahishasura's head. *Ekapada Sthanakam* is a posture where one leg is firmly grounded, and the other is bent, resting near the knee. This can be seen in meditative images of Arjuna. A variation features one leg on the ground and the other bent, placed on the genitals with the foot facing upward, as seen in meditative depictions of Kamakshi.

*Vaisakha Sthanakam* is a posture where one leg is firmly on the ground, and the other is stretched forward, symbolizing the bow of the Visakha constellation. This stance is often associated with Muruga and Rama, both depicted holding a bow.Vaishnavam is a similar posture, with one leg grounded and the other slightly bent, held gracefully. Known as *Sthitha Kunjitham*, it represents a calm, satvik state and is used for images of Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, and others.

*Swastikasanam* is a posture where one leg is firmly on the ground, and the other is crossed in front, resting on its toes. It can be seen in images of Krishna playing the flute and Vrishabhantika Shiva.As a seated posture, it is called *Yogasana*, and when one leg is folded and the other hangs down, it is called *Uthukutikasanam*. When this pose involves effort, the body and bent leg are tied with a *yogapattam*, with one hand in *Chin Mudra* and the other in *Danda*, forming *Ardha Yogasanam*. This symbolizes a yogic state of balance and focus.

*Garudasanam* features the right leg folded inward with the knee on the ground, while the left leg is bent and stretched away. It is often used to depict Garudazhvar or a devotee kneeling in prayer. When the legs are in the same position with outstretched wings and hands held in a flight-like posture, it is called *Gamanakolam*, seen in images of Garuda.Yogasanam represents a yogic trance, where the yogi sits cross-legged in *Padmasanam*, with one hand in *Gnana Mudra* near the chest and the other on the thigh. The eyes focus on the nose. A variation includes the legs crossed, feet touching the genitals, with a *Yogapattam* binding the knees, and one hand in *Danda Mudra*, the other in *Gnana* or *Chin Mudra*.

**Uthkutikasanam** is when one leg is supported vertically on a pedestal, and the other hangs down, seen in images of *Yoga Dakshinamurti* and *Ayyanar*.Virasanam is a regal pose where one leg hangs down, the other is bent with the foot on the thigh, and the body is held erect, symbolizing a monarch or leader. This is also called *Raja Lingasanam*.

**Maharaja Lilasanam** is a posture where the right leg is vertical, the left leg is folded flat, the right elbow rests on the right knee, and the left hand supports the body, creating a relaxed arch. This is seen in images of Buddha and Simhanatha.Ardha Padmasanam is a seated posture where one leg is folded and the other foot rests on its thigh. The body is held erect, and this is also known as *Paryankasanam* or *Vajrasanam* in Buddhist tradition.

**Lalitasanam** is a seated posture where one leg is vertical and the other is folded flat, seen in images like *Vinayaka*.Padmasanam is a cross-legged posture with feet resting on the thighs, body erect, and is also known as *Paryankasanam* or *Vajrasanam* in Buddhism. When one leg is folded and the other rests on its thigh, it's called *Ardha Padmasanam*.

**Sukhasanam** is a relaxed posture where the body is erect, one leg is folded flat, and the other hangs freely. The hands are held in balance. This posture is commonly used for images of *Shiva* and *Vishnu*, known as *Sukhasana Vishnu* or *Sukhasana Shiva*.

**Sthanakam: Ninra Kolam** (vertical stance) is an erect posture with feet equidistant and body held straight, without any flexion. The gaze is direct. *Samapada Sthanakam* is a similar stance, with arms and legs close together, and hands in various mudras. It has two sub-divisions: *Vaitasthika Sthanakam* and *Ardha Vaitasthika Sthanakam*. Images of *Chandrashekhara* and *Vishnu* often depict this pose.

**Ardha Vaitasthika Sthanakam** is when the distance between the big toes is half of *Vaitasthika Sthanakam*, or 1 chan (half the span of the thumb to the little finger).Kayotsargam is a posture where the feet are together, body erect, arms hanging close to the body, and palms near the thighs. It symbolizes detachment and is also known as *Ajanu Lamba Bahu* or *Taltazh Tadakkai* in Tamil. The *Gomateswara* image is a notable example.

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