Trikonasana | Triangle Pose

Yoga Ria Bali
Nov 19
3 min read

Hello Everyone, Hope you are all well.

Today i will share our fave Pose, Triangle Pose. Lets begins

Mythology of Trikonasana

Trikonasana comes from Sanskrit:

Tri – three
Kona – angle or corner
Asana – posture

The triangle is a powerful symbol across yogic philosophy and Hindu mythology. It represents balance, stability, and harmony between body, mind, and spirit.

In Hindu tradition, triangles also symbolize the union of divine energies—for example:

The upward-pointing triangle symbolizes Shiva (masculine, fire, and consciousness).
The downward-pointing triangle symbolizes Shakti (feminine, water, and creation).
When combined, they form the six-pointed star (Shatkona), symbolizing the union of the divine masculine and feminine forces.

Thus, Trikonasana is not only a physical posture but also a representation of the balance of opposites—strength and flexibility, grounding and expansion, stability and openness.

In yogic tradition, the triangle is more than a shape—it is a symbol of cosmic harmony.

It is said that the upward-pointing triangle represents Shiva, the divine masculine, embodying fire, strength, and consciousness. The downward-pointing triangle represents Shakti, the divine feminine, embodying water, creativity, and flow. When these two forces unite, they form the Shatkona, the sacred six-pointed star, a union of opposites and a balance of universal energy.

When you step into Trikonasana, you are embodying this story: your legs form a strong foundation like the earth, your torso extends outward like the rays of the sun, and your arms stretch in two directions—one to the heavens, one to the earth. You become the living triangle, a bridge between strength and softness, grounding and expansion, body and spirit.

So when practicing Trikonasana, you are not only stretching your muscles—you are aligning yourself with the ancient balance of Shiva and Shakti, reminding yourself that wholeness comes from harmony.

How to Perform Trikonasana (Triangle Pose)

Start in Tadasana (Mountain Pose). Step your feet wide apart (about 3–4 feet).
Turn the Right Foot Out. Align your right heel with the arch of your left foot. Keep the left foot slightly turned inward.
Extend the Arms. Raise your arms parallel to the floor, palms facing down.
Reach Forward. Inhale deeply, then exhale and extend your torso over the right leg, hinging at the hip.
Hand Placement. Rest your right hand on your shin, ankle, or a block (avoid collapsing). Stretch your left arm straight up toward the ceiling, forming one line with the shoulders.
Gaze Up. Look up at your left hand or keep the gaze neutral if the neck feels strained.
Hold the Pose. Stay for 5–8 breaths, feeling both stability in the legs and expansion in the chest.
Release. Inhale to come back up, then repeat on the other side.

Variations of Trikonasana

Supported Triangle Pose: Place a block under the bottom hand for stability.

Benefits of Trikonasana

Strengthens the Legs and Core – Builds stability in thighs, knees, and ankles.
Improves Flexibility – Stretches hamstrings, hips, spine, and shoulders.
Enhances Postural Alignment – Promotes awareness of spinal extension and symmetry.
Stimulates Organs – Improves digestion and energizes abdominal organs.
Opens the Chest and Shoulders – Encourages deeper breathing and counters slouching.
Improves Balance and Concentration – Trains steadiness and mental focus.
Relieves Stress – A grounding pose that encourages a sense of calm and clarity.

Disclaimer

Avoid this pose if you have low blood pressure, migraines, or recent injuries to the back, hips, or knees.
Those with neck problems should avoid looking up; keep gaze neutral.
Pregnant individuals should practice a wide-legged supported version.
Beginners should avoid over-stretching; use props to support alignment.
Warm up the body with gentle stretches before practicing to prevent strain.

The Role of Trikonasana in Well-Being

Trikonasana teaches us the art of finding stability in expansion. Just as a triangle is steady and balanced, the pose encourages us to ground ourselves in strength while reaching outward with openness. It mirrors life’s need for balance between effort and ease, grounding and growth—helping us cultivate clarity and centeredness both physically and mentally.