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Virabhadrasana, or Warrior Pose, has three versions: Warrior I (with hips squared forward, arms raised overhead, hands in prayer); Warrior II (with hips open and arms outstretched); and Warrior III with one leg on the ground, one leg back, and arms and torso reaching forward). Virabhadrasana is named after Virabhadra, a great warrior who was born from one of lord Shiva’s locks of hair.

The story goes that Sati, daughter of King Daksha, adored Shiva. One day Daksha threw a huge party and invited all possible suitors except for Shiva, whose drab attire and questionable company did not please the king. But when the moment came to choose a mate, she threw her garland high into the air and called out Shiva’s name. He appeared, wearing the garland, which sealed the marriage to Draksha’s dismay.

Later, King Daksha threw another celebration, known as a yagya. He invited everyone except Shiva and his daughter. Sati decided to come anyway but was ridiculed and shunned by her father for all to see. Her anger and sadness drove her to jump to her death into the yagya fire. When Shiva learned of the circumstances of her death, he threw down a lock of his hair, which transformed into Virabhadra, the great warrior.

Alanna Kaivalya, author of <em>Myths of the Asanas</em>, likens the transformation of Virabhadra to the Warrior Poses. As he rises out of the ground his hands are raised and face turned up (Warrior I); as he draws his sword to cut off Daksha’s head his arms are outstretched (Warrior II); when he places Daksha’s head on a stake, his arms reach forward (Warrior III).

When Sati learned of what Shiva had done, she was quite upset. To make amends, Shiva replaced King Draksha’s head with that of a goat. The king was so happy to be alive that he forgave Shiva, and threw a party in their honor.

According to Zo Newell, author of <em>Downward Dogs &amp; Warriors, Wisdom Tales for Modern Yogis</em>, Virabhadra is “the personification of righteous anger and the noble impulse to defend the innocent.” Such impulses, whether acted on or just thought about, are a regular part of life. Kaivalya refers to Yoga Sutra 1.33 to address such impulses: “In order to preserve an elevated state of mind, be happy for those who are happy, cultivate compassion for those who are sad, feel delight for those deemed to be lucky, and experience indifference toward those perceived to be wicked.”

When practicing Warrior poses, consider the strength they require and build, but remember that this strength must always be tempered with a sense of ease. This balance is what makes a true warrior, on and off the mat.