Dhanurasana () is a back bending asana in hatha yoga and modern yoga as exercise.
The name comes from the Sanskrit words () meaning "bow", and () meaning "posture" or "seat".
A similar pose named Nyubjasana, "the face-down asana", is described and illustrated in the 19th century Sritattvanidhi. The pose is illustrated in half-tone in the 1905 Yogasopana Purvacatuska and named DhanurÃÂsana, quoting the Gheranda Samhitas description.
It is unclear whether the asana is medieval, as although the name is used, the intended pose might be the sitting Akarna Dhanurasana rather than this backbend. The account of Dhanurasana in the 15th century Hatha Yoga Pradipika is ambiguous about whether the pose is reclining or sitting, stating
The 17th century Gheranda Samhita is similarly ambiguous, stating
Dhanurasana is used in the classical Indian dance form Bharatanatyam.
From a prone position, the feet are grasped to lift the legs and chest to form the shape of a bow with the body, with the arms representing the bowstring. Balasana (Child) can be used as a counter pose.
Variations include:
Counter asanas are Halasana (plough) and Sarvangasana (shoulderstand).