Padhamasana

Under Hinduism, Saiva Sidhantha code it has been declared that Lord Ganesh is the first form of God to be worshiped before the beginning of any auspicious or otherwise function. So also padhmasana is the first Asana to be practiced. In the ancient Mantara Sastra about Shiva Panchakshari Mantra we find that the Lord Shiva has been described as “Santham Padhmasanastham” meaning calm and seated in padhmasana and in Sakthi Panchakshari Manta Lord Shiva is described as “Charu padhmasanastham” meaning as golden colour seated As padhmasana.

Thus Lord Shiva is described as being seated in Padhmasana. The importance of this asana cannot be fully explained. A healthy body with the concentration of mind are broadly the benefits derived by this asana. This is the common Asana for doing Japa or Meditation. Stout persons may find it difficult to do this asana. But by continuous practice it will be quite easy. When properly done this asana will look like a lotus flower, perhaps on account of this the name has been given. Padhma means lotus. Both gents and ladies can do this. About a fixed and steady pose of Lord Krishna has described. As seen in Gita thus.

“Selecting a clean place, sitting erect, on a seat not high or low over kusa grass or on deer skin fixing the eyes vision on the tip of the nose one has to practice meditation” Oh! What a wonderful description the Lord has explained for out benefit.






Procedure

1. Place a blanket or soft carpet, four folded over the ground.

2. Sit over it facing east or north direction.


3. Slowly lift the right leg and place it over the left thigh.

4. Slowly lift the left leg and place over the right thigh.


5. Both toes have to be nearer to the stomach portion.

6. Sit erect without hunchback.

7. Place both the hands over the knees a sin the picture or in the manner describing Chin Mudra.

What is Chin Mudra? Bend the index finger and touch the middle portion of the thumb. The other three fingers are kept apart, the palm facing upward; the meaning of this Chin Mudra, is giving up the three Gunas, the individual Jivatma merges with Paramatama.

8. During the Asana time, breathe should be uniform, without noise.

9. The mind should be calm free from anger, likes and dislikes.


10. Mentally repeat “Om” or the mantra of the Lord form of your choice.

11. Slowly come to the original position.