Krishan pose : The Secret of the Lord Krishna Tribhanga pose

Krishna Pose: The Secret of the Tribhanga (Krishna Pose) 


Today I am going to tell you the secret of Lord Krishna's Tribhanga position. You must have seen them in this position in the sculptures of such old gods and goddesses on the walls of the old temples of India. This position is called Tribhanga pose. This position has great importance in Bharatanatyam also.

The Tribhanga (Krishna pose) is a graceful and elegant posture that is often depicted in Hindu art and iconography. It is characterized by three curves in the body: at the waist, the knee, and the shoulder. This pose is said to represent the three gunas, or qualities of nature: sattva (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia).


The Krishna pose: 

  1. The right foot is typically placed behind the left foot. 
  2. And the right hand is often held up to the chest. 
  3. Playing a flute.

 This pose is often associated with Lord Krishna, who is said to have been a master of music and dance. And is said to represent his youthful energy, grace, and beauty.

Significance of Tribhanga Pose:


There are several interpretations of the significance of the Tribhanga (krishna pose) in Hindu art and culture.

Some believe that it represents the three gunas, or qualities of nature: sattva (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia). 

Others believe that it represents the three stages of life: childhood, youth, and old age. 

Still others believe that it represents the three worlds: the material world, the spiritual world, and the world in between.

Whatever its interpretation, the Tribhanga pose is a powerful and evocative image that has been used for centuries to represent the beauty, grace, and divinity of Krishna.

The Tribhanga pose of Krishna: 

Here are some of the specific meanings of the Tribhanga pose in relation to Lord Krishna:

Youthful energy: The pose is said to represent Krishna's youthful energy and vitality. The S-curve of the body suggests movement and dynamism, while the crossed legs and relaxed posture suggest a sense of ease and freedom. 

Grace: The pose is also said to represent Krishna's grace and beauty. The curves of the body are said to be pleasing to the eye, and the overall impression is one of elegance and poise.

Divine presence: The pose is sometimes interpreted as a symbol of Krishna's divine presence. The S-curve is said to represent the divine energy that flows through the universe, while the crossed legs are said to represent the union of the material and spiritual worlds.

The Tribhanga pose has been interpreted in many different ways. However, it is clear that it is a powerful and important symbol in Hindu art and culture. 

Tribhanga Pose in Indian Art:


The Tribhanga pose is a graceful and elegant stance that is often used in Indian sculpture. There are several reasons why the Tribhanga pose is so popular in Indian art. 
1. It is a very natural pose that the human body can easily assume. This makes it ideal for depicting the human form in a realistic and lifelike way. 

2. The Tribhanga pose is very expressive. The three bends in the body can be used to convey a wide range of emotions, from joy to sorrow to anger. 

3. The Tribhanga pose is very rhythmical. The gentle S-curve creates a sense of movement and energy, which is why it is often used to depict dancers and musicians.

In Hindu temples, the Tribhanga pose is often used to depict gods and goddesses. It is a symbol of the divine energy that flows through all of creation.
For e.g

1.Chidambaram temple in Tamil Nadu. 

2. Hoysaleswara temple in Halebidu, Karnataka. 

3. Khajuraho temple in Madhya Pradesh. 


The Tribhanga pose is said to have a number of symbolic meanings. It is said to represent the balance of the three gunas, as well as the union of the material and spiritual worlds. It is also said to represent the flow of energy through the body, and the journey of the soul from the material world to the spiritual world.

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Bharatanatyam Tribhanga Pose:

The (Krishna pose) Tribhanga position is an important posture in Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance form. It is a standing pose with three bends in the body: at the neck, waist, and knee. This creates a gentle S-curve in the body, which is considered to be the most graceful and expressive posture in Bharatanatyam.

The Tribhanga position is also said to represent the three feminine forms of Shakti: Mahashakti (the great power), Rajashakti (the active power), and Jnanashakti (the knowledge power). The bend in the neck represents Mahashakti, the bend in the waist represents Rajashakti, and the bend in the knee represents Jnanashakti.

In addition to its symbolic meaning, the Tribhanga position is also considered to be a very graceful and balanced posture. It requires a great deal of strength and flexibility to maintain, and it helps to create a sense of elongation and grace in the dancer's body's

Tribhanga's Importance in Bharatanatyam: 


The importance of the Tribhanga position in Bharatanatyam lies in several aspects:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: The Tribhanga position is visually striking and adds a unique aesthetic quality to the dance. The bends in the body create beautiful lines and shapes, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the performance.

2. Expressiveness: This posture allows dancers to convey a wide range of emotions and stories effectively. The different angles of the body can represent various characters, moods, and narratives, making it a versatile tool for storytelling through dance.

3. Balance and Control: Achieving and maintaining the Tribhanga position requires a high level of balance, control, and strength. Dancers develop their physical prowess through years of practice, which is crucial for executing intricate dance movements.

4. Tradition and Symbolism: Tribhanga has deep roots in Indian culture and mythology. It is often associated with depictions of Hindu deities, and each bend in the body can symbolize different aspects of divinity or characters from ancient texts.

5. Cultural Preservation: The Tribhanga position is a key element of Bharatanatyam's traditional repertoire. By preserving and performing this posture, dancers contribute to the preservation of their cultural heritage.

6. Communication: Bharatanatyam is not just about movement; it's a form of communication. The Tribhanga position aids in effective communication with the audience, conveying intricate stories, and evoking emotions.


The Tribhanga position is used in many different dance sequences in Bharatanatyam. It is often used to depict different emotions, such as love, longing, or sadness. It can also be used to create a sense of movement and rhythm in the dance.

Tribhanga Pose Benefits:


The Tribhanga pose is a graceful and balanced pose that is said to have many scientifically-proven benefits. Here are some of them:

1. Improved Posture: Tribhanga involves bending the body at the neck, waist, and hips, which can help improve posture by promoting better alignment of the spine.

2. Flexibility: Regularly practicing
Tribhanga can increase flexibility in the neck, spine, and hip joints, potentially reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

3. Strength: This pose engages various muscle groups, including the core, back, and leg muscles, helping to build strength and stability.

4. Balance and Coordination:
Performing the Tribhanga pose requires balance and coordination, which can enhance these skills over time.

5. Mental Well-being: Like many forms of dance and yoga, practicing Tribhanga can have mental benefits by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and increasing mindfulness.

6. Expression and Creativity: Tribhanga is often used as a form of self-expression in classical Indian dance. Engaging in creative movement can have positive effects on mental well-being and self- esteem.

7. Cultural Connection: For those
interested in Indian culture and
traditional dance forms, practicing Tribhanga can offer a deeper  connection and appreciation for this art form.

Harmonizing Qualities Through Breath: 

Sometimes observe when you are sitting comfortably and when you inhale, the number of breaths you can take will be very less. After that, stand up, stretch your body, then inhale and count seconds, you will be able to inhale more breaths. After that, come into Tribhanga pose yourself and after that inhale, you will observe that more breaths will be able to enter the body. So this Tribhanga pose is depicted in sculpture at different places. It wants to convey a message.

If you control these qualities of Rajas, Tamas, Sattva on your breathing, then you can bring these qualities in harmony.
Pranayama, or breath control, is a powerful tool for balancing the three gunas. Each guna has a corresponding quality of breath:

Tamas is associated with slow, shallow breathing.

Rajas is associated with fast, erratic breathing.

Sattva is associated with deep, regular breathing.

By practicing Krishna pose(Tribhanga), we can learn to control our breath and bring it into a state of balance. This can help to reduce stress, improve focus, and promote overall well- being.


Try Tribhanga Dance Pose:

If you are interested in trying the Tribhanga pose, there are a few things you should keep in mind. 

1. Make sure that you are warmed up before you attempt the pose. You can do this by doing some simple stretches or yoga poses. 

2. Start by practicing the pose against a wall for support. Once you are comfortable with the pose, you can try practicing it without the wall.

Steps of Tribhanga pose:


Here are the steps on how to do the Tribhanga pose:

1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart.

2. Bend your knees slightly and shift your weight to your right foot.

3. Bring your left foot behind your right foot, keeping your left heel close to your right ankle.

4. Bend your torso forward from your waist, keeping your back straight.

5. Raise your right arm up to the sky, palm facing forward.

6. Lower your left arm down to your side, palm facing down.

8. Hold the pose for a few breaths, then slowly come back to standing.

As you practice the Tribhanga pose, pay attention to how your body feels. If you feel any pain, stop and adjust the pose. The goal is to find a position that is comfortable and energizing for you.

Conclusion: 


The (Krishna pose) Tribhanga pose is a beautiful and graceful posture that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. It is a great way to improve your flexibility, balance, and overall well-being. So why not give it a try?

I hope this helps! 
                                                          🙂

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