HIMAVAT ; YOGA AND MOUNT EVEREST NEW UPDATE

Himavat (Sanskrit: हिमवत्, literally frosty) or Himavān (Sanskrit: हिमवान्, literally snowy)  or Parvateshwara (Sanskrit: पर्वतेश्वर, lit. lord of mountains) is the personification of the Himalayan mountains and Frosty Hills, which are also known as the Himavat Mountains. He was the ruler of the Himalaya Kingdom of Nepal, is one of the independent country in south Asia since ancient Era, which finds mention in Shiva Sabhyataa (Civilization) and in the epic Mahabharata.

Himavat fathered Mahakali the river goddess, river is commonly known as Ganga Sagar as well as Ragini and Parvati, the wife of Shiva. His wife and queen consort is Vedic Menavati, the daughter of Mount Meru (Himalayan Parvat).

Let us do some mountain climbing that ends in the Kailash and Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) ‘Himavant’ means having much snow. Thus Himavat is the God of Snow implying the Himalayan Mountains or the Himavat Mountains. It is also called the Abode of the Gods or Devabhumi (Land of GODS). The Mahabaratha extols Himavat as the ruler of the Himalayan Kingdom, now known as Nepal. The sum total of various versions makes Himayat the father of Sati or prominently known as Uma or Parvathi. His consort is Queen Mena, the daughter of Mount Meru.

KAILASHA TO PASHUPATI AND YOGA

The Himalaya range in general and Mount Kailash to Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) in particular have inspired awe for anyone who has beheld them. People on all sides of the great mountains have regarded them as space between the world of humans and the heavens. Mount Kailash is sacred to Hindus as the mythological paradise of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati- who is the daughter of Himavat- the King of the Himalaya. Ganesh, the elephant headed god, who is the remover of obstacles, is the son of Shiva and Parvati and also grew up in and around Mount Kailash alongside the Himalayan ranges. Kailash is the Palace of Shiva and also Yogaashram (a place for Yoga practice). He is always in state of Yoga or Samadhi with meditation in different mudras.

Shiva is often depicted in traditional paintings with Parvati and his son Ganesh on his lap. He is blue in color to reflect the fact that he has taken in all the “poison” in the world so that everything else can live and exist. Shiva is one of three principle Hindu deities along with Vishnu (Operator) and Brahma (Generator) forming Trimurti or a triad. Shiva protects but also destroys and is hence found in battlefields and Cremating Ghats. The most famous one being at the Arya Ghat in Pashupatinath Temple complex along the Holy River ‘Bagmati’ here as the first temple of the world and also the first Yoga  School of Shiva here in Kathmandu, Nepal. In Hindu mythology, Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration, resides at the summit of Mount Kailash which believers regard as the center of the world. Everything on earth and the Universe stretch out in all directions from here.

Yoga as Path of Spiritual Exploration

Yoga is the higher spiritual achievement throughout the Knowledge, Karma, Upasana and Science. The almighty viewed the valuable knowledge and ethics for the creation, existence and life-cycle of beings in meditated form or in a state of Samadhi to Human Kind via four sages.  A prayer in the ancient Sanatan Holy Scripture, Rig Veda, entreats upon Supreme Power, Almighty, ‘Tamaso Maa Jyotir-gamaya, Asato Maa Sat-gamaya, Mrityor Maa Amritam-gamaya” or ‘Lead us from Darkness (Ignorance) to Light (Knowledge), from Untruth to Truth, from Mortal to Immortality:

Every human being on earth is in relentless pursuit of love, mental peace, happiness and spiritual bliss. According to Sanatan Dharma, the eternal religion or Human religion, the proven way to overcome the tensions, stress and strain that one faces in daily life is faith in spiritualism (adhyatma), Spiritual practice (sadhana) casts ‘light to do away with darkness’ and liberates a person from sorrows, gloom and suffers. Spiritual enlightenment leads to blissful inner peace and equanimity i.e Samadhi.

For many since ancient, Nepal remains a mystical land on the lap of Himalayas, especially Mount Everest with its harmonious blend of two of the world’s prominent religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, the beauty of natures and cultures; its incredibly tolerant people living through a fascinating traditional-cultural milieu and its amazing landscapes that in ancient times drew rishis (sages), ascetics, mystics and yogis who wandered in a spiritual mission in search of tatva jnana (supreme knowledge), nirvana (enlightenment/ isolation) and divine grace, and today draws spiritual seekers, aspirants of a new bewildered generation seeking tranquility, mental peace, happiness, fulfillments  and all the unconditional answers to all the questions that people had long hidden or unknown till today.

Sagarmatha / Mount Everest:

Kathmandu: Nepal and China on Tuesday jointly announced that the revised height of the world’s highest peak Sagarmatha / Mount Everest was 8,848.86 metres, about 86 centimetres more than the previous measurement done by India in 1954. It is said ‘Third Pole of the World”.

The Nepal government decided to measure the exact height of the mountain amid debates that there might have been a change in it due to various reasons, including the devastating earthquake of 2015.

The new height of Mt Everest, the world’s highest peak, is 8,848.86 metres, China and Nepal jointly announced on Tuesday, 8^th December, 2020.  China’s state-run Xinhua news agency said in a brief report.

Nepal recalculates the height of Mount Everest at 8848.86 metres, the country’s Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali announced in Kathmandu.

The new official height is 8,848.86 meters — roughly one meter higher than Nepal’s previous measurement. Global warming and a 2015 earthquake spurred speculation over the actual height of the world’s tallest peak.

The new height is 86 cms more than the previous measurement. According to the measurement done in 1954 by Survey of India, the height of Mount Everest was 8,848 metres.

Notice :

Note: Himalayan Yoga Academy is going to organize the Highest Altitude Yoga Camp in around 5643 meters height, Kalapatthar, of Mount Everest Base camp in coming May, 2021. So, we humbly request to reserve this Yoga campaign as soon as possible via this links given below.

Aerobic exercise is any activity that gets your blood pumping and large muscle groups working. It’s also known as cardiovascular activity. Aerobic exercise stimulates the heart rate and breathing rate to increase in a way that can be sustained for the exercise session. In contrast, anaerobic (“without oxygen”) exercise is activity that causes you to be quickly out of breath, like sprinting or lifting a heavy weight.

Various Aerobic Exercises includes :

• running
• cycling
• swimming
• heavy cleaning or gardening
• playing soccer

What happens to your body when you do aerobic exercise ?

While doing a aerobic exercises, you repeatedly move large muscles in your arms, legs and hips. , then you will notice, you’ll breathe faster and more deeply. This maximizes the amount of oxygen in your blood. Your heart will beat faster, which increases blood flow to your muscles and back to your lungs. Your small blood vessels (capillaries) will widen to deliver more oxygen to your muscles and carry away waste products, such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Your body will even release endorphins, natural painkillers that promote an increased sense of well-being.

1. Improves cardiovascular health

Aerobic Exercises  exercise strengthens your heart and helps it more efficiently pump blood throughout the body. A stronger heart doesn’t need to beat as fast. A stronger heart also pumps blood more efficiently, which improves blood flow to all parts of your body. Cardiovascular exercise can also help lower blood pressure, and keep your arteries clear by raising “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and lowering “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the blood.

2. Increase your stamina, fitness and strength

Doing aerobic exercises, helps your body maintain the strength and stamina. Daily performance of aerobic exercises helps in increasing your capacity to use oxygen. Hence, this include an increased capacity for the muscles to take up and use the additional oxygen being delivered by the heart.

3. Manage chronic conditions

Aerobic exercise makes your muscles move. Aerobic exercise can help with better muscle function and endurance. It will also help in weight loss leading to less stress on the muscles.

4. Regulates weight

Aerobic exercise burns up energy (calories). Regular sessions of 30 to 60 minutes of low to moderate intensity aerobic exercise (at around 55 to 70 per cent of maximum heart rate) can be an important part of a weight loss or weight management programme

5. Helps you sleep better

Inadequate sleep is linked to many health risks. Regular exercise can keep you energetic throughout the day and assist you sleep better in the dark .

Jaanoorvorantare paadau uttaanau vyaktasamsthitau; Gulphau chaachchhaadya hastaabhyaamuttaanaabhyaam prayatnatah !!25!!

Kanthasankockchanam Kritvaa naasaagramavalokayet; Gorakshaasanamityaahuryoginaam siddhikaaranam!! 26!!

Keep the toes of both the feet in a hidden manner in the middle of both thighs and knees. Holding both heels with both hands, contract the throat and fix the graze at the nosetip. This gorakshasana enables yogis to attain siddhi.

Gorakshasana – Yogi Gorakhnath’s Pose

Gorakshasana or Yogi Gorakhnath’s pose was used as a meditative pose by the yogi Gorakhnath. Goraksha s the name of a well-known sage who was credited with creating the first-ever written text on Hatha yoga, called “Goraksha Samhita.” It is also sometimes known as the “Goraksha Paddhati.”

Goraksha is a semi-legendary figure who is believed to have lived around the 9th or 10th century. Legend has it that he was a student of Matsyendra, the man who first learned the teachings of yoga when he overheard Shiva talking to Parvati.

To perform this asana, the practitioner needs lot of flexibility of the legs muscles. It may take months to loosen the leg muscles to achieve the final pose.

Step to release the stretch:

You can keep this posture as long as you feel comfortable and release back to your basic asana.Breathing activities while doing Gorakshasana:You can continue breathe usually throughout your practice.

Duration:

You can maintain this pose for few minutes according to your individual capacity. You can increase the duration by using your regular practice. If you maintain this posture for more time, you can obtain wonderful benefits.

Gorakshasana Steps

Sit on the floor in padmasana.
Stretching the arms forward place them on the floor.
Raise your trunk and lift the hips off the floor.
Keeping the trunk stretched straight stand with your knees.
Stretch your thighs and gradually lift the hands off the floor one-by-one.
Maintain the balance and integrity of the spine.
Join your hands in prayer position in front of your chest.
Stay in the position as long as you can hold it comfortably.
Now, place your hands on the floor and bring your hips to the floor.
Release your legs and now change the leg position.
Repeat it for the same duration.

Benefits of Gorakshasana (Yogi Gorakhnath’s Pose)

1. This excellent yoga pose reverses a flow of your apana, directing it upward exactly to the greater centers for better use in the meditative states.
2. Gorakshasana make the legs and feet extremely flexibleIt helps to awaken the kundalini ShaktiIt can relieve piles and urinary disordersIt tones the reproductive system; Stimulates sexual energy.
3. This yoga pose also makes your feet and legs supple, Strengthens leg muscles.
4. Gorakshasana is an effective posture that aids you in sitting straight as well as gets used for sitting straight. It is therefore really good for the posture and back Your legs and ankles benefit from any pressure in the feet and post at the similar time stimulate your second chakra.
5. It activates the sexual energy.
6. This straightening task of your back as well as pressure from the base calms your digestion process and in this method Gorakshasana is particularly suggested against the IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
7. This excellent yoga pose helps you to awaken your kundalini ShaktiIt can properly relieve urinary disorders and piles disordersAdditionally, it also tones your reproductive system.
8. Gorakshasana can be merged with various Pranayama techniques and therefore create various resultsYou can experiment with various types of breathing in this asana and you will observe how the results change.

Precautions & Contraindications

An unhealthy people with stiff and painful legs feet and ankles don’t try this asana.
 Do not hunchback while holding the pose.
While going into the pose and holding cowherd pose, the shoulders should be relaxed.
Avoid practicing gorakshasana if there is an issue with feet and leg joints.
If you are suffering from knee pain, then do not practice this asana.
People with sciatica and other lower spinal pain should not practice gorakshasana.

Conclusion :

Practicing gorakshasana is beneficial in numerous ways. Along with providing the above-mentioned benefits, all the benefits associated with padmasana are also accessible through its practice.

Udaram pashchimaabhaasam kritvaa tishthatyayatnatah; Namritam vaamapaadam hi dakshajaanoopari nyaset; !!23!!

उदरम पश्चिमाभासम कृत्वा तिष्ठत्ययत्नत:। नम्रितम वामपादम हि दक्षजानूपरि न्यसेत् ।। २३।। 

Tatra yaamyam koorparam cha vaktram yaamyakare’pi cha; Bhruvormadhye gataa drihtih peetham maatsyendramuchyate. !!24!!

तत्र याम्यम कूर्परम च, वक्त्रम याम्यकरे’पी  च। भ्रुवोर्मध्ये गता दृष्टि: पीठम मात्स्येंद्रमुच्यते।। २४।।  

Pull the abdomen towards the back, keeping the back straight. Bend the left leg with effort, placing the heel over the right thigh. Support the right elbow on the leg. Placing the chin on the right hand, fix the gaze at the eyebrow centre. This is known as Matsyendrasana.

Matsyendra’s Pose or Lord of the Fishes Pose, is a seated twisting asana in hatha yoga and modern yoga as exercise. The full form is the difficult Paripurna Matsyendrasana. A common a

MATSYENDRASANA (YOGI MATSYENDRASANA’S POSTURE)

Matsyendrasana was named after the yogi, Matsyendranath, a student of the Hindu god, Shiva (also known as the adi yogi, or the “first” yogi). Also referred to as Purna matsyendrasana, the pose is a complete spinal twist with amazing health benefits. The name for this pose is derived from the Sanskrit roots matsya, meaning “fish,” and indra, meaning “lord” or king.” Matsyendrasana may also be called lord of the fishes pose in English.

VARIATION –I: ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA

Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sanskrit: अर्धमत्स्येन्द्रासन), Half Lord of the Fishes Pose, Half Spinal Twist Pose or Vakrasana is an asana that usually appears as a seated spinal twist with many variations, and is one of the twelve basic asanas in many systems of Hatha Yoga. This asana is named after the great yogi Matsyendranath (9th century Yoga guru who founded Hatha Yoga).

The name comes from the Sanskrit words ardha meaning “half“, matsya meaning “fish“, eendra meaning “king“, and asana (आसन ) meaning “posture” or “seat“. The name Vakrasana comes from the Sanskrit “Vakra” (‘twisted or reverse‘) are the pre asanas

VARIATION –II: POORNA MATSYENDRASANA

Poorna Matsyendrasana is normally considered as the full form of the asana. The only different is that instead of keeping the back foot on the floor, it is placed on top of the thigh as in Ardha padmasana. Other process is the same as Ardha matsyendrasana.

Procedure of Ardha-matsyendrasana:

First of all, sit on the ground with spreading your legs in front of you in Sama sthithi. i.e Dandasana
Bend your left leg so that the left foot comes close to your hips while the right foot is placed outside the left knee.
Place the left arm over the right knee and grasp the toes of the right foot with the left hand.
Now, put your right arm behind your back around the waist in order to touch the navel from behind.
Try to look behind by turning your head towards the right side.
The same thing should be repeated from the other side.
Exhaling the catch the right big toe from outside of the right leg,
Maintain the final position with normal breathing.
Gaze at the right side while in the final position.
Repeat the practice on another side after 5 breathing.

Benefits of Matsyendrasana or Ardha Matsyendrasana

-The half twist spinal pose is one of the few yoga asanas, which provides a new flexible life to the entire spinal region. It only rejuvenates the spinal column, yet shows its positive beneficial aspects to the maximum systems of the body.
-The spinal column is strengthened due to the alternate contraction and relaxation during the twisting of the whole spine. It is beneficial in the case of sciatica and slipped disc. It provides a wide range of flexibility to the spine.
-This used to rejuvenate the spinal nerves, muscles. Sluggish and stagnant blood is squeezed out of the spinal regions. Intervertebral discs are nourished.
-This pose is good for channelizing the pranic energy in the spine. Therapeutically it is useful in the prevention and management of a backache, neck ache as well as general body stiffness.
-The practice of this asana enhances the lung capacity. It helps to remove any tendency towards round shoulders, drooping or hunching because of shoulder movements alternatively.
-It is good for digestive organs, the pressure of the thigh and squeezing effect on the abdominal region improves the efficiency of the organs of absorption, assimilation and elimination effectively.
-This develops the digestive capacity. Liver, spleen intestines are massaged during this pose to enhance their functional capacity.
-It gives compression and stretch to the abdominal organs, thus facilitates massage, recirculates impure blood, and tones up the associated nerves. Common digestive disorders are relieved through this pose.
-Tones the reproductive system.
-This yoga pose is extremely beneficial for burning fat from the abdomen. Thus, this pose is helpful in weight loss and obesity management.
-Ardha Matsyendrasana has been found beneficial in the treatment of backache, neckache, and headache. It helps to remove any tendency towards round shoulders. The yoga pose strengthens the shoulder, hips, and neck.
-It is effective in the proper function of adrenal glands, kidney’s, and liver.

The mental health benefits of Matsyendrasana/Ardha matsyendrasana:

-Creates inner awareness; Promotes sense of calm
-Strengthens the nervous system and relieves stress
-Shields the mind from anger, fear and desire
-Promotes a sense of acceptance
-Practicing Matsyendrasana stimulates the Manipura (solar plexus) chakra, which radiates vital prana. This chakra is associated with willpower, self-esteem and confidence

Precautions and Contraindications:

1. It is not good for people suffering from hypertension and any other cardiovascular disorders.
2. During menstruation and pregnancy women should not practice this pose.
3. –Consistency in the practice is safer, avoid the jerks while twisting.
4. –Keep the spine straight to the best possible extent.
5. –Don’t exert the pressure on the arms for the twisting purpose

“Muktapadmasanam kritva  uttannashayanam charet; koorparaabhyaam shro veshtyam rogaghnam maatsyamaasanam!!

“मुक्तापद्मासनम कृत्वा उत्तानशयनम चरे। कूर्पराभ्याम शिरो वेष्त्यम रोगघ्नम मात्स्यमासनम”।। ।। २२।।   

In the Position of mukta padmasana bring the elbows of both hands around the head and lie flate on the floor. This destroyer of disease is called Matsyasana.

The Sanskrit word ‘Matsya’ means ‘fish’. It is thus nicknamed ‘The Fish Pose’. Matsyasana is a reclining back-bending asana. The name is derived form the Sanskrit matsya, meaning “fish,” and asana, meaning “pose.” Matsya is also the name of an incarnation of the god, Vishnu, who manifested himself as a large fish in order to save the earth from a flood.

The story behind Matsyasana :

At a time when the world was about to be destroyed, Vishnu came to the rescue of the people in the form of a fish. He appeared when King Manu was fetching water and pleaded him to keep him. He kept growing bigger every day filling whatever vessel he was put in until the king came to a realization that he was not a normal being.

After this Manu begged Vishnu to enlighten him to which he warned of a flood that was going to kill everything and how Manu could save it by building a great ship that Matsya (Vishnu) directed to safety. As Matsya, Vishnu was able to carry wise Hindu sages to safety, thus preserving the wisdom of all of mankind. Vishnu is kanown as Operator for protecting, caring and running the existence.

Steps to perform Matsyasana:

• To enter the pose, the practitioner lies flat on the back then lifts the pelvis so the hands can slide under the buttocks. The back arches and the chest lifts until the crown of the head (or the back of the head for beginners) rests on the floor.
• -Begin with the Shavasana (Corpse Pose).
• -Maintain a flat back. Make sure your arms are straight, with palms laid out on the mat.
• -Gently, bring your palms in under your buttocks.
• -Tip your head backwards slightly with your torso resting on the floor. Hold for a minimum of 30 seconds.
• -Inhale and use your forearms to lift your chest, shoulders, upper back, and head off the mat.
• -Bring the top of your head to rest on the mat and hold this position for a minimum of 30 seconds.
• -Return to the initial position.
• -Relax and inhale.

Preparatory Poses: Baddha konasana, Dhanurasana, Salabhasana, Supta virasana, Virasana, Urdhva mukha svanasana,

Follow Up Poses: Supta Virasana, Gomukhasana, Ustrasana, Virasana, Setu bandha , Sarvangasana

Bandhas: Mula bandha, Uddiyana bandha

Drishti: The third eye

Pose Type: Backbends, Supine pose

Merits of Matsyasana or Fish Pose :

-The stretched upper body allows unrestricted airflow, thus providing extra oxygen into the lungs.
–It expands the bronchial tubes to permit easier breathing. This is especially useful for asthma patients.
–Stretching of the neck and spine stabilizes the functions of the thyroid, parathyroid, pineal, pituitary, and adrenal glands, thus regulating the hormonal functions within your body. This means increased improvement in skin conditions, and your facial and throat muscles.
–It improves metabolism, which makes it a great pose for those who wish to shed weight,
-It stretches the spinal cord and opens the vertebral column. 
–It removes soreness of the muscles and bones in your spine and neck.
–It greatly improves posture, flexibility, digestion, thus reducing constipation.
–Practicing certain advanced variations of this pose will help you acquire perfectly toned glutes.
–This pose also allows you to de-stress and detoxify with ease, therefore improving your overall health and happiness.
-It keeps the body trim and fit.

Clinical benefits are being mentioned here :

1. In the ancient Yogic texts, Matsyasana can restore spinal strength and overall body balance, consequently leading to a better physical and emotional outlook of the practitioner. Matsyasana stimulates your spine, cervical muscles, thorax, rib cage, and the lungs, thus relieving your fatigue almost instantly.
2. Matsyasana gives an excellent massage to the abdominal organs thereby helping to alleviate various types of digestive disorders including Constipation and Gastritis.- The Matsyasana helps in the prevention and management of many throat diseases.-
3. It helps to expand the chest and beneficial in lungs and respiratory disorders.- The rib cage and lungs are given an accentuated stretch which helps to improve the breathing process by allowing the chest to expand to full capacity during respiration. It is therefore a good asana for those people who suffer from asthma, bronchitis, or any other lung ailments.-
4. It relaxes the muscles of the upper back and makes the spine resilient.- The practice of the pose under the guidance of a yoga teacher will ensure to cure back pain.-
5. It has been practically observed that those who perform the fish pose on regular basis have no issue in the formation of sperms and ova.
6. It is useful for ladies in preventing and curing various forms of reproductive problems.It’s a good yoga practice for the health of the pelvic region with pelvic muscles and bones.-The practice of fish pose helps to strengthen the uterus thus beneficial for overcoming uterus problems.

Matsyasana precautions

• Cervical Spondylosis, any types of neck pain.
• Peptic ulcer: People who are suffering from peptic ulcers should skip performing Matsyasana.
• Hernia: Patients with hernia should avoid it.
• Spinal injury: It shouldn’t be practiced in the case of spinal ailments.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy with an advanced stage of pregnancy should avoid this yoga pose.

Practice Note:

It is important that the body is slowly lowered into and raised from the final position by using the elbows as a support. The movement should be performed with control and care as the spine is easily injured by sudden, jerking movements.