Q.Identify the asana shown in the picture given below and choose the correct option from the following: [Figure: line drawing of a person lying prone with both legs raised straight up together] (A) Bhujangasana
(B) Katichakrasana
(C) Pawanmuktasana
(D) Shalbhasana (For Visually Impaired Candidates Only) Which of the following asana is useful for relaxation and removing fatigue? (A) Chakrasana
(B) Shavasana
(C) Makarasana
(D) Uttanpadasana

Concept: Identification of yoga asanas based on body position and their primary benefits.

Reasoning:

1. The figure shows a person lying on the stomach (prone) with both legs raised straight up together. This is the classic description of Shalbhasana (Locust Pose), where the arms may be under the thighs or alongside the body. …

Concept and Intuition

Yoga asanas are classified by their body position and effect. The key to identifying an asana from a description or image is to focus on three things: the starting position (lying on back, stomach, sitting, standing), the body parts that are lifted, and the final shape of the body.

For the first question, the description says "lying prone" (on the stomach) with "both legs raised straight up together." This immediately rules out any asana that involves bending the knees, twisting the spine, or lifting only the chest. The only common asana where you lie face-down and lift both legs straight up is Shalbhasana.

For the second question, relaxation asanas are those that involve complete stillness and conscious release of muscle tension — not active stretching or bending.

Step-by-Step Solution

Question 1: Identifying the asana from the figure

1. Analyze the starting position. The person is lying prone — that means face down, chest and abdomen touching the floor. This eliminates any asana that starts on the back (like Pawanmuktasana, which is done lying supine) or standing (like Katichakrasana).

2. Look at the leg position. Both legs are raised straight up together, without bending at the knees. The arms are typically alongside the body or under the thighs for support. This is the defining feature of Shalbhasana.

3. Eliminate the other options:

   • (A) Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): In this asana, you lie prone but only the chest and head are lifted using the back muscles — the legs and hips remain on the floor. The legs are not raised at all.
   • (B) Katichakrasana (Waist Rotation Pose): This is a standing asana where you twist the waist with arms extended. Not prone at all.
   • (C) Pawanmuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose): This is done lying on the back (supine), with knees bent and hugged to the chest. The legs are bent, not straight, and the position is completely different.
   • (D) Shalbhasana (Locust Pose): Exactly matches the description — prone position, both legs raised straight together, arms either under the thighs or stretched back.

Question 2: Asana for relaxation and removing fatigue

1. Understand the purpose. Relaxation asanas are designed to calm the nervous system, reduce muscle tension, and restore energy. They involve minimal muscular effort and often include conscious breathing or stillness.

2. Evaluate each option:

   • (A) Chakrasana (Wheel Pose): An advanced backbend that requires significant strength and flexibility — it is energizing, not relaxing. …