The Deeper Meaning of Trikonasana: Yoga, Mythology, and the Power of Three

Yogacharya Rakesh
Apr 12, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Jun 6

Have you ever paused in Trikonasana and felt a deeper symbolism beyond its alignment cues?

There’s more to this iconic triangle pose than meets the eye — and much of it has to do with the sacred significance of the number three across the Vedic and yogic traditions.

The Sacred Trilogy in Yogic Traditions

From Ayurveda to Vedanta, the idea of threefold balance is everywhere:

Three doshas: Vata, Pitta, Kapha – the foundation of Ayurveda
Three gunas: Sattva, Rajas, Tamas – the qualities of nature in Samkhya philosophy
Three nadis: Ida, Pingala, Sushumna – the central energy channels in pranayama
Three sounds of A-U-M: forming the sacred vibration of Om
Three deities: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva – creators, preservers, and transformers of life

This sacred triangle appears repeatedly - a reminder that life is not linear but cyclical, always moving through phases of birth, sustenance, and dissolution.

Trikonasana and the Hindu Trinity

In Shiva Purana, there’s a symbolic tale:

When Brahma and Vishnu debated who among them was the supreme deity, Shiva manifested as an endless pillar of light. Brahma lied that he found its end; Vishnu admitted defeat. Shiva, displeased with Brahma’s dishonesty, revealed the futility of ego and falsehood.

This story isn’t just myth — it is mirrored in Trikonasana. The three sides of the triangle reflect the cosmic functions of:

Brahma – Creation (beginning the pose)
Vishnu – Preservation (holding the pose)
Shiva – Transformation or Destruction (releasing the pose)

Each phase is part of the asana journey — just like each is part of life itself.

The Mahamaya Symbolism of Trikona

Another lesser-known tale connects Trikonasana with the goddess Mahamaya and the slaying of Mahishasura. The divine trinity - Shiva (Rajas), Brahma (Tamas), and Vishnu (Sattva) - invoked Mahamaya to restore balance.

This battle is symbolic of the inner battle - taming the mind that’s scattered by distraction, ego, and illusion. As we root ourselves in Trikonasana, we anchor the mind and cut through internal chaos.

The Trikona as Mind-Body-Spirit Union

Beyond mythology, the triangle itself represents:

Mind – awareness and attention
Body – structure and strength
Spirit – intention and breath

This threefold integration is the heart of yoga practice.

Creation, Preservation, and Destruction in Asana Practice

Let’s break down the practice of Trikonasana in light of this cosmic cycle:

Creation: Entering the posture mindfully, grounding the feet, extending the arms, and aligning the body.
Preservation: Holding the pose, observing the breath, and becoming aware of the subtle sensations.
Destruction: Releasing the pose gracefully, allowing the old shape to dissolve, preparing to move into the next moment.

This mirrors not only the pose but life itself — everything is transient, yet meaningful.