Former Malayalam film actress Samyuktha Varma may have stepped away from the silver screen, but she's stepped right into the wellness spotlight. Known for her soulful performances in early 2000s Malayalam cinema, the actress is now inspiring a new generation with dedication to yoga and fitness.
Recently, Samyuktha took to Instagram to share her personal yoga journey, showcasing dynamic asanas that reflect both strength and mindfulness. Her latest video highlights two powerful yet lesser-known poses: Hanuman Dand and Vrishchika Dand. What stood out was not just the complexity of the moves, but the awareness with which she approached them.
In her caption, she wrote: "Hanuman Dand and Vrishchika Dand are not traditional yoga asanas found in classical texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika or the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, but they are practiced in traditional akharas and certain styles of dynamic yoga, such as Dand-Baithak or Ashtanga-based strength yoga."
She further added: "I accept 🙏🏽 and respect 🙏🏽 the limitations of age and the bodily changes of the female cycle in my dynamic practices. Any practice done mindfully, with breath awareness, can be yogic in spirit."
Hanuman Dand
Inspired by Lord Hanuman, Hanuman Dand is a dynamic full-body movement also known as the Hindu Push-up. This ancient bodyweight exercise is known for its ability to build core strength, flexibility, and endurance, combining the benefits of both yoga and traditional Indian martial fitness.
Although it isn't commonly practised in modern yoga studios, it remains a powerful routine that once trained warriors and wrestlers in India’s akharas.
Vrishchika Dand
Vrishchika Dand, or Scorpion Pose, is a pose that combines balance, strength, and poise. It challenges the practitioner to work on their shoulders, spine, and core while improving concentration and overall posture. More than just a feat of flexibility, the pose also stimulates the nervous system and promotes inner confidence.
