Marichyasana III Intermediate

Marichyasana III

Marichyasana

mar-ee-chee-AWS-ahnuh

Marici = name of a sage in Indian mythology (or name of a demon who begins to awaken)

Heart of Pose

• Twist
• Also requires a hamstring stretch, core strength, and openness in shoulders

VARIOUS ASPECTS OF POSE MAY BE EASIER OR HARDER FOR EACH STUDENT

Each of these aspects of the pose asks something specific from the body anatomically, whether it’s length in the hamstrings or a certain amount of openness in the shoulders for binding. One or more of these aspects may come easier or more slowly to you. – David Keil 

Naming

• Marichyasana I = Marichyasana A
• Marichyasana II = Marichyasana B
• Marichyasana III = Marichyasana C
• Marichyasana IV = Marichyasana D

Notes

• Marichyasana poses are presented inconsistently among different sources; here they are shown as they are typically presented in Ashtanga and Iyengar sources.
• “Marichyasana III is a basic sitting twist. It will get you ready for its more challenging cousins (Marichyasana I, II and IV) as well as help relieve your back after a vigorous asana” – Richard Rosen
• For very in-depth considerations on Marichi II, see Roger Cole’s article here.
• See Also: Marichi Forward Bends

Effects / Benefits

Energy, Mood, Emotion

Effects to energy, mood or emotion may include the following.

• Stimulating.

MOVING TO THE UNKNOWN (SUBSCONSCIOUS)

As the spine rises upward, it signifies the rise in consciousness. Spiraling from front to back, we look into the seat of the back body, which is equated to the subconscious mind. Thus, we fearlessly move from the known to the unknown. – Rama Jyoti Vernon