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IN PHOTOS: Discover these 5 lesser-known yoga asanas this International Yoga Day

Updated On: 20 June, 2026 05:45 PM IST | Haren Sharma

Every year, International Yoga Day rolls around, and chances are you're returning to the same familiar poses. If you enjoy pushing your limits and trying something beyond the basics, here are five lesser-known yoga asanas that are worth exploring.

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From balance to flexibility, these five lesser-known yoga poses will take your practice to the next level. Photo Courtesies: Pexels
From balance to flexibility, these five lesser-known yoga poses will take your practice to the next level. Photo Courtesies: Pexels
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Parighasana (The gate pose) 
The gate pose, or Parighasana, is an amazing side-lengthener. This asana helps open your lungs and chest, strengthen your core, and increase spinal flexibility

Parighasana (The gate pose) 

The gate pose, or Parighasana, is an amazing side-lengthener. This asana helps open your lungs and chest, strengthen your core, and increase spinal flexibility

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Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved triangle pose) 
Revolved triangle or Parivrtta Trikonasana seems to have all but disappeared from most vinyasa flow classes. Despite being considered a fundamental asana in certain yoga systems, it can be quite challenging. Despite its challenges, it builds core strength, improves balance, stretches the hamstrings and calves, and massages abdominal organs to boost digestion and detoxification

Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved triangle pose) 

Revolved triangle or Parivrtta Trikonasana seems to have all but disappeared from most vinyasa flow classes. Despite being considered a fundamental asana in certain yoga systems, it can be quite challenging. Despite its challenges, it builds core strength, improves balance, stretches the hamstrings and calves, and massages abdominal organs to boost digestion and detoxification

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Purvottanasana (The eastern pose) 
Purvottanasana, or the eastern pose, is a backbend or an upward plank, which is one of the most beautiful ways to stretch the entire front body, from the chest to the tops of the feet! It is known as the “eastern stretch” because it stretches the front of the body, and yogis traditionally practice facing the east. The benefits of the asana are that it strengthens the upper body, improves posture and tones the legs and hips
 

Purvottanasana (The eastern pose) 

Purvottanasana, or the eastern pose, is a backbend or an upward plank, which is one of the most beautiful ways to stretch the entire front body, from the chest to the tops of the feet! It is known as the “eastern stretch” because it stretches the front of the body, and yogis traditionally practice facing the east. The benefits of the asana are that it strengthens the upper body, improves posture and tones the legs and hips

 

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Vasisthasana (Side plank pose) 
Vasisthasana or the side plank pose strengthens the upper body like the Purvottanasana, but it focuses more on the side body, particularly the serratus anterior along the side ribs, the oblique abdominals and the quadratus lumborum on the side waist, and the gluteus medius on the lateral hip
 

Vasisthasana (Side plank pose) 

Vasisthasana or the side plank pose strengthens the upper body like the Purvottanasana, but it focuses more on the side body, particularly the serratus anterior along the side ribs, the oblique abdominals and the quadratus lumborum on the side waist, and the gluteus medius on the lateral hip

 

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Jathara Parivartanasana (Stomach churning pose) 
Jathara Parivartanasana, or the stomach-churning pose, is a powerful supine yoga twist. The benefits of asana are that it improves digestion, relieves back pain, tones the core, and releases hip & pelvic stiffness
 

Jathara Parivartanasana (Stomach churning pose) 

Jathara Parivartanasana, or the stomach-churning pose, is a powerful supine yoga twist. The benefits of asana are that it improves digestion, relieves back pain, tones the core, and releases hip & pelvic stiffness

 

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