Beyond Asanas: The Myths and Legends Behind Yogic Postures by Pragya Bhatt and Joel Koechlin

Have you ever wondered how these names for yoga poses came about, inspired from animals, nature, and even sages?

Using thirty carefully researched asanas, yoga teacher Pragya Bhatt draws upon her own yoga practice and research to make a connection between ancient Indian mythology and modern yoga practice.

By depicting the beauty and form of each asana through the lens of Joel Koechlin, this book intends to add meaning and value for practitioners and non-practitioners alike, shedding new light on a familiar subject.

About the Author

PRAGYA BHATT was born in New Delhi and grew up around the world with her parents who were in the Indian Foreign Service. After completing her schooling from various international schools, she went on to pursue a BTech in computer engineering. Pragya worked as a software engineer with companies such as Infosys and Accenture for eight years before finally hanging up her business suit. After receiving her Yoga Instructors’ Certification from SVYASA (Swamy Vivekananda Yoga Anusudhana Samsthana), she continues to deepen her practice under the guidance of noted teachers. She conducts group and private classes, international trainings and retreats.

JOEL KOECHLIN was born in France but has spent most of his life in India. Educated in photography at Switzerland’s prestigious École Supérieure d’Arts Appliqués–the Advanced School of Applied Arts-he has fostered an unwavering passion for the craft over several decades. He began his career as a professional photographer in advertising agencies in Paris, France, and has continued as a freelance photographer in India, from Bangalore to the high Himalayas. He has covered a variety of subjects, extending from architectural and corporate photography to adventure and travel articles for magazines. He is a pilot, a motorcycle enthusiast, a mountain lover and a freelance author, prompt to embrace all aspects of life, in a perpetual quest for personal development and progress.