Pronunciation: [pavˈɑːnə] (IPA) 
Pavana is a Sanskrit word often used in yoga practices, meaning "wind" or "breath". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /paːvənə/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "a" in the first and third syllables is pronounced as a long "a" sound, while the "o" in the second syllable is pronounced as a short "u" sound. The "v" is pronounced as a "w" sound, and the final "a" is pronounced as a schwa sound.
Pavana is a Sanskrit term that is commonly used in Hinduism and Yoga. Derived from the root word "pun", meaning to cleanse or purify, Pavana translates to "that which purifies" in English. In Hindu philosophy, Pavana is associated with the element of air or wind.
Primarily, Pavana is used to refer to the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman, who is also known as Pavanputra, meaning the son of the wind god. Lord Hanuman is revered as a symbol of devotion, strength, and courage.
In Yoga, Pavana is often used to signify the practice of controlled breathing or Pranayama. Breathing exercises are believed to cleanse and purify the body and the mind, helping to remove impurities, toxins, and mental distractions. Pavana is considered to be a powerful practice that brings clarity, focus, and vitality to both the physical and subtle energy systems of the body.
Additionally, Pavana can also refer to a specific pranayama technique known as the "Pavana Muktasana" or the Wind-Relieving Pose. This posture involves lying on the back, hugging the knees to the chest, and gently rocking from side to side, which aids in the release of trapped gas in the digestive system.
Overall, Pavana encompasses the concepts of purity, cleansing, and the vital force of the wind, both in a divine and a practical sense.
The word "Pavana" has its origins in the Sanskrit language, which is an ancient Indo-Aryan language. In Sanskrit, "Pavana" (पवन) means "wind" or "air", and it also has associations with the Hindu god of wind, Lord Vayu.
The term "Pavana" was later adopted into various languages, including Latin, Spanish, and Portuguese, where it is used to refer to a genre of slow, stately dance music. In these languages, "Pavana" is often translated as "pavane".
It is believed that the name of the dance genre "pavane" was inspired by the flowing and graceful movements of the dancers, which were likened to the gentle breezes of the wind. This connection to the wind and the Sanskrit meaning of "Pavana" likely influenced the naming of the dance form as well.
