In a feat that transcends the limits of human endurance and spiritual focus, Indian yoga practitioner and wellness coach Smita Kumari has achieved the extraordinary—setting a Guinness World Record by holding the Bhunamanasana yoga pose for 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 37 seconds. This momentous achievement cements her place among the world’s most dedicated yoga professionals, earning her international acclaim for her discipline, strength, and grace.
Often referred to as the “Greeting the Earth” pose, Bhunamanasana is not merely a test of flexibility. It is a powerful symbol of surrender, humility, and inner peace—a reflection of yoga’s deeper essence. Smita’s remarkable ability to hold this demanding posture for such a long duration stands as a metaphor for resilience, devotion, and harmony between mind and body.
A Legacy in Motion: The Making of a Yoga Icon
Smita Kumari’s journey is not one of overnight success. It is a story etched in years of rigorous training, self-discipline, and an unyielding passion for holistic well-being. Her roots in yoga run deep—she completed her Master’s degree in Yoga from Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, graduating with top honors in 2017. She further pursued a Diploma in Yoga Science from the prestigious Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, one of India’s leading centers for yoga education.
Her academic excellence is matched by her commitment to practice. Smita has spent over five years as a yoga instructor, where she not only teaches postures and breathing techniques but also shares the philosophy of yoga as a lifestyle. Her work in corporate wellness has introduced hundreds of professionals to the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of regular yoga practice.
Bhunamanasana: More Than Just a Pose
The Bhunamanasana is a physically intense forward bend where the body folds to meet the earth. While it may appear serene from the outside, the posture demands a high level of core strength, spinal flexibility, muscular endurance, and meditative control. Holding this pose for more than two and a half hours is akin to climbing a mental Everest—pain must be transcended, thoughts must be stilled, and the body must become one with breath.
Smita’s accomplishment is not only an athletic marvel but also a profound spiritual act. The name itself—“Bhunamanasana”—derives from Sanskrit, symbolizing the yogi’s respect for the earth and a gesture of humility before nature. For Smita, this pose was not just about breaking records; it was about connecting with something greater than herself.
A Record That Inspires Millions
This is not Smita’s first brush with global recognition. She previously set another Guinness World Record in December 2022 by maintaining Samakonasana (the center split pose) for over three hours, proving that her dedication to yoga is unwavering and consistent. Each record is a milestone in her larger mission—to spread awareness of yoga’s transformative power and inspire others to pursue self-mastery.
Her latest triumph is more than a personal victory. It is a beacon for aspiring yogis, wellness advocates, and even those new to fitness. In a time where people are battling stress, burnout, and disconnection, Smita’s story reminds us that peace, strength, and balance are achievable—if one is willing to bow down, both literally and figuratively, in reverence to discipline and inner harmony.
The Power of Preparation and Purpose
Behind this record-breaking event was a deeply structured preparation strategy. Smita trained for months, balancing intense physical conditioning with mindfulness practices. Her focus wasn’t just on endurance, but on breath control (pranayama), meditation, and nervous system training, enabling her to sustain the discomfort of the pose without injury or mental fatigue.
She also leaned on a community of supporters—students, wellness professionals, and colleagues who encouraged her along the way. While her achievement is singular, the effort was collective, showing that behind every world record is a web of inspiration, collaboration, and belief.
A Message to the World
Smita Kumari’s journey is a bold reminder that yoga is not just a physical exercise—it is a pathway to mental clarity, spiritual grounding, and limitless potential. In a fast-paced world, her message is clear: slow down, reconnect, and rise from within.
As she bows to the earth, Smita stands tall among the world’s most inspiring figures in modern yoga—reminding us all that through dedication and humility, we too can stretch the boundaries of what’s possible.