What is the original intention of the asana practice?

Many classical yogis say that it was developed to prepare the body for meditation.

ShantiB

I think people use asana for all kinds of purposes in this day and age. It does prepare your body to be more flexible so you can sit still for hours at a time in deep mediation without being disturbed. But it also helps people in the modern age stay in shape, decrease levels of stress, and bring the awareness from the physical world to the more subtle world inside. For some it brings a sense of peace and stillness. It is important for you to decide what it is you like to get out of your asana practice before you even come to the mat, as this will help you get more out of it.

Gitali