Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (One Legged King Pigeon) – Overview
Asana Digest Overview
Poses
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (One Legged King Pigeon), and Sleeping Swan.
Objective
Become knowledgeable about the pose and review detailed teaching considerations.
Description
Explain the Sanskrit naming; contraindications and cautions; associated benefits and typical effects; instructions and cues for setting up and practicing the pose; variations to meet particular intentions and needs; associated mythology, and more teaching considerations.
Prerequisite Knowledge
The focus of Asana Digests is teaching specific poses. This support presumes you’re aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Forward Bend & Hip Stretching.
Poses Overview
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana
aa-KAH pah-DAH rah-JAH-cop-poh-TAHS-anna
“eka” = one
“pada” = foot
“raja” = king
“kapota” = pigeon
One Legged King Pigeon Pose
Sleeping Swan
The common variation of extending back leg and folding forward is called “Sleeping Swan” in Yin Yoga
Versions I, II, III & IV
In Light on Yoga, Eka Pada Rajakapotasana I is the first in a series with Versions II, III and IV placing the front leg in different positions.
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana II
Foot of front leg on floor just in front of hip, knee forward of heel
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana III
Front leg is in Virasana (Hero)
Eka Pada Rajakapotasana IV
Front leg straight forward as in Hanumanasana (Monkey)
Heart of Pose
- Hip Stretch (leg position)
- Backbend (full pose)
Note
While the Variations page includes many options, please also see Stretches & Flows: Hips & Legs for Sucirandhrasana (Eye of the Needle Pose / Reclining Pigeon), Standing Pigeon and many more considerations.
Much More in this Digest
Asana Digests are precisely organized so that you can quickly get what you need. Please select from the menu above and be sure to review any contraindications and cautions.
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