About this Asana Digest

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

Asana Digests focus in on teaching specific poses. Please be aware of the groundwork and teaching support here: Asana Category – Forward Bend & Hip Stretching.

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 the 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.

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