advanced

One-Legged King Pigeon Pose

Eka Pada Rajakapotasana

ey-KAH PAH-dah RAH-jah-KAH-poh-TAHS-ah-nah

A deep, expressive backbend and hip opener that symbolizes the grace and poise of a king pigeon. It requires significant flexibility in the hips, psoas, shoulders, and spine, offering a powerful opening for the heart and throat.

Chakras
PrimaryAnahata (Heart)
SecondarySvadhisthana (Sacral)Vishuddha (Throat)
Gaze:Third Eye
Quick Summary
  • From Half Pigeon, bend the back knee and reach back for the foot.

  • Lift the chest and arch the spine, bringing the head back toward the foot.

  • Maintain square hips and a grounded foundation.

Foundation
  • Ensure the front shin and outer thigh are grounded and stable.

  • Press the top of the back knee into the mat to find lift.

Alignment
  • Square the hips toward the front of the mat.

  • Lift through the sternum to create space in the lower back before arching.

  • Rotate the elbows inward and upward if grabbing the foot with both hands.

Inhale to expand the chest and create length|exhale to deepen the arch with control.
seatedbackbendhip-opener