Vinyala

Pose sheet

Fire Log Pose

Agnistambhāsanaअग्निस्तम्भासन

Sit upright with stacked shins, upper ankle aligned over the opposite knee.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Both sitting bones and outer lower leg; palms provide additional support.

Enter

  1. Sit with legs extended; elevate your seat if needed.
  2. Bend your left leg; align its shin with the front edge.
  3. Bend and stack your right leg: ankle over knee, knee over ankle.
  4. Flex both feet and support any knee that remains elevated.
  5. Lengthen your torso; place your palms beside your hips.

Hold

  1. Distribute your weight evenly between both sitting bones.
  2. Keep your shins parallel and your feet flexed.
  3. Support your knees without pressing them down.
  4. Maintain natural spinal curves, head aligned, and shoulders relaxed.

Exit

  1. Place your hands behind your hips.
  2. Unstack your upper leg and slowly extend both legs.
  3. Repeat with the other leg on top for the same duration.
Breathing
Breathe naturally and continuously.
Gaze
Forward.
Duration
Three breaths per side.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • Elevated seatSit on the edge of a folded blanket.
  • Supported kneesPlace blocks or blankets beneath any elevated knees.
  • Less stackingDraw your lower heel back; if needed, cross shins in Sukhāsana.
  • ChairPlace one ankle on opposite thigh; other foot on the floor.

Variations

  • Forward fold: hinge at hips with a long spine.
  • Twist: rotate your torso while keeping your legs stacked.
  • Square variation: shins crossed forward; three–five minutes per side.

Signals of effort

  • Pronounced external rotation of both hips.
  • Upper leg resting on the lower leg.