Vinyala

Pose sheet

Sage Gheranda’s Pose II

Gheraṇḍāsana IIघेरण्डासन II

Face down, bound half lotus combines with a lifted unilateral bow.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Abdomen near the navel and right knee.

Enter

  1. Sit; place your right foot at your left thigh’s root.
  2. Lie on your back; roll face down, keeping your foot positioned.
  3. Exhale; your right hand grasps your right big toe from behind.
  4. Exhale; bend your left knee and grasp its big toe.
  5. Rotate your left shoulder; raise arm, chest, and thigh without releasing.

Hold

  1. Keep your right foot on your left thigh.
  2. Lift your chest and left thigh while maintaining both grips.
  3. Straighten your left arm overhead.

Exit

  1. Release the bow first; lower your chest with control.
  2. Unfold the lotus; straighten your legs and rest face down.
  3. Repeat on the other side for the same duration.
Breathing
Exhale when grasping; rapid, labored breathing while holding.
Duration
15 seconds per side.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • StrapLoop a strap around your left foot; hold it left-handed.
  • Lower gripHold your left foot behind you without taking your arm overhead.
  • Separate componentsPractice bound half lotus face down without adding the bow.

Variations

  • Final phase: left foot to right shoulder.
  • Gheraṇḍāsana I: use the frog position instead of bound lotus.

Signals of effort

  • Deep flexion of the lotus knee.
  • Marked extension of the spine and left hip.
  • One arm raised, the other bound behind your torso.
  • Abdominal support makes breathing difficult.