Vinyala

Pose sheet

Sage Koundinya’s Pose I

Eka Pāda Kauṇḍinyāsana Iएकपादकौण्डिन्यासन १

Balance on your hands with a twist and straight legs reaching in opposite directions.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Both palms and fingers; right thigh on left arm; feet lifted.

Enter

  1. Squat with your knees together and heels lifted.
  2. Twist right; place your right outer thigh on your left arm.
  3. Place your hands shoulder-width apart; bend your elbows.
  4. Reach your chest forward and lift your feet into Side Crow.
  5. Straighten your right leg across your body and left leg back.

Hold

  1. Keep your elbows over your wrists, pointing backward.
  2. Level your shoulders and keep your chest lifted.
  3. Maintain contact between your right thigh and left upper arm.
  4. Straighten both knees and reach out through your toes.

Exit

  1. Bend both knees and return to Side Crow.
  2. Exhale and lower your feet to the floor without jumping.
  3. Repeat on the other side, switching arms and legs.
Breathing
Exhale into the twist; breathe smoothly while holding.
Gaze
Look forward, keeping your chin aligned with your breastbone.
Duration
4–5 breaths per side.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • Side leg on a bolsterRest your crossed leg on a firm bolster.
  • Back leg on a chairRest your back leg on a chair seat.
  • Side-lying preparationRest on your forearm; extend one leg forward and one back.

Variations

  • Eka Pāda Kauṇḍinyāsana II: thigh rests on the same-side upper arm.
  • Dvi Pāda Kauṇḍinyāsana: both legs straight toward one side.
  • Entry from Śīrṣāsana II, Tripod Headstand: advanced transition.

Signals of effort

  • Body weight on both hands with wrists extended.
  • Balance with both feet lifted.
  • A torso twist with straight legs reaching in opposite directions.