Vinyala

Pose sheet

Side Upward Lotus in Shoulderstand

Pārśva Ūrdhva Padmāsana (Sarvāṅgāsana)पार्श्व ऊर्ध्व पद्मासन (सर्वाङ्गासन)

From Shoulderstand, turn your Lotus legs and support your pelvis sideways.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Shoulders, upper arms, and elbows; back of head in contact.

Enter

  1. From Shoulderstand, place your right foot on your left upper thigh.
  2. Complete Lotus by placing your left foot on your right thigh.
  3. Turn your torso and legs right, keeping Lotus lifted.
  4. Place your left palm under your pelvis; right hand supports back.
  5. Lean pelvis and Lotus left onto that palm; keep elbow fixed.

Hold

  1. Press your left elbow down; keep both shoulders grounded.
  2. Draw knees closer; keep Lotus above the floor.
  3. Lift your chest without moving your head.
  4. Keep your right hand against your back.

Exit

  1. Exhale; return to upright Lotus, both hands supporting your back.
  2. Repeat on the other side; then reverse your Lotus leg crossing.
  3. Uncross your legs; return to Shoulderstand and lower down slowly.
Breathing
Breathe normally; exhale as you return to center.
Duration
10–15 seconds per side, also with the opposite leg crossing.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • Preparation without twistingKeep Lotus upright, with both hands supporting your back.
  • Preparation without LotusPractice Shoulderstand with straight legs and both hands against your back.
  • Blankets for upright preparationRaise shoulders and arms on firm blankets; head on the floor.

Variations

  • Pārśva Sarvāṅgāsana: straight legs, pelvis supported sideways.
  • Pārśva Piṇḍāsana: folded Lotus, knees beside your head.

Signals of effort

  • Inversion with neither foot grounded.
  • Pelvic weight transmitted through one hand and elbow.
  • Sustained cervical flexion combined with a torso twist.
  • Full Lotus with external hip rotation and deep knee flexion.