King Pigeon at the Wall Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (wall)

King Pigeon practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.

Practice King Pigeon at the Wall (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (wall)) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.

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King Pigeon at the Wall (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (wall)) — Backbend Yoga Posture Illustration

King Pigeon at the Wall (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (wall)) — Backbend posture targeting Hip Flexors, Back, Shoulders, Quads · Even ujjayi breath · Upward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Mildly Increases (+1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)

Sanskrit Name

Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (wall)

Posture Family

Backbend

Difficulty

Elementary (Level 2)

Recommended Hold

40 seconds

Breath Pattern

Even ujjayi

Drishti (Gaze)

Upward

Target Muscles

Hip Flexors, Back, Shoulders, Quads

Energy Expenditure

2.9 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for King Pigeon at the Wall

King Pigeon at the Wall (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (wall)) belongs to the Backbend posture family and engages the Hip Flexors, Back, Shoulders, Quads at an intensity of approximately 2.9 METs. King Pigeon practised with the wall as a reference. The wall removes the fear of falling and lets the alignment be felt rather than guessed, which is how the shape should be learned before it is held alone.

Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 40-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Upward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Hip Flexors, Back, Shoulders, Quads.
Minimum Recommended Age: 12 years (144 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

Vāta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
Pitta Effect: Mildly Increases (+1) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 40 seconds.
Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.