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Backbend Asana · Intermediate (Level 3) · Catalog #800864

One-Legged King Pigeon Eka Pada Eka Pada Rajakapotasana

King Pigeon with one leg lifted. Halving the base doubles the demand on the supporting side and exposes any left-to-right imbalance immediately.

Practice One-Legged King Pigeon (Eka Pada Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) 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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One-Legged King Pigeon (Eka Pada Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) — Backbend Yoga Posture Illustration

One-Legged King Pigeon (Eka Pada Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) — Backbend posture targeting Hip Flexors, Back, Shoulders, Quads, Glutes, Abs · Even ujjayi breath · Upward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Mildly Increases (+1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Eka Pada Eka Pada Rajakapotasana
Posture Family
Backbend
Difficulty
Intermediate (Level 3)
Recommended Hold
40 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Upward
Target Muscles
Hip Flexors, Back, Shoulders, Quads, Glutes, Abs
Energy Expenditure
3.7 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for One-Legged King Pigeon

One-Legged King Pigeon (Eka Pada Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) belongs to the Backbend posture family and engages the Hip Flexors, Back, Shoulders, Quads, Glutes, Abs at an intensity of approximately 3.7 METs. King Pigeon with one leg lifted. Halving the base doubles the demand on the supporting side and exposes any left-to-right imbalance immediately.

  • 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, Glutes, Abs.
  • 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.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Knee injury
  • Low back injury
  • Shoulder injury
  • Balance disorders

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