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Backbend Asana · Intermediate (Level 3) · Catalog #800876

One-Legged Little Thunderbolt Eka Pada Laghu Vajrasana

Little Thunderbolt 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 Little Thunderbolt (Eka Pada Laghu Vajrasana) 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 Little Thunderbolt (Eka Pada Laghu Vajrasana) — Backbend Yoga Posture Illustration

One-Legged Little Thunderbolt (Eka Pada Laghu Vajrasana) — Backbend posture targeting Quads, Back, Hip Flexors, Glutes, Abs · Even ujjayi breath · Backward drishti.

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

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for One-Legged Little Thunderbolt

One-Legged Little Thunderbolt (Eka Pada Laghu Vajrasana) belongs to the Backbend posture family and engages the Quads, Back, Hip Flexors, Glutes, Abs at an intensity of approximately 4.5 METs. Little Thunderbolt 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 15-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Backward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Quads, Back, Hip Flexors, Glutes, Abs.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 14 years (168 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 15 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Knee injury
  • Low back injury
  • Neck injury
  • Balance disorders

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