Backbend Asana · Intermediate (Level 3) · Catalog #800341

Pigeon with Bind Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (bound)

King pigeon with both hands catching the back foot overhead.

Practice Pigeon with Bind (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (bound)) 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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Pigeon with Bind (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (bound)) — Backbend Yoga Posture Illustration

Pigeon with Bind (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (bound)) — Backbend posture targeting Hip Flexors, Shoulders, Quads, Back · Even ujjayi breath · Upward drishti.

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

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Pigeon with Bind

Pigeon with Bind (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (bound)) belongs to the Backbend posture family and engages the Hip Flexors, Shoulders, Quads, Back at an intensity of approximately 3.5 METs. King pigeon with both hands catching the back foot overhead.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 30-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, Shoulders, Quads, Back.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 18 years (216 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 30 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Knee injury
  • Shoulder injury
  • Low back injury

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