Backbend Asana · Intermediate (Level 3) · Catalog #800435

Rajakapotasana Full Rajakapotasana

The full king pigeon on both knees with the head reaching the feet.

Practice Rajakapotasana Full (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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Rajakapotasana Full (Rajakapotasana) — Backbend Yoga Posture Illustration

Rajakapotasana Full (Rajakapotasana) — Backbend posture targeting Hip Flexors, Chest, Shoulders, Quads · Even ujjayi breath · Backward drishti.

Vāta: Pacifies (-1) Pitta: Increases (+2) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Rajakapotasana
Posture Family
Backbend
Difficulty
Intermediate (Level 3)
Recommended Hold
20 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Backward
Target Muscles
Hip Flexors, Chest, Shoulders, Quads
Energy Expenditure
4.6 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Rajakapotasana Full

Rajakapotasana Full (Rajakapotasana) belongs to the Backbend posture family and engages the Hip Flexors, Chest, Shoulders, Quads at an intensity of approximately 4.6 METs. The full king pigeon on both knees with the head reaching the feet.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 20-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 Hip Flexors, Chest, Shoulders, Quads.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 20 years (240 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: Increases (+2) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 20 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Low back injury
  • Knee injury
  • Shoulder injury

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