What is the Sanskrit name for King Pigeon Pose?

The Sanskrit name for King Pigeon Pose is Eka Pada Rajakapotasana, pronounced "EH-kah PAH-dah rah-jah-kah-poh-TAH-sah-nah". This seated pose is classified as advanced level.

Is King Pigeon Pose suitable for beginners?

King Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) is an advanced pose that requires significant strength and flexibility. Beginners should master foundational poses before attempting this seated posture.

What are the benefits of King Pigeon Pose?

King Pigeon Pose is a seated pose that stretches the hips and hamstrings and encourages a meditative quality of awareness.

King Pigeon Pose

Eka Pada Rajakapotasana

EH-kah PAH-dah rah-jah-kah-poh-TAH-sah-nah

Poses like King Pigeon Pose

King Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) is a advanced seated yoga pose that deeply opens the hips, chest, and shoulders.

Advanced Seated

A deep hip opener and backbend combined that dramatically opens the chest and shoulders while deeply stretching the hip flexors and quadriceps. King Pigeon is the full expression of Pigeon Pose, requiring exceptional flexibility in the hips, back, and shoulders. It is a pinnacle pose that rewards consistent preparation with a profound sense of openness and freedom.

How to do King Pigeon Pose

From Pigeon Pose with the right leg forward, walk your hands back alongside your hips and lift your torso upright. Square the hips as much as possible.
Bend your back (left) knee and reach back with your left hand to grasp the top of the left foot or ankle. Draw the foot toward your body.
For the full expression, reach your right arm overhead and back to also grasp the foot, opening the chest toward the ceiling. The back foot draws closer to or touches the head.
Lift through the chest and broaden across the collarbones. Engage the core to support the lumbar spine and avoid over-compressing the lower back.
Hold for three to five breaths with deep, steady breathing. Release with control and repeat on the other side.

Benefits of King Pigeon Pose

Deeply opens the hips, chest, and shoulders
Stretches the quadriceps, hip flexors, and psoas
Strengthens the back muscles and improves spinal flexibility
Opens the chest and front of the body
Builds the flexibility and openness needed for advanced backbends

Muscles Engaged

Hip flexors (back leg, deeply stretched)Quadriceps (back leg, stretched)Erector spinaeDeltoids and rotator cuffPectoralis major (stretched)

Modifications & Variations

Use a strap looped around the back foot to bridge the gap between hand and foot
Stay in regular Pigeon Pose and work on hip and back flexibility before attempting the full expression
Place a block under the front-leg hip for support

Cautions

Avoid with knee, hip, or shoulder injuries
Not recommended with acute lower back pain or disc problems
Use caution with sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Breathing tip: Pair this pose with Ujjayi Breath for flow sequences or Equal Breath for longer holds. Explore all breathing techniques →

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have injuries or health conditions. Always practice under the guidance of a qualified yoga instructor.

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