Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II- Meaning and Benefits

Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II is a pose dedicated to the sage koundinya II, which is a split-legged arm balance that means flying splits. Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II is started with a downward-facing dog pose inhale and lift your right leg up, and then while exhaling, take a knee to your chest; again inhale back to the three-legged dog and while exhaling, bring your knee to your upper right arm and then take it into Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II. This pose is named after Kaundinya means an Indian sage, and asana means posture or seat. The variations for one and two legs include the Sanskrit words for one or two; pada means foot.

Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II must be practiced with full care and concentration as it is a balancing exercise, so extreme care is required. Avoid the asana if you are suffering from any injury or sickness. Try to follow all instructions of a yoga guru or trainer.

Steps of doing Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II

Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II must be started with your doctor’s advice.

1. Bring your both hands inside to your front foot and come into a lunge with your right foot forward.
2. Lift up your back thigh towards the sky and take your front thigh forward and a little bit down. Stretch your both legs apart.
3. Bend the elbows to 90 degrees balancing knee on your mid-upper arm.
4. Grip your fingertips, hug your outer arms in, and then settle your chin in line with your sternum.
5. Shift your sternum and weight slightly forward, gripping into your fingertips until your backside leg becomes light.
6. Hop your bak leg in the air like floating and flying above the floor.
7. Straight both the legs while inhaling, quads engaged, lengthen your spine, spread your toes to keep energy moving through legs.
8. Maintain the pose of chaturanga dandasana and lift your shoulders away from the floor as your arm stays at 90 degrees angle.
9. Take four to five breaths and come out in the pose while exhaling and sweep your right leg back for chaturanga dandasana. You may continue with downward and upward facing dog poses.

Benefits of doing Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II

This pose is related to faith, strength, and balance, so it gives the following services to one:

1. Eka Pada Koundiyanasana II builds your arms, shoulders, chest, abdomen, core, hips, and hamstring muscles.
2. Activates the internal organs of the body and builds abdominal muscles.
3. Builds self-confidence and determination in your body and mind.
4. Brings awareness to your body and mind.
5. It is a great hip opener, is an advanced level asana.
6. It helps in doing meditation properly and increases focus on life.
7. Brings flexibility and core strengthening.
8. It improves blood circulation and gives overall strength to your body.
9. It helps in toning the body by burning the fat of the body.
10. It helps in involving you in more challenging and balancing poses of yoga. It’s all about controlling your breaths and make body light.