Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (prep)

Pigeon Pose

Pigeon preparation uses a folded front leg and an extended back leg without the foot-to-head backbend of full King Pigeon.

Type: Seated
Focus: Hip Opener
Intermediate ยท 6/10

Practise away from the screen with the Yoga Cards deck.

Explore the deck

How to do this pose

  1. From hands and knees, bring one knee forward and angle the shin so the front knee stays comfortable.
  2. Slide the other leg back and support the front-side hip with a cushion.
  3. Keep hands supporting the torso; return through hands and knees before switching sides.

Before you begin

Avoid with knee pain or sharp hip pinching; depth is not a goal.

What you should feel

A manageable hip stretch without twisting pain at the front knee.

Benefits

Explores front-leg hip rotation and rear-hip extension.

Common mistakes

Forcing the front shin parallel to the mat or collapsing onto one hip.

Modifications

Choose Reclined Pigeon if the knee is uncomfortable.

Prep Poses

Reclined Pigeon; gentle low lunge

Follow-Up Poses

Neutral tabletop; constructive rest

Related Content

Choose Reclined Pigeon if the knee is uncomfortable.