Rajakapotasana
राजकपोतासन
Rajakapotasana (King Pigeon) is a deep prone backbend combining hip opening with a back arch where the back foot touches the head.
Anatomy Involved
Benefits
- Deep hip and back opening
- Opens entire front body
- Develops grace and flexibility
- Stimulates abdominal organs
- Full anatomical benefits — muscles, joints, organs →
Avoid If
- Hip injuries
- Knee injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Pregnancy
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Teaching Cues
For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students
6 cues
Teaching Cues
For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students
- 1Press the pubic bone gently into the floor
- 2Engage the legs by pressing the tops of the feet down
- 3Lengthen the back of the neck — gaze slightly forward
- 4Draw the shoulder blades toward the spine
- 5Keep the gluteal muscles firm but not clenched
- 6Allow the hip joints to open gradually — never force
Pose Details
Helps With
Pose Type
Body Focus
Focus Areas
Yoga Styles
When to Practice
Position
Modify If You Have
hip injury
Stay in basic Pigeon without the backbend.
Target Areas
Practice Flow
About this Pose
Rajakapotasana (King Pigeon) is a deep prone backbend combining hip opening with a back arch where the back foot touches the head.
How to Practice
1. Start from Adho Mukha Svanasana.
2. Bring the right knee forward — behind the right hand.
3. Right shin diagonal (or parallel to the front of the mat).
4. Extend the left leg straight back.
5. Hips sink toward the floor — level on both sides.
5 more steps remaining
Register free to see the complete instructions
Register Free to ContinueAlready registered? Login
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Rajakapotasana
What is Rajakapotasana?
Rajakapotasana (King Pigeon) is a deep prone backbend combining hip opening with a back arch where the back foot touches the head.
What are the benefits of Rajakapotasana?
Deep hip and back opening. Opens entire front body. Develops grace and flexibility. Stimulates abdominal organs.
Who should avoid Rajakapotasana?
Avoid this pose if you have: Hip injuries, Knee injuries, Spinal injuries, Shoulder injuries, Pregnancy.
How many steps are in Rajakapotasana?
Rajakapotasana is practiced in 10 steps. Start from Adho Mukha Svanasana.
Is Rajakapotasana suitable for beginners?
Rajakapotasana is an advanced-level pose. Beginners should practice with props or under guidance.
What props are needed for Rajakapotasana?
You may use: strap. Props make the pose more accessible and comfortable.
What conditions does Rajakapotasana help with?
Rajakapotasana is therapeutic for: flexibility, hip injury.
What poses should I do before Rajakapotasana?
Prepare with: Adho Mukha Svanasana, Bhujangasana, Upward-Facing Dog Pose. These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.
Related Poses
Similar poses you might enjoy
Build Your Own Sequence
Combine Rajakapotasana with other poses