312 Light on Yoga
demons). By his other wives he had diversified and numerous progeny
such as serpents, reptiles, birds and nymphs of the lunar constellations.
He was thus the father of Siirya (the sun god) and all living beings
and is often called Prajapati (the Progenitor).
Technique
r. Stand in TaC;iasana. (Plate r.) Bend forward, rest the palms on the
floor as in Uttana.sana (Plate 47) and take the legs back about 4 to 5 fe et,
in Adho Mukha Svanasana. (Plate 75)- Turn the whole body sideways to the right and balance on the right
hand and foot. The outer side of the right foot should rest firmly on the
floor. Place the left foot over the right foot, rest the left palm on the left
hip and balance keeping the body straight. (Plate 396)
3· Exhale, bend the left knee and place the left foot at the root of the
right thigh as in half Padmasana. Swing the left arm from the shoulder
behind the back and with the left hand catch the left big toe. This is the
final position. (Plates 399 and 400.) Balance in it for some time with
deep breathing. The entire chest and the extended right arm should be
in one plane.3994 · Exhale, release the left foot, place it again over the right one and put
the left hand on the left thigh. (Plate 396.) Take a few deep breaths.
5· Exhale, turn the body over to the left so that it balances only on the
left hand and foot. Place the right foot at the root of the left thigh in
half Padmasana and catch the right big toe from behind the back with
the right hand. Balance on the both sides for an equal length of time.- Exhale, release the right foot and place it over the left foot and the
right hand on the right thigh.