Y ogasanas, Bandha and Kriya 391542.) Stay in the pose for about 10 seconds. As the chest is expanded
fully while the abdomen is contracted, breathing will be fast. Try and
breathe normally.
- Release the grip of the hands on the left ankle one by one and place
the palms on the floor. Straighten the left leg and bring it in front, then
straighten the right leg.
9· Repeat the pose on the other side for the same length of time. This
time the left foot will touch the right groin, the right leg will be stretched
back and the right foot will be caught by extending both arms over the
head.
185. Valakhilyasana Forty-five* (Plate 544)
The Valakhilya were heavenly spirits the size of a thumb, produced from
the Creator's body. They are said to precede the Sun's chariot and to
number sixty thousand. They are referred to in Kalidasa's epic poem
RaghuvariJ,sa. This difficult asana is a continuation of Eka Pada
Rajakapotasana I. (Plate 542.) (Do not attempt it until you have
mastered Eka Pada Rajakapotasana I and can perform the latter com
fo rtably and gracefully.)
Technique- Perform Eka Pada Rajakapotasana I. (Plate 542.) After gripping the
left ankle firmly with both the hands, contract the hips and move the
coccyx up. Without releasing the ankle, stretch the left leg back (Plate
- and take a few breaths.
543- Exhale, extend the arms further and push the leg down until it lies
fiat on the floor. The entire front of the leg from the thigh to the toes
should touch the floor. (Plate 544)