158 Light on Yoga- Krounchasana Ten* (Plates 141 and 142)
Krouncha means a heron. It is also the name of a mountain, said to be
the grandson of Himalaya and to have been pierced by Kartikeya, the
god of war, and by Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Vi�J?.u. In this
sitting posture, one leg is bent back at the knee and the foot is placed
against the side ofthe hip joint, while the other leg is raised up vertically,
its foot being held by the hands. The chin is then placed on the knee of
the vertical leg. The raised leg resembles the outstretched neck and
head of a heron, also a precipice. Hence the name.
Technique- Sit on the floor, with the legs stretched straight in front. (Plate 77)
- Bend the right leg at the knee and move the right foot back. Place the
right foot by the side of the hip joint, keep the toes pointing back and
rest all of them on the floor. The inner side of the right calf will touch
the outer side of the right thigh. Join the knees together.
3· Exhale, bend the left knee, hold the left foot with both hands and
raise the left leg up vertically. (Plate 140)
140
(^4) · Stretch out the left leg fully and keep the back erect. After a few
breaths in this position, exhale, move the head and trunk forward and
at the same time try and bring the left leg nearer and rest the chin on
the knee of the left leg. (Plates 141 and 142)