Arm Balances Hand-standing series
Astavakrasana
Eight-angle pose
Dedicated to the sage Astavakra, guru of King Janaka. The story tells that while still in his mother's womb he laughed at mistakes his father Kagola made reciting the Vedas; his angry father cursed him to be born bent in eight places, astavakra.
FamilyArm Balances
LevelIntermediate (YCB Level 2)
AwarenessManipura chakra
Technique
- Stand with the feet about half a metre apart and bend the knees.
- Place the right palm on the floor between the feet and the left palm slightly in front of the left foot.
- Place the right leg over the right arm, just above the elbow; bring the left foot forward next to the right foot.
- Lift both legs and interlock them, the left foot on the right ankle; stretch both legs to the right, the right arm between the thighs.
- Balance on the arms, bend the elbows and lower the trunk and head until parallel to the floor.
- Hold, straighten the arms, release the legs and return to the start. Repeat on the other side.
Awareness
First on the balance; gradually on Manipura chakra.
What it gives
- Develops nervous control of body and mind.
- Strengthens the wrists, arms, legs and abdomen.
- Traditionally said to turn the flow of apana upward, towards Manipura chakra.
Precautions
- Do not attempt until the arms and shoulders are very strong. Avoid with heart conditions, high blood pressure, back or hip problems.
Learn it with Acharya Lokesh
Intermediate postures are safest when a teacher watches you. Book a free trial session at home in Delhi or online, or take the illustrated guide home.
Text from Acharya Lokesh's handbook Yogasana for Intermediates (Agastya Yoga School, 2022), edited for clarity. General information about a traditional practice, not medical advice: if you have a health condition, are pregnant or recovering from surgery, ask your doctor first.