Kapinjalasana (Partridge Pose) registers as 43* on BKS Iyengar’s 60* scale of difficulty in Light on Yoga.
BKS Iyengar states that Kapinjalasana “is a difficult [pose] to master” since it combines Vasisthasana with Padangusthasana Dhanurasana.
With the guidance of one of my teachers, Amy Ippoliti, I’m slowly beginning to explore this pose. Kapinjalasana requires incredible strength to support yourself in Vasisthasana on one side, and incredible flexibility to open into the backbend on the other side.
I would offer you an explanation of how to work on the pose, but honestly, I think a video is far more helpful so you can see each piece of the puzzle coming together. The incredible Cristina Sell offers a gorgeous demonstration of Kapinjalasana here.
As you’ll see, I’m still working on drawing my elbow up to the sky. Every now and then, I get it! Today, it didn’t quite materialize. But, that’s the beauty of this practice. There’s always another chance tomorrow.
Tags: arm balances, arm balancing yoga poses, backbending yoga poses, backbends, BKS Iyengar, Kapinjalasana, Light on Yoga, Padangusthasana Dhanurasana, Vasisthasana, yoga backbends
No disrespect to Mr. I, but I think you rock this one superbly!
Xoxo
Meredith, you are too sweet! I’m still trying to swivel that elbow up a bit more, but I’m getting there! Some days I rock this pose, other days I don’t. That’s why doing yoga is always so much fun – always a surprise!