In India the term Gotra means clan (or lineages). The present day gotra classification is created from a core of 8 rishis (The Saptha (seven) rishis(sage) + Agastya). The Seven rishis are Gautama, Bhardwaja, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Vasistha, Kashyapa and Atri. Seven Rishis (Saptarshi) are recognized as the mind born sons of the creator Brahma. Descendents of these Rishis also started new family lineage or new gotras. Koundinya was a descendent of one of the Saptha (Seven) Rishis. He found the Koundinya Gotra.
This posture (Ek Pada Koundinyasana I) is dedicated to him.
Eka- one, Pada- Leg, Koundinya- name of a sage
Steps
- Squat down with your feet about hips width apart.
- Exhaling, twist your torso to the right and place the left outer thigh on the right upper arm and place the palms on the ground about shoulder width apart with the fingers wide apart. Try to bring the left outer thigh as close as possible to the right armpit.
- Maintaining a tight lock between the left upper thigh and the upper arm (keep your elbow a little bent) twist your hips up and lean forward shifting more weight on the right hand. A point will come when all the weight will be shifted from your feet to the hands, at this point the feet will come off ground and you will be balancing completely on the arms.This posture is Parsva Bakasana.
- Take a deep inhale here and then try to straighten both legs (left leg should be straightened perpendicular to the body and the right leg should be in one straight line with the body). Look straight in front of you.This is Eka Pada Kondinyasana I, stay here for a few breaths.
Benefits
- This is a challenging arm balance that helps you to build a strong core, shoulders, and legs
Contraindications
- Wrist injury, shoulder injury