Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Parsva Upavistha Konasana Mean?
Parsva upavistha konasana is a wide-legged seated asana where the torso folds forward over each leg, one at a time. The name comes from the Sanskrit, parsva, meaning "side," upavistha, meaning "seated," kona meaning "angle," and asana, meaning "pose."
To enter the pose, begin seated on a yoga mat in dandasana. Taking the legs wide apart, rotate the torso to face one leg, then fold the body forward over the leg. The head may move toward or past the knee as the hands reach for the foot. Repeat on the opposite side.
The English name for this asana is side seated angle pose.
Yogapedia Explains Parsva Upavistha Konasana
Like all forward bends, parsva upavistha konasana is known for its calming effects on the mind. It promotes relaxation and introspection and is a good preparatory pose for meditation.
Benefits of this pose include:
- Relieves insomnia
- Works to calm and soothe the mind
- Balances prana in the body
- Stretches the hips and back of the body
- Lengthens the backs of the legs
Transitioning into parsva upavistha konasana after other seated forward bends, such as baddha konasana, is a popular way to reach the full expression of this pose. In a vinyasa sequence, the yogi may balance this pose with backbends, twists and inversions in order to create a holistic practice.
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