Urdhva Padmasana | Upward Lotus

Urdhva Padmasana is found in the Ashtanga closing sequence.

Photo by Tim Feldmann of Christina Mills

Urdhva Padmasana is upside-down lotus in shoulderstand position. It is found in the closing sequence in the Ashtanga yoga method.

Full Padmasana requires deep hip mobility that is difficult for most Westerners to get into at first because most of us are not accustomed to sitting in this way. However, with practice, you can get more comfortable putting your legs into Padmasana over time.

Etymology

Sanskrit Name: Urdhva Padmasana

English Translation: Upside-Down Lotus Posture

Drishti: Nose

Padma - Lotus

Asana - Posture

How to:

1. Begin in shoulderstand.

2. If the hands are supporting the back release them so that they are in front of the body.

3. Moving the hips forward and up, begin to cross the right leg and then the left. If it is difficult to get the legs in full lotus, you might cross them.

4. Support the knees with the hands flat underneath. Straighten the arms.

OTHER POSTURES IN PADMASANA

Padmasana - Lotus posture

Utplutih - Padmasana with a lift

Matsyasana - Padmasana with a backbend, top of the head to the floor

The Postures of the Ashtanga Primary Series