How to Do Eka Pada Rajakapotasana Pose | King Pigeon

King Pigeon is one of those poses that feels like a real celebration of what your body can do. It’s a deep, juicy hip opener that also invites a beautiful stretch through the chest and spine. Whether you’re looking to release some built-up tension or you just want to feel a little more expansive, this pose is such a gift to the nervous system.

We love how this posture encourages us to find that balance between effort and ease. It’s quite a deep stretch, but when we approach it with a soft breath and a kind heart, it becomes a moving meditation. If your hips feel a bit tight, remember that props like blocks or a rolled-up blanket under your hip can make a world of difference!

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to feel your way into King Pigeon Pose safely and mindfully.

How To Do Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (King Pigeon Pose)

Find your Downward Dog
Start on all fours, then press your palms into the mat and lift your hips high into an inverted ‘V’ shape. Take a moment here to pedal out the feet and find some length in your spine.

Slide into Pigeon Pose
Bring your right knee forward and place it behind your right wrist, angling your shin comfortably. Slide your left leg straight back, untucking the toes and keeping your hips square to the front of your mat.

Settle your hips down
Lower your upper body slightly and place your hands on either side of your front leg for support. If your right hip is hovering high off the mat, slide a block or a folded blanket underneath it to help you feel grounded.

Lift and open your heart
As you inhale, lift your chest and gently arch your back, drawing your shoulders away from your ears. Feel that lovely opening across your heart space while keeping your core lightly engaged to support your lower back.

An optional deeper stretch
If you’re feeling steady and want to explore further, you can bend your back knee and reach back with your left hand to catch your foot. Only go as far as feels good for your body today—there is absolutely no rush.

Breathe and hold steady
Stay here for 5 to 10 deep, nourishing breaths, or if you are practising Yin Yoga, you might choose a more relaxed variation to hold for a few minutes. When you’re ready, step back to Downward Dog and repeat on the other side.

The Benefits of Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (and Yoga in General)

Physically, King Pigeon is a powerhouse for opening up the hips, stretching out the hip flexors, quads, and those deep gluteal muscles that can get so tight from sitting. Because of the gentle backbend, you’re also creating beautiful space in the spine and opening up through the chest and heart. It even gives the digestive system a little nudge, helping everything move along smoothly.

Beyond the physical, this pose is a real heart-opener. We often store a lot of emotional tension in our hips, so don’t be surprised if you feel a big release of stress or even a little wave of emotion as you settle in. It’s a wonderful way to quiet the mind and really feel into the present moment. This is what we love about Yoga — it’s not just about becoming more flexible or strong. It’s about creating the space to listen to your body and honouring exactly where you are today.

Explore More Yoga Poses

If you enjoyed this pose, you might also love:

• How to Do Arivrtta Anjaneyasana Pose | Revolved/Twisted Lunge Pose
• How to Do Utthan Pristhasana Pose | Lizard Lunge Pose
• How to Do Tadasana Pose | Mountain Pose

Curious About Yoga Teacher Training?

This pose is one of 108 you’ll explore in our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training — along with yoga philosophy, breathwork, meditation, anatomy, and the confidence to teach.

You don’t need to be the most flexible person in the room. You don’t need to have been practising for years. You just need to be curious and willing to begin. Whether you want to teach professionally, deepen your personal practice, or simply discover more about yourself — this training meets you where you are.

Learn more about Yoga Teacher Training →

Always merrymaking,
Emma + Carla