Baddha Padmasana,Bound or Locked Lotus pose-Variations in Padmasana

Baddha means locked or bound in Sanskrit. This pose is called locked lotus pose, because the limbs of the body, while in Padmasana posture, are firmly locked up and immobilized to enhance its steadiness. In this posture, the big toes are clasped by the fingers, with the arms crossed from behind.

Iyengarji in Baddha Padmasana

Clear view of position:

How to prepare:

Baddha Padmasana

 
1. Assume the Padmasana posture, placing the feet high on the thighs, close towards the groin.
2. Extend your right arm behind your back and reach round until your right band is near the left hip.
3. Lean forward a little.
4. Twisting the trunk to the right, catch hold of the right big toe, resting on the left thigh firmly with the                  forefinger and the middle finger.
5. Sit erect and hold the position for a few seconds.
6. Similarly, extend the left arm behind your back and crossing the right forearm, reach round until the left           hand is near the right hip.
7. Lean forward a little.
8. Twisting the trunk to the left and bringing the shoulder blades together, catch hold of the left big toe                 resting on the right thigh firmly with the forefinger and the middle finger.
9. Sit erect and hold the position for a few seconds.
10. The arms and legs are now firmly locked-up.
11. Keep the spine, neck and head erect.
12. Draw in the abdomen.
13. Both knees must press the ground.

Breathe normally.

Variations in Padmasana:

Gupta-Padmasana

Right-sided-lotus-pose in Sarvangasana:

Bala-parshva-padmasna-in-sarvangasana

Left-sided-lotus-pose in Sarvangasana:

Eda-parshva-padmasana-in-sarvangasana

 Urdhva-padmasana or variating padmasana in sarvangasana:

Urdhva-padmasana

Pindasana another variation in sarvangasana:

Pindasana

Urdhva Padmasana in sirsasana:

Iyrngarji

Parshva-Padmasana in sirsasana:

Bala-parshva-padamsana in sirshasana

Benefits:

1. The benefits of Padmasana also accrue from Baddha Padmasana and bring greater flexibility to the legs.
2. The stubborn joints of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, lower back, hips, knees, ankles and toes arc well           stretched and become more supple.
3. Pain in the shoulders and back is alleviated.
4. It improves the posture by rectifying any unnatural curvature of the spine.
5. The asana increases the range of the shoulder movements
6. This Asana is useful in constipation and improves digestive power.
7. It helps in keeping the spine erect.
8. It is beneficial in Arthritis.