Akarna Dhanurasana,Bow To The Ear Pose

"Holding the toes (alternately) with hands, pulling them (the toes) up to the (corresponding or opposite) ears, (and thus) assuming the shape of a stretched bow. This is called Akarna- Dhanurasana."

BKS Iyengarji in Akarna Dhanurasana

This pose is meant to mimic the shooting of a bow. Yoga practitioners attempt to identify patterns and perceptions that interfere with progression to an awareness of oneness. In old times these distractions were expressed as various demons and spirits or entities. This posture is performed as an expression of identifying these distractions and removing them.

Yoga Patu in Position

Steps in Practicing:

1. Bend the left leg in knee and keep the foot on the thigh of right leg. Keep the right leg straight.
2. Hold the big toe of the left leg with left hand, and that of the right leg with the right hand.
3. Exhale, and inhaling start lifting the left leg with the left hand and pull it up to the left ear, and stabilize it at that point.
4. Continue normal breathing.
5. After few seconds come back to the original position.
6. Then Repeat it with the left leg to the ear.

Variations in Akarna Dhanurasana:
There are few postures that stretch the big toes. It is important to have the big toes flexible. The usually turn inward and as a result vital energy currents do not run up the inner anterior leg. This affects almost every standing posture. Get the big toes flexible. There are many opportunities to grab them in other seated forward bends as well. 

Variation-1

Variation with Right leg

Variation with Left leg

Benefits:
1. It is a good posture to remove the pain of back and lumbar region.
2. It increases the elasticity of thigh joint and shoulder.
3. It is also useful in arthritis and rheumatic condition.