Advanced SittingIntermediate

Destroyer of the Universe

Kala Bhairavasana

Destroyer of the Universe (Kāla Bhairavāsana) pivots Formidable Pose into a full arm balance, projecting both legs from the bind for fierce stability.

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How to Perform

  1. 1

    From Bhairavāsana with the right leg behind the head, place both palms shoulder-width apart and bend the elbows toward Chaturanga.

  2. 2

    Shift weight forward, draw the navel in, and hover the hips as the left leg extends back in line with the torso.

  3. 3

    Press firmly through the hands, straighten the elbows, and lift the head to keep the chest open while the right leg stays secured behind the neck.

  4. 4

    Engage the outer hips and obliques to maintain the twist, breathing steadily as the body balances on the hands.

  5. 5

    Lower the hips with control, return to Leg Behind Head, and repeat on the opposite side.

Benefits

  • Maximises shoulder, arm, and core strength while sustaining the leg-behind-head bind.
  • Enhances spinal rotation, hip stability, and focus under load.
  • Builds confidence for transitions into Eka Pāda Koundinyāsana variations.

Alignment Cues

  • Hands stay shoulder-width with elbows stacked over wrists
  • Torso lengthens forward as head lifts
  • Hips stay lifted and level as legs oppose
  • Breath remains smooth and deliberate

Common Mistakes

No common mistakes listed.

Contraindications

  • Wrist, elbow, or shoulder injury
  • Unresolved knee issues in lotus

Recommended Props

BlocksStrapBlanket

Tags

AdvancedAdvanced SittingHipsLeg Behind HeadLegsSpineasana