Exploring EPK 1

I’ve been teaching Eka Pada Koundinyasana I (One-Legged Pose dedicated to the Sage Koundinya I) recently and during classes we have enjoyed experimenting with this challenging pose with a playful intention! Whatever version of the pose a student has within their practice, it creates a great sense of achievement.

I particularly like this pose as it’s a great upper body and core strengthener and it builds focus, confidence and energy – with a twist added. It combines Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle) with Chaturanga Dandasana (Four Limbed Staff Pose). It also looks a bit like the windmill in breakdancing!

But despite all this practice and research into the teaching of the pose, I must admit that I don’t know much about the meaning or origins behind it.

The pose is not described in the ancient yoga texts and only appears in the 20th Century as part of the Ashtanga Vinyasa Myesore style taught by K Pattabhi Jois. It was named after the Sage Koundinya who was a scholar and follower of Lord Ganesha. I couldn’t find any information about why the pose is actually named after Sage Koundinya, however, whilst researching this article I found the following story about him.

Sage Koundinya and the Durva Grass

One day Sage Koundinya was explaining to his wife, Ashraya, how important the sacred Durva grass used in the worship of Lord Ganesha was. She didn’t believe him so he gave her a piece of Durva grass and told her to take it to Lord Indra (King of Heaven and god of the heavens, lightning, thunder, storms, rains, river flows and war). He told her to ask Lord Indra to give her gold to the weight of the blade of grass.

Ashraya took the Durva grass to Lord Indra and asked him for the gold. Lord Indra asked if she was sure as it wouldn’t amount to much gold but she confirmed that was what she wanted. Lord Indra sent her to Kubera (Lord of wealth and god-king of the semi-divine Yakshas or nature-spirits).

Kubera weighed the blade of grass against some gold on scales but the Durva grass was heavier. He added all his wealth including gold and jewels but still the blade of grass was heavier. He sat on it with his wife but still the grass was heavier. Finally all the Gods who were looking on sat on it and still the grass was heavier. Finally Ashraya understood the importance of the Durva grass.

So why is it called EPK 1?

Perhaps the balancing with the legs extended is reminiscent of the scales used to weigh the Durva grass or maybe there is another story somewhere which gave K Pattabhi Jois the idea for the naming of this pose. In any case, it’s an enjoyable pose to practice and I look forward to exploring it more in future.