24 Nov 2020 HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy
Guptasana, also known as Siddhasana, is an Asana translated as Hidden Pose from Sanskrit. In the world of yoga, numerous poses seem to be simple but are quite powerful. Among such poses, one of them is the ‘Perfect pose’ or ‘Adept’s pose’. It is Asana no 12 and also mentioned as the oldest, seated yoga form that has been conventionally used for a long period for the purpose of meditation and breathing exercises.
“Jaanurvorantare Paadau Kritvaa Paadau cha Gopayet;!
Paadopari cha sansthaapya Gudam Gupataasanam Viduh!! –21-
Meaning: Keep both feet hidden in the middle portion of both the knees and bring the anal region between the feet. This is called ‘Guptasana’.
Description
It’s similar to Swastikasana, same as Siddhasana, but practiced by men only, purely meant for meditation. As this Asana hides well the organ of generation it is called Guptasana.
Guptasana Technique
- Initially, it is required to sit down on the floor and keep legs stretched and spine straight in the sitting Dandasana.
- Rest the arms at the sides. This pose is known as Dandasana.
- By tilting the left knee and taking the left heel towards the groin area.
- The heels would rest on the perineum which is the area at the base of spine in between the anus and genitals.
- Similarly, tilt the right leg and take the right heel inside, then be required to keep the right ankle over the inner ankle of the left foot. Place your right heel over the pubic bone.
- Keep your hands over your thighs, and face your palms facing upward.
- Spine needs to be straight.
- It is supposed to close the eyes slowly and gaze inward.
- Remain in this pose for around one minute or till the time during meditation or in pranayama practice.
- Come out of this pose by stretching your legs on the floor in Staff pose. You are then required to rest yourself in Corpse pose for one to three minutes.
How to release the stretch
Sit in this position as long as you can and come back to the basic sitting Dandasana position. Release one by one how we formed it and followed by Shavasana to relax.
Benefits of Guptasana
- Useful for stimulation of all the visceral organs, controlling heart rate, blood pressure
- Correcting sexual and emotional problems
- Calms and relaxes the physical tension and pressure
- Helpful for concentration, reaching a higher state of awareness, and meditation as well
- Stimulates the genitals and also increases the secretion of testosterone