Utkaṭāsana — the powerful, intense posture. Utkaṭa means strong, vigorous, excessive. It is the chair posture, a partial squat that completely strengthens the legs.

Although the textual description is brief, Utkaṭāsana is dynamic: standing with feet together or apart, the knees bend as if about to sit in an invisible chair. The arms are raised above the head.

It strengthens quadriceps, glutes, and the lumbar spine. It naturally develops uḍḍiyana through the effort of maintaining the position. It is a posture for building strength and determination.