Dvitīyopadeśaḥ (Āsana) · Verse 47

गुल्फौ च वृषणस्याधः सीवन्याः पार्श्वयोः क्रमात् | ऊरुणोरन्तरे कृत्वा पादौ चैव तु पार्श्वतः ||

gulphau ca vṛṣaṇasyādhaḥ sīvanyāḥ pārśvayoḥ kramāt | ūruṇor antare kṛtvā pādau caiva tu pārśvataḥ ||

The execution of seated Kūrmāsana: the heels at the perineum, the feet between the thighs. It is similar to other postures but with emphasis on withdrawal and contraction.

The body curls like a tortoise retracting its limbs inside its shell. This contraction contains energy, preventing its dispersal.

For the modern practitioner, it is a stable and accessible meditation posture. The foot position stimulates the perineum and helps maintain alertness during long sessions.