Now, Bhadrāsana: place the ankles beneath the scrotum, on the sides of the perineum, the left ankle on the left side and the right ankle on the right side.

Bhadrāsana, the “auspicious posture” or “throne posture,” is the fourth principal posture. Note the difference from Siṃhāsana: here the ankles are not crossed but each remains on its corresponding side.

This seemingly small difference has significant effects. Without the crossing, the pressure on the perineum is different and the energetic effects change. Bhadrāsana is generally more comfortable for prolonged periods.

The name bhadra means “auspicious,” “blessed,” or “gentle.” It can also be translated as “throne,” suggesting the posture of a king or dignitary. This connotation indicates that the posture confers dignity and stability upon the practitioner.

This is also known as Gorakṣāsana in some traditions, named after Gorakṣanātha, the legendary founder of the Nāth tradition. This suggests it was a favored posture of this particular lineage.