Placing the right foot on the left thigh on the outside, and the left foot on the right thigh — this is called Mahāmudrā.

Postural instructions for Mahāmudrā, the first of the “great seals.”

The technical description varies between manuscripts, but the essential element is:

• One leg extended with the heel pressing the perineum (yoni-sthāna)
• The other leg drawn in
• Forward bend taking hold of the extended leg’s foot
• The three bandhas applied

Mahā means “great” — indicating the supreme importance of this practice.

The benefits attributed to Mahāmudrā are extensive:

• Cures diseases like tuberculosis, leprosy, hemorrhoids
• Balances the digestive fire
• Destroys poisons
• Allows consumption of any food without harm

It should be practiced with both legs equally to maintain balance between the iḍā and piṅgalā channels.