Extended Side Angle Pose
Utthita Pārśvakoṇāsana
उत्थित पार्श्वकोणासन
It refers to a standing pose in which one knee bends deeply while the opposite side of the body extends in a single unbroken line from the outer heel to the fingertips — opening the entire flank of the torso.
Utthita Pārśvakoṇāsana is comprised of "Utthita" (extended, stretched), "Pārśva" (side, flank), "Koṇa" (angle), and "Āsana" (posture). It refers to a standing pose in which one knee bends deeply while the opposite side of the body extends in a single unbroken line from the outer heel to the fingertips — opening the entire flank of the torso.
Building directly upon the foundation of Triangle Pose (Trikoṇāsana) and Warrior II, it deepens the lateral stretch while grounding the legs with strength and stability. The long diagonal line it creates awakens the intercostal spaces, encouraging fuller breath along the side body. — B.K.S. Iyengar, *Light on Yoga*.
From Warrior II, tilt the torso toward the front leg and rest the forearm on the thigh, or bring the hand to the floor outside the front foot. Extend the opposite arm over the ear so that a single line runs from the outer heel through the fingertips. Keep the chest open and rotate the ribcage toward the ceiling. Hold for 5 breaths, then repeat on the second side.
Emphasize length over depth — a long, open side body matters more than bringing the hand all the way to the floor. Offer a block under the hand as needed. Guide students to keep the front knee tracking over the ankle, never collapsing inward.