In Sanskrit the word siddha means accomplished or adept. Siddha-asana requires less flexibility of the legs than the padma-asana yet it facilitates relaxation, concentration and ultimately, meditation. It helps to establish balance throughout the body/mind. The siddha-asana is a recommended pose for meditation.

Position of Readiness

Sit on the floor. Stretch out both the legs in front., Keep your spine straight up and firm. Look in front. Keep the hands down on ‘the floor. Breathe normally.

Steps

Bend the left leg back from the knee and bring the foot in front.  Now stretching the toes and ankle of the left leg, try to bring them in a straight line. it may be difficult to bring them in a straight line so, stretch them as much as easily possible. Bring the heel near the testicles without pressing against them. Now your left knee should be on the floor.

Now bend the right leg at the knee and bring the right foot on the top of the left foot. Keep the right heel just above the left heel. Now stretching the ankle of the right leg keep the right knee also on the floor. Do not put any pressure on the testicles.

Keep the spine straight and firm with the palms facing up, place the hands on the knees, form a circle with the thumb and forefinger and extend the remaining fingers straight ahead. Breathe normally.

Stay in this position for about one minute. While releasing, first loosen the fingers of both the hands. Then lift up the right leg by hand and put it down on the floor and stretch out the legs.

Rest for a few seconds repeat once more by alternating the legs. This time your right foot will be underneath and the left foot will be on the top

Daily Practice

Initiate with about two minutes and gradually increase the time to three minutes daily. Practice Siddha Asana  twice in a single day.

Benefits

Siddha Asana  has a lot of curative and corrective effects on joints.

Joints of the hip, knees and ankles are activated very effectively activated during this asana normalizing the circulation of blood in these areas, the supply of synovial fluid (joint fluid) is restored, and the spasticity and pain are removed.

Siddha Asana has a good effect on the nervous system all over the body.

It is very beneficial asana for people suffering from any kind of nerve defects.

It brings vitally, power of concentration and mental equilibrium.

Research

Energy expenditure and ventilatory responses during Siddhasana–a yogic seated posture.