How to Do Accomplished Pose (Siddhasana): Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

What Is Accomplished Pose (Siddhasana)?
Accomplished Pose, known as Siddhasana in Sanskrit, is one of the oldest traditional seated poses in Hatha Yoga. It is a grounding hip-opening posture used for meditation, pranayama and focused breathwork. This pose encourages a long, upright spine, helps calm the mind and creates a stable base for deeper meditative practices.

When You Should Avoid This Pose
Avoid Accomplished Pose if you have knee, hip or ankle injuries, or if sitting cross-legged causes discomfort. Beginners can place a cushion or folded blanket under the sitting bones to reduce pressure on the hips and knees.

Watch the Accomplished Pose video tutorial
Watch the full tutorial here:

How to Do Accomplished Pose in 3 Easy Steps

1. Start in Staff Pose.
Sit in Staff Pose (Dandasana) with your legs extended forward, spine straight and chest open.

2. Position the feet.
Bend your left knee and bring your left heel towards your groin. Then bend your right knee and bring your right heel towards your groin, stacking the heels gently.

3. Sit tall and breathe.
Place your palms on your knees, lengthen your spine and soften your shoulders. Gaze forward with a relaxed focus. Breathe slowly and remain in the pose for as long as comfortable.

Variation: Half Accomplished Pose (Ardha Siddhasana)
If full Siddhasana feels challenging, practise the half variation by drawing only one heel towards the groin while the other leg rests naturally. This allows you to build hip and knee flexibility gradually.

Common Questions About Accomplished Pose (People Also Ask)
Is Siddhasana good for beginners?
Yes, especially with support under the hips or in the half variation.

What does Accomplished Pose help with?
It improves posture, calms the mind and supports meditation and breathwork.

Should my knees touch the floor?
Not necessarily. Over time flexibility may increase, but never push the knees down.

How long should I sit in Siddhasana?
Start with 1–2 minutes and gradually increase as comfort improves.

Preparatory Poses
• Staff Pose (Dandasana)
• Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
• Cradle Pose (Hindolasana)
• Bound Angle Pose / Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana)
• Half Accomplished Pose (Ardha Siddhasana)

Follow-Up Poses
• Head-to-Knee Pose (Janu Sirsasana)
• Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose (Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana)
• Half Fish Pose (Matsyendrasana)