The Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā — trans. Pancham Sinh (1915)

Having placed the right foot at the root of the left thigh, let the toe be grasped with the right hand passing over the back, and having placed the left foot on the right thigh at its root, let it be grasped with the left hand passing behind the back. This is the asana, as explained by Sri Matsyanatha. It increases appetite and is an instrument for destroying the group of the most deadly diseases. Its practice awakens the Kundalini, stops the nectar shedding from the moon in people. 28-29.

Paschima Tana.

Having stretched the feet on the ground, like a stick, and having grasped the toes of both the feet with both the hands, when one sits with his forehead resting on the thighs, it is called Paschima Tana. 30.

This Paschima Tana carries the air from the front to the back part of the body (i.e., to the susumna). It kindles gastric fire, reduces obesity and cures all diseases of men. 31.

Mayura-asana. Place the palms of both the hands on the ground, and place the navel on both the elbows and balancing thus, the body should be stretched backward like a stick. This is called Mayura-asana. 32.

This asana soon destroys all diseases, and removes abdominal disorders, and also those arising from irregularities of phlegm, bile and wind, digests unwholesome food taken in excess, increases appetite and destroys the most deadly poison. 33.

Sava-asana.

Lying down on the ground, like a corpse, is called Sava-asana. It removes fatigue and gives rest to the mind. 34.

Siva taught 84 asanas. Of these the first four being essential ones,
I am going to explain them here. 35.

These four are :—The Siddha, Padma, Sinha and Bhadra. Even of these, the Siddha-asana, being very comfortable, one should always practise it. 36.

The Siddhasana

Press firmly the heel of the left foot against the perineum, and the right heel above the male organ. With the chin pressing on the chest, one should sit calmly, having restrained the senses, and gaze steadily the space between the eyebrows. This is called the Siddha Asana, the opener of the door of salvation. 37.

This Siddhasana is performed also by placing the left heel on
Medhra (above the male organ), and then placing the right one on it. 38.

Some call this Siddhasana, some Vajrasana. Others call it Mukta
Asana or Gupta Asana. 39.

Just as sparing food is among Yamas, and Ahimsa among the Niyamas, so is Siddhasana called by adepts the chief of all the asanas. 40.

Out of the 84 Asanas Siddhasana should always be practised, because it cleanses the impurities of 72,000 nadis. 41.

By contemplating on oneself, by eating sparingly, and by practising
Siddhasana for 12 years, the Yogi obtains success. 42.

Other postures are of no use, when success has been achieved in Siddhasana, and Prana Vayu becomes calm and restrained by Kevala Kumbhaka. 43.

Success in one Siddhasana alone becoming firmly established, one gets Unmani at once, and the three bonds (Bandhas) are accomplished of themselves. 44.

There is no Asana like the Siddhasana and no Kumbhaka like the Kevala. There is no mudra like the Khechari and no laya like the Nada (Anahata Nada.) 45.

Padmasana.

Place the right foot on the left thigh and the left foot on the right thigh, and grasp the toes with the hands crossed over the back. Press the chin against the chest and gaze on the tip of the nose. This is called the Padmasana, the destroyer of the diseases of the Yamis. 46.

Place the feet on the thighs, with the soles upwards, and place the hands on the thighs, with the palms upwards. 47.

Gaze on the tip of the nose, keeping the tongue pressed against the root of the teeth of the upper jaw, and the chin against the chest, and raise the air up slowly, i.e., pull the apana-vayu gently upwards. 48.

This is called the Padmasana, the destroyer of all diseases. It is difficult of attainment by everybody, but can be learnt by intelligent people in this world. 49.