Marīchyāsana B (Sage Marīci B) combines the Marīchyāsana A binding pattern with a half-lotus position, creating one of the most demanding forward folds in the Primary Series. The practitioner sits in half lotus with one leg, bends the other knee upright, binds around the bent knee, and folds forward. It requires simultaneous hip external rotation (lotus leg), hip flexion (bent knee), shoulder flexibility (bind), and forward folding.

Named after the sage Marīci (ray of light), as with all four Marīchyāsana variations. The 'B' designation indicates this is the second variation, which adds the half-lotus (ardha padma) element to the forward fold and bind pattern established in Marīchyāsana A. The progressive naming (A through D) reflects the systematic intensification characteristic of the Ashtanga method.

Marīchyāsana B follows the standard 22-vinyāsa asymmetric count. Right side: vinyāsa 7 (Saptaḥ) — jump through, place the left foot in half lotus, bend the right knee with the right foot flat on the floor, bind the right arm around the right shin; vinyāsa 8 (Aṣṭau) — fold forward and hold for five breaths. Transition vinyāsas 9–14. Left side: vinyāsa 15 (Pañcadaśa) — place the right foot in half lotus, bend the left knee with the left foot flat on the floor, bind the left arm around the left shin, fold forward and hold for five breaths. Exit vinyāsas 16–22.

From Adho Mukha Śvānāsana, inhale jump through. Place the left foot in half lotus (ardha padma) on the right thigh. Bend the right knee and place the right foot flat on the floor, heel near the right sit bone. Wrap the right arm around the right shin from inside to outside, reach behind the back, and clasp the left wrist with the right hand. Inhale lengthen, exhale fold forward. Hold five breaths. Note: the lotus leg is on the same side as the extended leg from Marīchyāsana A — it replaces the straight leg.

In the full expression, the lotus foot is sealed on the opposite thigh with the heel pressing toward the lower abdomen. The other knee is upright with the foot flat on the floor. The bind wraps around the upright shin exactly as in Marīchyāsana A. The torso folds forward, bringing the chin toward the floor in front of the shin. The lotus knee and the upright knee are close together — the torso descends between them. Both sit bones ideally maintain contact with the floor, though the lotus side may lift slightly.

Inhale lift the head. Exhale release the bind and carefully remove the lotus foot. Cross ankles, inhale lift, exhale jump back. Complete the standard vinyāsa and jump through for the left side.

Nāsāgra dṛṣṭi (tip of the nose). Because there is no extended foot to gaze toward, the dṛṣṭi shifts to the nose, encouraging deep internal focus in this compressed forward fold.

Uḍḍīyāna bandha is critical for creating space in the abdominal cavity, which is severely compressed by the combination of half lotus and bent knee. Without strong bandha engagement, the practitioner cannot fold forward effectively. Mūla bandha supports the pelvic floor, which is under significant pressure from the lotus heel pressing into the lower abdomen.

The lotus foot should be as high on the opposite thigh as possible, with the heel near the navel. The upright knee's foot is flat and close to the sit bone. The bind wraps from inside the upright shin to outside and around the back. Both knees point forward — the lotus knee descends toward the floor while the upright knee points toward the ceiling. The fold travels forward and down between the legs.

Forcing the lotus on an unprepared hip, risking the medial knee. Allowing the upright-leg foot to lift off the floor as the torso folds. Binding loosely without the armpit-shin contact that makes the bind effective. Leaning dramatically to one side rather than finding a centered fold. Holding the breath due to the abdominal compression.

Marīchyāsana B demands extreme hip flexibility: the lotus leg needs full external rotation while the bent knee requires deep flexion. The binding shoulder undergoes significant internal rotation and extension. The abdominal organs are compressed between the thighs and the trunk. The intercostal muscles must remain pliable to allow breathing in this compressed position. The ankle of the upright leg is in full dorsiflexion with the knee at maximum flexion.

The deep compression of the lower abdomen is traditionally said to stimulate the digestive organs, liver, spleen, and kidneys. The half-lotus heel pressing into the abdomen is considered particularly therapeutic for the intestines and the reproductive organs. This pose is believed to help with constipation and sluggish digestion. The binding action is therapeutic for frozen shoulder and restricted shoulder mobility.

If half lotus is not accessible, substitute with the foot in a crossed-leg position (simple cross-legged) and work on the bind from there. If the bind is not possible even with the modified leg position, hold the upright shin with both hands and fold forward. A strap can bridge the gap between the hands behind the back. The teacher should never force the lotus or the bind simultaneously — work on one element at a time.

Marīchyāsana A establishes the bind pattern. Ardha Baddha Padma Paścimatānāsana develops the half-lotus position in a forward-fold context. Jānuśīrṣāsana A opens the hips in external rotation. The combination of these preceding poses systematically prepares the body for the multi-dimensional demands of Marīchyāsana B.

The vinyāsa between sides provides essential relief from the deep hip flexion and compression. Marīchyāsana C follows and shifts from a fold to a twist, changing the direction of force on the spine. Nāvāsana, which comes after the Marīchyāsana series, provides a strong extension and core engagement that counterbalances the deep folding.

Marīchyāsana B requires the practitioner to find comfort in constriction — to breathe and surrender in a shape that compresses the body significantly. This is a practical embodiment of Patañjali's sthira sukham āsanam (Yoga Sūtra II.46): the seat should be steady and comfortable, even when the shape is demanding. The ability to maintain equanimity in such a constrained position develops the mental quality of vairāgya (non-attachment to comfort).