Relationship to other poses

Baddha-Konasana belongs to the group of hip opening poses that provide freedom of movement in the pelvis.  Like Upavistha Konasana (Open Angle Pose) , Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose),  Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (Pigeon Pose), Janu Sirsasana (head to knee pose), ardha padmasana, and padmaasana (lotus pose) works at externally opening the hips and groin – lengthening the insides of the legs.   I find that out of this group of asanas this to be safest on my knees.   My knees can be delicate and my practice has a lot of focus on the lengthening my inner legs first, Baddha Konasana  comes easier.     I find that it is much safer to work at opening the hips with Baddha Konasana than ardha padmaasana (half lotus pose), and which can give me a slight pain the in the inner knees.  Accordingly, I feel that regular practice of the Baddha Konasana is required until one is comfortable sitting in the padmaasana (lotus pose).