Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes)
Ardha Matsyendrasana
“ardha” = half
“Matsyendrasana” = Lord of the Fishes*
Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
Paripurna Matsyendrasana
“paripurna” = complete, full
Complete Lord of the Fishes Pose
* From a myth about a fish who learned yoga by listening as Lord Shiva explained yoga to Parvati. Shiva blessed the fish as Matsyendra, Lord of the Fishes. The fish then came on land and took the form of a seated twist that allowed full absorption of the teachings.
Heart of Pose
Twist
Notes
Paripurna vs Ardha Matsyendrasana*
- Paripurna Matsyendrasana – Lower leg in Half Lotus; bind to foot of top leg
- Ardha Matsyendrasana – Other variations, including foot of lower leg under sit bones or beside hip, binding around upper knee to clasped hands, or binding foot
* Source: B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Yoga 1975 p 164
Ayurveda Perspective
Dr. David Frawley notes that the pose reduces Vata, Pitta and Kapha while Joseph LePage says standing twists are more indicated for Kapha.**
- Vata: Moderate holding, focus on grounding, stillness and breath
- Pitta: Any holding, focus on non-efforting, easy grounding and breath
- Kapha: Any holding, focus on lifting and breathing (or use standing twists instead)