Vinyala

Pose sheet

Full Lord of the Fishes Pose

Matsyendrāsanaमत्स्येन्द्रासन

Seated in half lotus, cross the other foot and rotate your torso.

Open this pose in the 3D body

Steps

Support

Both sitting bones, left knee, right sole; hands grasp foot and ankle.

Enter

  1. Sit in Staff Pose with both legs extended.
  2. Place your left foot at the root of your right thigh.
  3. Exhale, twist right; grasp left ankle behind you with right hand.
  4. Cross your right foot outside your left knee.
  5. Exhale; left shoulder over right knee, left hand grasps right foot.

Hold

  1. Keep your left knee and right foot grounded.
  2. Maintain your spinal curves and keep your chest upright.
  3. Distribute your weight between both sitting bones.

Exit

  1. Exhale; release your right foot, uncross it, and straighten that leg.
  2. Release left ankle; unfold half lotus and straighten your left leg.
  3. Repeat on the other side, switching legs and arms.
Breathing
Keep breathing during the hold; exhale when twisting and exiting.
Gaze
Gaze upward, neck turned toward the twist.
Duration
30–60 seconds per side, within your capacity.

Adapt

Adaptations

  • Supported back handPlace your right hand behind you, keeping half lotus.
  • Unbound armsKeep the legs positioned; let your arms rest without forcing.
  • Reduced twistReduce the rotation and leave the grips open.

Variations

  • Retain half lotus; clasp hands behind your back.
  • Back hand touches lotus heel; front hand holds ankle/toes.
  • Ardha Matsyendrāsana: lower foot beside opposite hip, without half lotus.

Signals of effort

  • Trunk rotation with crossed legs.
  • Deep bending of both knees and external rotation in half lotus.
  • Back arm wrapped around the torso.
  • Neck turned and chin lifted.