Ardhamatsyendrasana

Ardha means half. This is half a pose. This Asana takes its name from the Rishi or Yogi
Matsyendra, who first taught this Asana to the students of Hatha Yoga. This
Matsyendra is said to have been the disciple of Lord Siva. Once Siva departed for a
lonely island. There He taught Parvati the mysteries of Yoga. A fish that happened to
be near the shore heard the teachings of Lord Siva. Siva came to know this. His heart
being filled with mercy He sprinkled water on this Yogi-fish. Immediately, on account
of Siva's grace, the fish became a Siddha Yogi with a divine body. This Yogi fish was
called by the name Matsyendra.

Paschimottanasana and Halasana bend the spine forwards. Dhanurasana,

Bhujangasana and Salabhasana are counterposes to bend the spine backwards. This is
not sufficient. It must be twisted and bent from side to side also (literal movements).
Then only perfect elasticity of the spinal column can be ensured. Matsyendrasana
serves this purpose well, in giving a lateral twist to the spinal column. Some Hatha
Yogins start with this Asana when they give practical lessons to the Yogic students.

Ardhamatsyandrasa Ardhamatsyandra Ardhamatsyandrasa

na 001 sana 002 na 003

TECHNIQUE

Place the left heel near the anus and below the scrotum. It can touch the perennial
space. Do not allow the heel to move from this place. Perennium is the space
between the anus and the external organ of generation. Bend the right knee and
place the right ankle at the root of the left thigh and rest the right foot well on the
ground, close to the left hip joint. Place the left Axilla arm-pit over the top of the
vertically bent right knee. Push the knee now a little to the back so that it touches
the back part of the Axilla. Catch hold of the left knee with the left palm. Then
applying pressure at the left shoulder-joint, slowly twist the spine and turn to the
extreme right. Turn the face also to the right as much as you can do. Bring it in a line
with the right shoulder. Swing round the right arm behind the back. Catch hold of the
left thigh with the right hand. Retain the pose from 5 to 15 seconds. Keep the
vertebral column erect. Do not bend. Similarly, you can twist the spine to the left
side. This will complete the spinal twist.

BENEFITS

This Asana increases appetite by increasing the digestive fire. It destroys terrible
diseases. It rouses Kundalini and makes the Chandranadi (moon) flow steadily. The
moon is said to be located above the root of the palate. It drops the cool ambrosial
nectar, which is wasted by mixing with gastric fire. But this Asana prevents it.
It keeps the spine elastic and gives a good massage to the abdominal organs. Lumbago
and all sorts of muscular rheumatism of the back muscles are cured. The spinal nerve-
roots and sympathetic system are toned. They draw a good supply of blood. This
Asana is an auxiliary to Paschimottanasana.