Yoga in India

Hatha Yoga

Hathayoga Pradipike

Yogasana (Posture)
Pranayama

Hatha Yoga>Asana>Matsyendrasana:

This Asana is in the name of Great Yogi Matsyendranatha. As Maha Yogi Matsyendranatha was meditating in this Asana, this Asana is named as Matsyendrasana. In HathaYoga Pradipike Matsyendrasana is described as

vaamorumuulaarpitadakshapaadam jaanorbahirveshtita-vaamapaadam |
praguhya tishteth parivartitaangaha srimatsyanaathoditamaasanam syaath ||26||

Procedure:

Place the right foot at the base of the left thigh and place the left foot outside the right knee. Hold the right foot by the left hand from outside the right knee. And place the left hand at the root of right thigh from the back. From this asana spinal cord and face will twist like a thread. This Asana is called as Purna-Matsyendrasana.

If this Asana is done in the reverse order left foot will come in between right thigh and stomach muscles and right foot wiil be in the outer side of the left knee. Now right foot should be held by left hand from outer side of right knee. Now the spinal cord will twist fully to the right. Right hand will touch the root of left thigh. Face will turn to the opposite direction of right foot.

Ardha-Matsyendrasana (Half-Matsyendrasana):

In the Purna-Matsyendrasana right-foot is in between the root of left thigh and stomach, but in Ardha-Matsyendrasana right-foot will be under the left-thigh.

Benefits of Matsyendrasana:

Spinal cord will completely twist in this Asana. From this twisting spinal-cord becomes strong and all ailments of the spine will be cured. Ribs, muscles and bone joints will become strong. Dis-orders of neck, shoulders and waist will be cured. Ailments of interstine, chest and stomach will be cured. Menstrual disorders, paralysis, backpain, acidity, diabetes, chest pain, Asthma, constipation all these problems are cured by persistent practice of Matsyendrasana. Blood circulation will improve. Gastric fire will increase and awakening of Kundalini power is one of the main benefits of this Asana.

According to Hathayoga Pradipike Matsyendrasana increases the appetite by flaring the gastric fire. This asana destroys terrible diseases in the body. Awakening of Kundalini happens by the practice of this Asana.