Matsyendrāsana — the posture of the Lord of the Fish. Matsyendra is the legendary master who received the teaching of yoga directly from Śiva, who manifested as a giant fish (matsya).

Like other principal postures, it promises siddhi and liberation. But this one is special: it was the favorite posture of the very founder of the Nātha lineage. To practice it is to connect with the living source of the tradition.

The posture is a deep twist that massages the abdominal organs and balances the nervous and endocrine systems. It is preventive medicine and spiritual practice in one.