Variations of Matsyendrāsana: the hand may hold the side or the foot, and the posture can be executed in different ways. The tradition recognized multiple forms according to the practitioner’s capacity.

The variation with the foot in the palm of the hand is more advanced, requiring greater hip flexibility. It allows a deeper twist of the torso.

These options demonstrate that classical yoga was adaptable. There was no single “correct” form; there were principles applied according to the individual body.