The Fish Pose, also known as Matsyasana in Sanskrit, is a yoga posture that has roots in Hindu mythology. In Hinduism, Matsya is the name of the first avatar of Lord Vishnu, who took the form of a fish to save humanity during a great flood. The mythology has echoes of the biblical Noah story
According to the legend, a great flood was about to destroy the earth, and Lord Vishnu took the form of a fish to save the world. He appeared before the king of the fish, Manu, and asked him to build a giant boat and fill it with all the species of plants and animals to ensure their survival.
Manu agreed and built a boat as instructed by Lord Vishnu. As the waters began to rise, the fish guided the boat to safety, pulling it through the turbulent waters until it finally came to rest on the peak of a mountain.
After the flood receded, Lord Vishnu revealed his true identity to Manu and instructed him to repopulate the earth with the creatures he had saved. The fish avatar of Lord Vishnu thus saved the world and ensured that life could continue.
The story of Matsya is significant as it emphasizes the importance of preservation and protection of life on earth. It also demonstrates the power of the gods to take various forms, to be adaptable, flexible and humble. In order to intervene in the affairs of humans when necessary.
In the Fish Pose, the practitioner lies on their back, raises their chest and head off the ground, and balances on their elbows. The pose requires strength and flexibility in the spine, and is said to improve posture, breathing, and overall flexibility.
In Hindu mythology, the story of Matsya represents the triumph of good over evil and the preservation of life. The Fish Pose is a symbol of this story, representing the release of tension and negativity and the connection with the divine.
In addition, the Fish Pose is also believed to have spiritual benefits, as the inverted position of the posture is thought to represent the transition from the conscious world to the subconscious and the release of negativity and tension. The pose is said to improve focus, concentration, and overall well-being, both physically and mentally.