[4][9] A second advanced variant has the legs held straight out horizontally above the head and arms, resembling the scorpion's tail stretched in a threat posture forwards over its body.
[17] Practitioners are cautioned not to attempt the full balance away from the wall until they are not using props and have the strength and flexibility to land safely if they fall; this requires the ability to perform backarches such as Urdhva Dhanurasana, Upwards Bow pose.
Pincha Mayurasana (Feathered Peacock pose), is a forearm balance similar to Vrischikasana, but the legs are straight, stretched up over the head, with the back less extremely arched.
[21] Sayanasana (Posture of Repose) is the same as Pincha Mayurasana, but with only the elbows on the ground, the hands cradling the face, making it a difficult balance.
[20] Ganda Bherundasana (Formidable Face pose) is similar to Pincha Mayurasana but with bent arms and only the hands on the ground; the back is lightly arched and the legs and feet point vertically upwards.
[3] In 2022, the Indian yoga teacher Yash Moradiya held the pose for 29 minutes and 4 seconds, as measured by Guinness World Records in Dubai, UAE.