ASAMYUKTA HASTA OR SINGLE HAND GESTURE

Asamyukta hastas are done using single hand. The Natyshastra mentions about 28 Mudras ie upto Trishula Mudra. There are four new mudra added to this list ie Kataka, Vyagraha, Ardhasuchi and Palli. These Hand Gestures are a Part of Angika Abhinaya. I shall be explaining each of these Mudras with reference to the shlokas of Abhinayadarpana.

1. Pataka

2. Tripataka

3. Ardhapataka

4. Kartarimukha

5. Mayura

6. Ardhachandra

7. Arala

8. Shukatunda

9. Mushthi

10.Shikhara

11.Kapitta

12.Katakamukha

13.Suchi

14.Chandrakala

15.Padmakosha

16.Sarpashirsha

17.Mrigashirsha

18.Simhamukha

19.Kangula

20.Alapadma

21.Chatura

22.Bhramara

23.Hamsasye

24.Hansapakshika

25.Sandamsha

26.Mukula

27.Tamrachuda

28.Trishula

29.Ardhasuchi

30.Vyagraha

31.Palli

32.Kataka

PATAKA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

Pataka means “Flag”. Pataka is done with all fingers held straight like the Stop

sign. There should be no gap between the fingers. Following are the uses

(viniyoga) of Pataka:

It says Pataka Mudra is used to denote the following ;

At the beginning of Natyarambha

Clouds

Forest

Denial of objects

Bosom

night

river

Realm of Divinity

Horse

Cutting

Wind

To show one is going

Prowess

Bless

Moonlight

Fierce heat

Pushing and opening the doors

Vibhakti

Tides

Entering the lane

Equanimity

Smearing oneself

Taking oath

Silence

Palmarya Leaf

An ideal king

To show a location

Sea

Series of meritorious actions

To address some one

Step forward

grasping a sword

Month, Year

A drizzly day

A sweeping with broom

TRIPATAKA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

Tripataka means “three parts of the flag”. In this Mudra, all the fingers are held

straight and close together like the stop sign except for the ring finger which is

bent.

It says Tripataka is generally used to denote the following:

A crown

A tree

An arrow

Thunder

Lord Indra’s Weapon (Vajraayudha)

To Apply Tilak

Ketaki flower

A Lamp

Flames of Fire

A pigeon

ARDHAPATAKA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

Ardhapataka means “Half Flag”. It is done by bending the little finger after doing

the Tripataka.

Shloka says that Ardhapataka is used to denote the following:

Leaves

A board or a Slab for writing

Bank of the river

To Indicate “Both”

A knife

A banner

A Tower

An Animal Horn

KARTARIMUKHA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

DeathA kartarimukha Mudra is done when the little finger and the ring finger is

bent and pressed against the thumb. While the index finger and the Middle finger

is stretched to show a scissor.

Kartarimukha is used to denote the following:

A Scissors

Separation of a couple

Opposition

Looting

To show two different things

Corner of an eye

Death

Lightning

Sleeping

Falling an Weeping

Creeper

MAYURA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

The ring finger and the tip of the thumb touch each other while the other fingers

are held straight without any gap.

Mayura can be used to denote the following

Mayura means Peacock. It depicts a peacock’s neck

A Creeper

A Bird

Vomiting

Separating the hair locks

Applying Tilak on the forehead

Dispersing water of the river

Something Famous

Discussing the Shastras

ARDHACHANDRA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

In Ardhachandra all the finger are held straight and together, except the thumb

finger which is held apart. It is just like the Pataka gesture , but the thumb finger

is held straight and not bent like in Pataka.

It is used to denote the following:-

It denotes the eight phase of the wanning fortnight of the

moon. (Half Moon)

A hand seizing the throat

A Spear

Consecrating and bathing an image

A dinning Plate

source or beginning

Waist

contemplation

Meditation

prayers

Touching of ones limbs

Accosting ordinary people

AARALA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

It is done when the Index finger is bent while doing the Pataka Mudra. Here the

index finger is bent along with the thumb, while the other fingers are held

straight.

It is used to denote the following.

Drinking poison , nectar etc

Violent wind

SHUKATUNDA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

When the Ring finger of the Arala mudra  is bent we get Shukatunda Hasta.

Shukatunda is used to denote the following:

Shukatunda literally means a Parrots Head

A shooting of an arrow

A spear

Remembering one’s Abode

Saying of Mystic things

A violent mood

MUSHTHI HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

In simple words it is a closed fist position of the palm. When the four fingers are

pressed closely against the palm, while, the thumb is held tightly between the

palm and the other four fingers.The thumb can also be placed on the four fingers

It is used to Denote the following :-

Grasping objects

Combative position of the wrestlers

Steady fastness of a person.

SHIKHARA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

Here all the fingers are bent and pressed against the Palm except the thumb.

The thumb is raised and held erect. (like the thumbs-up Sign)

 

It is used to denote the following:

An Armour

A Bow

A Pillar

Making offering to Manes

Upper lips

A tooth

Questioning

Saying No

Recollection

Pulling a griddle

An act of embracing

Sounding of Bells

Drinking

KAPITTA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

While doing Shikhara mudra, bending the pointer finger and pressing it over

the thumb is the Kapitta mudra.

It is used to denote the following:-

Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati

Milking Cows

Holding Cymbals

Holding Flowers at the time of making Love.

Grasping the end of the robes

Offering Insense or Light

Collyrium (applying Kajal)

KATAKAMUKHA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

Katakamukha means “Opening in a Bracelet”. Its done by bringing together

the index finger, middle finger and thumb. The ring finger and the little finger

are raised at angles as shown.

Katakamukha is generally used to express the following

Plucking or picking flowers

Holding a necklace or a garland

Pulling the bow string

Talking and Seeing

To show preparing a paste of sandal or musk

Offering Beetle leaves

SUCHI HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

The Middle finger, Ring finger and Little finger is pressed against the thumb,

while the forefinger is held straight.

It is used to denote the following

A Neddle

Number one

The Supreme soul

One hundred

The Sun

A City

The world

Saying “like that” or “that which”

Lonliness

Threatening

Growing slim

A rod

Body

Astonishment

Matted locks

An Umbrella

Capability

Hair

Beating Drums

A potter’s wheel

Circumference of a wheel

Declining of the Day

Enquiry

CHANDRAKALA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

Chandrakala means Digit of the Moon. Release the thumb in Suchi Mudra and

hold it straight (like in Shikhara gesture).

It is used to denote the following

Moon

Face

Objects of the similar shape

Extent between the thumb and the Index finger

The crescent on Lord Shiva’s Head

The Ganga river

A club (weapon)

PADMAKOSHA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

All the fingers are stretched and slightly brought closer to form Padmakosha.

Padmakosha is used to denote the following:-

Indicate fruits such as wood-apple and Bel (Bel is a native

of India. From time immemorial it has been regarded as a

medicinal herb. It is round in shape and resembles a wood-

apple. It is of the normal ball-size. It is sweet in taste. It

contains a lot of seeds.)

Bosoms of women

Circular movement

Ball

Cooking pot

Bell

Bunch of flowers

Hibiscus

Ant-hill

Lotus

Egg

Taking meals

Mango

Flower bud

Scattering of Flowers

SARPASHIRSHA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

This mudra is like the snakes hood. When the Hand is held in Pataka Mudra

and the fingers are bend from the tip to form a hollowed palm we get

Sarpashirsha Mudra.

This Mudra is used to denote the following.

A Snakes Hood

Sandal Paste

Middle tone

Sprinkling

Nourishing

Giving water to Gods and sages

Moving to and fro

Movement of protrusion of Elephants head

Show the Arms of wrestlers

MRIGASHIRSA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

Fingers are bent from the knuckles except for the little finger and the thumb

which is held straight.

It is used to denote the following:-

A Deer’s head

Lord Krishna (when held with both hands)

Womens cheek

A Wheel

Fears

Quarrel

Costume or dress

Tripundraka made on the forehead (Tilak on lord Shiva’s

forehead)

A lute

Massage on the feet

Female reproductive organ

Holding Umbrella

Stepping and calling the beloved

SIMHAMUKHA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

When the middle finger and the ring finger press against the thumb, while the

other fingers are held straight we get the Simhamukha Hasta. Simhamukha

means Lion -faced. In the Hindu Mythology lord Narashimha Murthy (an

incarnation of Vishnu) has the face of a Lion. He is Known as the “Great

Protector” of his Devotees .

The shloka says that this hasta can be used to denote :

A fire Sacrifice (Homa or Havan)

A Rabbit

Elephant

Movement of  darbha grass . This grass is used by the pujari to

make rings and worn during the time of pooja to sprinkle holy

water. It is regarded as sacred and is a must for all Hindu

rituals. It is also called as Kusha or Munja.

Garland made of lotus

Face of a Lion

Preparation of Medicine by physicians

KANGULA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

In kangula, the ring finger in bent while the other fingers are stretched out.

 

Kangula Mudra can be used to denote the following

To represent Lakuca fruit

Bell

Bells worn by children

Chakora bird

Betel-nut tree

The bosoms of young maiden

White Lilly flower

Coconut

Caataka bird. (Skylark)

ALAPADMA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

Alapdma means “Fully Bloomed Lotus”. Here the fingers are held in such a

manner as if to ask “why”. The little finger points up and thereafter the other

fingers follow.

Alapadma is used to express the following:

A fully bloomed Lotus

To show fruits such as Apple

Circular movement

Bosom

A full Moon

Hair knot

Show Beauty

Separation from dear one

A Mirror

A Village

Cakravaka Bird

High Altitudes

CHATURA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

When the thumb in Mrigashirsa mudra is held at the base of the Index, middle

and ring finger we get the Chatura Hasta.

Following are the instances where Chatura can be used

To indicate lesser quantity

Musk

Gold

Copper

Iron

Dampness

Grief

Aesthetic pleasures

Eyes

Difference in caste

Proof

Sweetness

Slower gait

Breaking into pieces

Face

Oil and ghee

BHRAMARA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

When the Index finger in the Katakamukha mudra, is placed in between the

middle finger and the thumb we get the Bhramara mudra. The Index finger

can also be curled and placed. Bhramara looks like a Bee and thus it is called

Bee shaped.

It says that Bhramara can be used to denote

A Bee

A Parrot

A Wing

A Heron

A Cuckoo

Some other birds

HAMSASYE HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

In Hamsasye the Thumb and the Index finger touch each other at the tips,

while the other fingers are straight, separated and stretched. Hamsasye

means a Swan’s Beak.

It states Hamsasye Mudras can be used to denote:

An auspicious occasion or festival

Tying thread

Ascertaining the imparted instructions

Horripilation (Romancha)

Pearl

Light a lamp

A touchstone (stone meant to test gold)

Flowers like Jasmine

To draw picture

Impeding the current of water.

HANSAPAKSHIKA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

While in the Mrigashirsha mudra only the thumb is bent along with the other

fingers.

It is used to denote the following :-

Swans wing

Number six

Construction of a bridge

Engraving with nails and covering

MUKULA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

Mukula means a Bud. When all the five finger are brought together and touch

each other at the tip, we get the Mukula hasta.

This sloka talks about the various uses of Mukula. It can denote the following :

A lily flower

Eating

Manmatha with his arrows. (God of love or the churner of

hearts)

Holding the Signet

Navel

Flower or a Bud

TAMRACHUDA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

When the Index finger of the Suchi Mudra is bent, we get the Tamrachuda

hasta. Also while the doing the Mukula hasta, if the Index finger is held like a

question mark, we get the Tamrachuda. Tamrachua means a Cock or a Cocks

head.

This shloka says that tamrachuda can denote :

A Rooster, Cock

A birds head

A Heron, Crane

A Crow

A Camel

A Calf

A pen that is used to engrave.

TRISHULA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

In Sanskrit ‘Tri’ means three and ‘Shula’ means a spear. Thus Trishula is a

kind of spear with Three sharp points rather than one. It is one of the popular

symbols of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is called also as ‘Trishula Dhara’ ie one

who holds the Trishula.

When the Thumb and the little finger are bent or meet each other, while the

Index, Middle and the ring finger are held straight. This Gesture looks like the

weapon Trishula.

The shloka says that Trishula Mudra can be used to denote :

A holy trinity (Brahma, Vishnu , Mahesh)

Or an Idea of Three

Bilva leaves ( A holy leaf used to worship lord Shiva)

ARDHASUCHI HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

If in the Kapitta gesture, the Index finger is kept straight and the thumb is

slightly moved up, we get Ardhasuchi hand gesture.

It says that Ardhasuchi is used to denote

1. Sprouts

2. Chicks or small ones of the birds

3. Big Worms

VYAGRAHA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

When the hands are held like paws of a tiger we get Vyagraha Hasta.

Shloka says that such a gesture is used to denote

1. A Tiger

2. A frog

3. An Ape

4. Nacre. Nacre is crystalline aragonite or calcium carbonate.

Shellfish and mollusks excrete it when they are exposed to a

parasite or a foreign body introduced into a shell. Nacre is

Known for its shine and iridescence, and its coating on shells

is called mother of pearl.

KATAKA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

While in the Simhamukha hand gesture, the Middle finger and the ring finger

is bent to form an arch. Also the thumb is slightly bent. Thus a “C” shape is

formed with the Middle finger, Ring finger and the thumb. The other fingers

are Erect.

This Hasta can be used to denote:

A Bracelet

Holding of Dumro (drums) by lord Nataraja.

An Animal head.

SANDAMSHA HAND GESTURE (MUDRA)

Sandamsha involves closing and opening of fingers. It means all the finger get

closer touching each other at the tip and then open up separating.

 

Lets study the viniyogas Samdamsha hasta :

Sandamsha means a Pincer. (It is also called as Chimta or

Pakkad in some parts of India)

A belly

Offerings made to deities

Wound

Worms

To show number five

To show great anxiety

Worship