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Mudras in WorshipMudras in Worship

Adapted from works ofAdapted from works of

Swami Satyananda SaraswatiSwami Satyananda Saraswati

Devi Mandir Publications

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What are Mudras?What are Mudras?

Mudras are symbolic gesturesthatdemonstrate a specific attitude or respectaccording to the various meanings found inthe ceremonies of worship.

When the fingers assume the appropriatepositions the mind automatically conceivesthe corresponding attitude.

!hus mudras are an effective techni"ue tobring the mind into a state of harmony.

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Sankalpa MudraSankalpa Mudra

!he Sankalpa MudraSankalpa Mudra is

used for stating the

date time and placethe performer

proposed activity

and purpose prior to

the commencementof worship.

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Purifying MudrasPurifying Mudras

Purifying Mudras are used

in the purification of

articles of worship fore#ample water and

flowers.

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Water PurificationWater Purification

!hree mudras are used se"uentially inpurifying water during pu$a. !hesemudras are waved over the containerof water which may be a conch or

cup.

Matsya Dhenu Ankush

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Matsya MudraMatsya Mudra

!he Matsya MudraMatsya Mudra is the

mudra of the fish

which symboli%es

swimming across the

ocean of worldlinesswithout fear. Shree

Maa tells us to be like

the fish at the bottom

of the pond. &e isalways in the mud but

never dirty.

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Dhenu MudraDhenu Mudra

!he Dhenu MudraDhenu Mudra is

the mudra of the

cow which

indicates the onewho pours forth

nourishing

goodness in

abundance.

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Ankush MudraAnkush Mudra

!heAnkusha MudraAnkusha Mudrais the mudra of thegoad or curved

sword whichsymboli%esprodding seekerson towards theirultimate goal orcutting down theini"uities of theego.

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Purification of 'lowersPurification of 'lowers

(oth the DhenuDhenu and

the PrathanaPrathana

mudras are used in

purifying flowers tobe offered for

worship. !he

mudras are waved

over the flowers inse"uence.

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Prathana MudraPrathana Mudra

!he Prathana MudraPrathana Mudra

is the mudra of

prayer and the

worshiper whodemonstrates this

mudra prays for

purity and clarity.