top of page

MUDRA

DEFINITION:

One of the most striking features of Indian classical dance is the use of Mudra (hand gestures).

Mudra is a symbolic hand gesture used in Indian Classical dance to express the emotions of the dance themes. They are a prominent part of the dancer's vocabulary.

TYPES OF MUDRA:

Asamyukta Hasta Mudra

MUDRA

Samyukta Hasta Mudra

ASAMYUKTA HASTA MUDRA (ASANJUKTA)- 28

Anchor 1

These are the mudras shown on a single hand or on separate hands.

Pataka-Flag

Tripataka-Flag in three parts

Ardhapataka-Half flag 

Kartari Mukha-Scissors face

Mayura-Peacock
Ardhachandra-Half moon 
Arala-Bent
Shukhatunda-Beak of a parrot
Mushthi-Fist
Shikhara – Spire
Kapittha – Wood apple
Kataka Mukha– Types of birds(3 types)
Suchi – Needle
Chandrakala – Dark moon
Padmakosha – Half open lotus flower
IMG_0857.JPG
Sarpashirsha – Serpent head
IMG_0858.JPG
Mrigashirsha – Deer head
Simhamukha – Lion Face
Kangula – Lily
Alapadma – Fully open lotus flower
IMG_0865.JPG
Chatura – Four
Bramhara – Bee
Hamsasaya – Swan
Samdamsa – Firefly
Mukula – Flower bud
Tamrachuda – Rooster(2 types)
Trishula – Trident (Emblem of Lord Shiva)

SAMYUKTA HASTA MUDRA(SANJUKTA)- 23

Anchor 2

Samyukta Hasta mudras are the hand gestures shown with both the hands joined together.

Anjali - Salutation
Kapota – Dove
Karkata – Crab
Swastika – Cross
Dola Hasta – Drummer's hands(2 types)
Pushpaputa – Flower casket
Utsanga – Embrace
Shivalinga – Sign of Lord Shiva
Katakavardhana – Chain
Kartariswastika – Crossed arrows
Samputa – Casket
Pasha-Noose
Kilaka-Bond
Matsya - Fish
Kurma-Turtle
Varaha – Wild boar
Nagabandha – Serpents tied
Khatva – Cot
Bherunda – Two-headed bird
Shankha – Conch shell
Chakra – Rotating disc
Garuda – Eagle
Shakata – Cart
bottom of page