Mudra

A mudra is a hand gesture with multiple functions.

History

In the classical sense, a mudra denotes some relationship to Hinduism or a specific deity. In ancient texts, one will more often find the word hasta to describe a positioning of the hands and fingers, particularly within the context of dance and dance drama.

The importance of mudras cannot be overstated; they illustrate the Divine, give instruction, express emotions, connect dancers with spiritual and devotional practices, and channel dancers' shakti (primal force). Hands can generate and move energy, call attention to an action or thought, and portray feelings.

The importance of mudras is mentioned in the Abhinaya Darpana:

Where the hand goes, the eyes follow.

Where the eyes go, the mind follows.

Where the mind (awareness) is, mood or emotion (bhava) is created.

Once bhava is created, sentiment (rasa) arises.

Mudras in Dance

There is an almost endless variety of mudras within classical dance and, along with other body parts, including the eyes, feet, legs, waist, eyelids, lips, and eyebrows, they help illustrate the mood and state of being which the artist is trying to portray.

Mudras can be executed with either a single hand or both hands. These are called asanyukt hasta mudra and sanyukt hasta mudras, respectively.

Common Mudras

Asanyukt Mudras

• pataka
• tripataka

Further Reading

Carroll, Cain, and Revital Carroll. Mudras of India. London: Singing Dragon, 2012. ISBN 978-1-84819-084-9