Mudras

Mudr (Sanskrit) is "spiritual gesture" and energetic "seal of authenticity" employed in the iconography and spiritual practice of Indian religions.

Mudrs are arm, hand and body positions used in the traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. The great Buddha knew the use of mudrs and is often depicted using these ritual gestures. Various Kung Fu forms contain positions identical to these mudrs.
108 mudras are used in regular Tantric rituals. Mudras are also used in Indian Classical Dance. There are over 200 mudras in bharatanatyam and over 250 in mohiniattam.

Shank Mudra
It is commonly used during worship or prayer. Enhances mental state of serenity, calm and harmony.

The left thumb is placed on the center of the right palm. The right hand forms a firm grip around the left thumb. The left hand rests against the right fist. Right thumb touching the left index finger.

Pushan Mudra

It demonstrates the understanding that life energy moves with ebb and flow motion. Detoxifies and pumps energy.

Right hand: Thumb, index finger, and middle finger touch at tips. Ring finger and pinky fingers are fully extended. Left hand: Thumb, middle finger, and ring finger touch at tips. Index and pinky fingers are fully extended.

Matangi Mudra

Creates an atmosphere of calmness and serenity. Tames conflicts. This hand gesture resembles the trunk of an elephant; Improves digestion and strengthens heart, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and kidneys.

Fold both hands together with fingers intertwined. Extend both middle fingers outward and point them toward the skies.

Gyan Mudra

Increases memory power and sharpens the brain. Enhances concentration and prevents Insomnia If we practice it regularly, it will cure all psychological disorders like Hysteria, Anger and Depression

Touch the tip of the thumb to the tip of the index finger, with the other three fingers stretched out.

Ushas Mudra

This gesture helps to spark creativity and enliven sexuality. Good catalyst for new projects.

Females: Interlaced fingers with palms facing upwards. Encircle right thumb between left thumb and index fingers. Males: Interlaced fingers with palms facing upwards. Right thumb rests on top of left thumb with gentle pressure.

Vitarka Mudra

A symbol of wisdom, this is a variation of the Dharmachakra mudra.

Thumbs and index fingers of both hands join at tips forming circles. Left hand sits upon lap, palm facing upwards. Right hand is held at shoulder height with palm facing downwards.

Apana Mudra

This has a grounding force to help you connect with the earth's energies whenever you are feeling off- balance or flighty. Purifies the entire body and removes toxins

Tips of thumb, middle and ring finger are joined. Pinky and index fingers are extended.

Dharmachakra Mudra

Brings an eternal change within a person; smoothens mood.

Thumbs and index fingers are joined. Middle, ring, and pinky fingers are extended in a relaxed fashion. With left palm facing the body and right palm faced outward join thumbs and index fingers of both hands.

Garuda Mudra

Its used to heighten intuition. It activates blood circulation and alleviates exhaustion.

Place right palm over the top of left hand, spreading fingers apart and crossing thumbs on the lower abdomen; 3 times a day for 4 mts each time.

Prana Mudra

It increases vitality with extra boost of energy; treats eye disorders; gives structured ideas, courage and selfconfidence.

Thumb, ring, and pinky are touching. Index and middle finger are extended. Its exercised with both hands, 5 to 30 mts per day or thrice a day. It activates the root chakra

Linga Mudra
It is used as a remedy for the lungs, guarding against colds and cold weather. Strengthens immune system. Helps to reduce weight.

Interlace fingers of both hands, extending one thumb upwards, encircle extended thumb with the index finger and thumb of your other hand. Right thumb up for MEN; 3 times a day for 15 mts each time.

Hakini Mudra

This helps thinking & concentration. Powers the brain. Its also partially cures autism, when done along with some asanas.

Hands and fingers are open and spread apart. Join hands together at the thumbs and fingertips. Direct eyes upward and place tip of tongue on gums while inhaling and let the tongue fall while exhaling. Sit

Shunya Mudra

Assists listening and speech. Primarily a remedy for ear afflictions/ deafness. Cures numbness of any part; improves voice of born-dumb people.

Lower the middle finger and place finger pad on the fleshy mound area of your thumb, cover it with your thumb. Index, ring and pinky fingers are extended.

Vajra Mudra

Stimulates blood circulation; reduces restlessness n dizziness.

Right-handed fist surrounds left index finger. Remaining fingers of left hand also form a fist below the right hand. Practise this mudra 3 times a day for 5 mts each time with both hands.

Kubera Mudra

This is used for creating wealth and reaching your goals. It leads to complete repose, confidence and serenity of the mind. It decongests frontal sinuses.

Tips of thumb, index, and middle fingers are joined. Ring finger and pinky are folded into the palm. While practising this mudra, the wish should be phrased in a positive way.

Dhyana Mudra

It is used during meditation and relaxed states; Symbolizes the world of appearance and the true nature of reality.

Hands form a cup or bowl. Thumbs touch at the tips or comfortably overlapped.

Anjali Mudra

It is used as a salutation or greeting Namaste. NAMA means bow; AS means i; TE means you. So, I bow to you. In this simple gesture lies the timelessness of India, which represents the belief that there is a Divine Spark within each of us.

It reduces stress & anxiety; calms the brain; creates flexibility in fingers, wrists and arms; opens the heart.

Hands are held together in prayer fashion directly over the chest. Draw chin towards chest; touch centre of forehead with fingertips; pause; and take back hands to the chest level.

Uttarabodhi Mudra

This mudra of enlightenment refreshes the system and dispels fear; helps to soothe excited nerves. It is a gesture that identifies with a supreme power; Symbolizes perfection.

Index fingers touch one another and are extended, pointing toward the skies. Remaining fingers are crossed and folded down. Thumbs are cross or held next to

Bhutadamar Mudra

This serves as a shield keeping negative energies away.

Palms are facing outwards away from the body. Wrists are crossed. Ring fingers are placed down toward the palms.

Ahamkara Mudra

It can be used when you are feeling "less-than" or fearful.

Index finger is bent slightly. Place thumb on the middle of bent index finger. Middle, ring and pink fingers are extended.

Buddha Mudra

This symbolizes being humble and learning to be grateful. Palms are open to receive gifts.

Both palms open. Rest one hand inside the other hand's open palm. Thumb tips are touching (traditionally, right hand rests on left for men, left on right for women).

Kalesvara Mudra

This calms anxious thoughts and agitated feelings. Eliminates addiction.

Place both palms together pairing thumbs and all fingers at tips. Fold index, ring, and pinky fingers downward. Middle fingers are extended outward. Point thumbs toward your body. Breathe slowly.

Kapitthaka Mudra

Smiling Buddha Mudra is done to bring in happy mood.

Index and middle fingers are held beside each other while extended. Ring and pinky fingers are tucked inside the palm. Thumbs rest on tucked fingers. 10 mts and thrice daily.

Yoni Mudra

Feminine Adi Shakti Primal Power Mudra - represents getting in touch with female energies. Symbolizes a woman's vulva.

Hands form an almond shape with joined thumbs extended upwards. Fingers are joined at tips extended downwards.

Mukula Mudra

This resembles the bud of a lotus flower. Represents new beginnings or start up a new enterprise. Energy giving and relaxing; Cures any disease.

All fingers and thumb are joined together, pointed upwards.

Prithvi Mudra

It recharges the root chakra aligning it with earth energies; strengthens weak organs; elevates tolerance & patience. Makes one broad-minded.

Tips of thumb and ring finger are joined. Remaining fingers are extended.

Suchi Mudra

Helpful for chronic constipation. Tames uncontrolled behaviors such as impatience, temper tantrums, clinging to others, etc.

Form a fist, extend index finger pointing up and out away from the body, inhale with arms extended and hold for six breaths.

Surabhi Mudra

Balances the five elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Metal; brings stability; removes impurity; improves concentration; grants human wishes.

Fingers and thumbs are joined at tips. Thumbs touching each other. Left index finger joins right middle finger. Right index finger joins left middle finger. Left ring finger joins right pinky finger. Right ring finger joins left pinky finger.

Akash Mudra

Helps to "center" your energies. It nourishes any part of your body that is lacking.

Thumb and middle finger are joined. Index, ring, and pinky fingers are extended.

Abhayaprada Mudra

A protective hand gesture symbolizes courage and strength; mind becomes fearless.

Raise your right hand to shoulder height and hold upward with arm bent and palm facing away from your body. Left hand hanging down while standing.

Ganesha Mudra

Symbolizes strength when facing troubles. Eases tension. Strengthens heart muscles; Boosts confidence.

Palm of your right hands facing your chest. Left hand grasps the right hand forming a locking grasp, tugging firmly. Inhale and let go of tension. Do 6 times; change hand positions and repeat 6 times

Mahasirs Mudra

Gives relief for headaches, stress, tension, etc.

Thumb, index and middle fingers are joined at tips. Ring finger is folded into the palm and tucked into the fleshy part of the thumb. Pinky is extended. 3 times a day for 6 mts each time

Mushti Mudra

Used as an outlet for "letting go" or releasing pent up

emotions or energies. Promotes digestion.

Hold hand in a fist with thumb placed over the ring finger. Practise this with both hands.

Bhudi Mudra

Helps you get in touch with your innermost feelings. Maintains fluid balance; improves sense of taste.

Pinky and thumb tips are touching. Index, middle, and ring fingers are extended. 3 times a day for 15 mts each.

Kundalini Mudraof This confirms awakening

sexual force and epitomizes the conjugation of individual soul with cosmic soul.

Make a fist with both hands; insert left index finger into right fist from below and let the tip touch the pad of the right thumb; hold as low as low as possible in front of abdomen. Thrice a day for 15mts each.

Bhramara Mudra

Removes root cause of allergies; Restores healthy intestine; improves immune system and prevents swelling, inflammation and unhealthy growth of tonsils.

Practise this mudra for 4 times a day for 7 minutes each time as shown.