What are mudras and what do they symbolize?

What are mudras and what do they symbolize?

Mudras are a non-verbal mode of communication and self-expression, consisting of hand gestures and finger- postures. They are symbolic sign based finger patterns taking the place, but retaining the efficacy of the spoken word, and are used to evoke in the mind ideas symbolizing divine powers or the deities themselves.

What is the meaning of Pataka mudra?

1: Pataka – All five fingers are held together without any gaps between the fingers. It is used to portray the action of blessing, to depict the air, sky, or water, to beckon another by waving the hand, to represent a plate, to indicate a stop, or to slap.

What is Utpatti in Kathak?

The word Utpatti itself means ‘the origin’. The Guru kicks off our journey in Kathak by talking about this very basic hand gesture. She considers it the ‘home’ position as all other gestures of a Kathak dancer stem from this one.

How many mudras are there in music?

In Bharatanatyam, the Classical Dance of India performed by Lord Nataraja, approximately fifty-five root mudras (hand/finger gestures) are used to clearly communicate specific ideas, events, actions, or creatures in which thirty-two require only one hand, and are classified as `Asamyukta Hasta’, along with twenty-three …

How many mudras are there in India?

Indian classical dance and Thai dances The Natya Shastra describes 24 mudras, while the Abhinaya Darpana of Nandikeshvara gives 28. In all their forms of Indian classical dance, the mudras are similar, though the names and uses vary. There are 28 (or 32) root mudras in Bharatanatyam, 24 in Kathakali and 20 in Odissi.

What are powerful mudras?

10 Powerful Hand Mudras – Healing tools in the palm of your hand

1. Jnana Mudra. Jnana means knowledge and this mudra is used to stimulate knowledge within.
2. Prithvi Mudra. Prithvi means earth and the ring finger is associated with the earth element.
3. Vayu Mudra.
4. Shunya Mudra.
5. Surya Mudra.
6. Prana Mudra.
7. Apana Mudra.
8. Vyana Vayu Mudra.

What do hand mudras meaning?

‘Mudra’, a Sanskrit word, means a symbolic hand gesture that has the power of producing joy and happiness. Mudras help to link the brain to the body, soothe pain, stimulate endorphins, change the mood and increase our vitality. Mudras have been an integral part of many Hindu and Buddhist rituals.

What is the meaning of Mayura Mudra?

Mayura – Mayura means “Peacock”. In this mudra the ring finger and the tip of the thumb touch each other while the other fingers are held straight without any gap.

Which is the classical dance of India?

Bharatanatyam. Bharatanatyam is a dance of Tamil Nadu in southern India. It traces its origins back to the Natyashastra, an ancient treatise on theatre written by the mythic priest Bharata. Originally a temple dance for women, bharatanatyam often is used to express Hindu religious stories and devotions.

What is a raga Mudra?

A mudra (IAST: Mudrā; Sanskrit for sign or symbol) is a term woven into compositions in Indian classical music, particularly Carnatic music, that indicates the identity of the composer, a patron, the raga, tala, or style. A composer might use his own name or a pseudonym.

What are the various dance mudras in Kathak?

It makes the story easy to understand. Today we are going to learn about various dance mudras in kathak and its meaning. Their are 2 types of hasta mudras : samyukt ( double handed ) and asamyukt (single handed). Pathakam is done with all fingers held straight like the Stop sign.

What is the meaning of the word ‘mudra’?

The word mudra is formed by adding the suffix “ra” to it, meaning “to give”. The meaning in the scriptures is defined as the following – a hand gesture is the formation of our hands which pleases the gods and the worshiper is free from all enmity, anger, and other vices.

What is the meaning of Katak mudra in Sanskrit?

Katak: In Sandansh mudra, if the middle and ring finger are stretched straight, it is Katak mudra. It is used to denote “calling” someone, looking, walking, etc. 32. Palli: In Mayur hasta, when the index finger is placed behind the middle finger, it is known as Palli.

What is the meaning of the Hindi word ‘Chandrakala’?

Chandrakala means Digit of the Moon. Release the thumb in Suchi Mudra and hold it straight All the fingers are stretched and slightly brought closer to form Padmakosha. 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.