MUDRA

Mudra (Sanskrit: ममदद) literally means "seal", "brand" or "gesture", it is a symbolic gesture used in Tantric
rituals of both Hindu and Buddhist tradition. The mudras can be performed with the whole body but most
are performed with the hands. Mudras are part of a system that uses the body to express and emphasize
the intentions of the mind. Are often used in yoga practice in association with breathing (pranayama), in
meditation and for healing purposes. Stimulate different parts of the body and affect the flow of prana,
the vital energy. It is also said that the mudras are the language of the Devas.

We can note how in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist iconography every god or goddess adopt a particular
mudra, which along with the weapons or objects held by the deity, symbolize a particular energy or
quality.

In Tantric rituals 108 mudras are used.

In the ancient text on yoga Gheranda Samhita 25 mudras are mentioned:

महदममदद नभभोममदद उदद्दीयनन जलन्धरम म ।

मल
म बन्धभो महदबन्धभो महदववेधश्च खवेचरर ॥ १ ॥
ववपररतकरर यभोननवर्वजभोलर शककतचदलनद्दी ।
तदददगद्दी मण्डमककीममदद शदम्भवद्दी पञ्चधदरणद ॥ २ ॥
अकश्वनद्दी पदशनद्दी कदककी मदतङ्गद्दी च भमजनगगनद्दी ।
पञ्चववनशनतममददश्च ससिवद्धिदद इह यभोगगनम म ॥ ३ ॥
mahāmudrā nabhomudrā uddīyānaṃ jalandharam |
mulabandho mahābandho mahāvedhaśca khecarī || 1 ||
viparītakarī yonirvajrolī śakticālanī |
tādāgī maṇḍukīmudrā śāmbhavī pañcadhāraṇā || 2 ||
aśvinī pāśanī kākī mātaṅgī ca bhujaṃginī |
pañcaviṃśatimudrāśca siddhidā ih yoginam || 3 ||

Mahamudra, Nabhomudra, Uddiyanamudra, Jalandharamudra

Muhlabandhamudra, Mahabandhamudra, Mahavedhamudra, and Khecharimudra
Viparitakaranimudra, Yonimudra, Vajrolimudra, Shaktichalani,
Tadagimudra, Mandukimudra, Shambhavimudra, the five Dharana,
Ashvinimudra, Pashinimudra, Kakimudra, Matangimudra and Bhujanginimudra:
these 25 mudras grant to yogis success in this world.

Other text where mudras are mentioned: Hatha Yoga Pradipika - Shiva Samhita

Here are listed the most popular and well-known mudras:

Description Symbology
Chin Mudra
Gesture of Conscience

Join the tip of the thumb and the forefinger as to form a circle, the other fingers are joined and extended
outwards, with the middle finger near the unfolded part of the forefinger. To be executed with both
hands, palms facing upward.
It represents the Union between man and the divine.
Jñana Mudra

Gesture of Knowledge

Like Chin Mudra but with the palms facing downward.

It represents the Union between man and the divine.
Abhaya Mudra
Gesture of Fearlessness

The right hand raised to shoulder height, the arm bent and the palm facing outward with the fingers
together in a vertical position.
It represents security, benevolence, peace and victory over fear. Abhaya Mudra is the gesture of peace
world-wide common to many cultures.
Adi Mudra
First Gesture

With your palms facing down, place your thumb inside the palm of the hand touching the base of the
little finger. Close the four fingers on the thumb to create a fist. The respiration must be long and deep.
Adi means first and Adi Mudra is the first position adopted by the newborn.
Dhyana Mudra
Gesture of Meditation

To be executed while sitting in a comfortable position (in the yoga in Sukhāsana or in Siddhāsana) with
both hands resting on the legs, the right hand over the left. The palms are facing upwards and fingers
remain extended.
This mudra is one of the most well-known, is present in many of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain iconography.
It represents the illumination above the illusion.
Apana Mudra
Gesture of the vital air Apana (also called Mudra of Digestion)

Join the tip of the thumb with the tip of the middle and ring fingers, while keeping the other fingers
straight. To be executed with both hands.
Apana, literally means "air that runs", is one of the five vital airs (prana), is associated with the lower part
of the abdomen, moves downwards and outwards and governs all forms of elimination and reproduction.
Energizing Mudra.
Mrigi Mudra
Gesture of Deer

The same as in Apana Mudra.

Join the tip of the thumb with the tip of the middle and ring fingers, while keeping the other fingers
straight.
Used in Pooja and Sadhana.
Tarpana Mudra
Gesture of Offering
Join the tip of the thumb with the tip of the ring fingers, while keeping the other fingers straight.
Used in Pooja and Sadhana.
Apana Vayu Mudra
Gesture of the Heart

Join the tip of the thumb, ring and middle finger, while the forefinger touches the base of the thumb,
keeping the little finger straight. To be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
It is called Mudra of the Heart for its influence upon the heart and blood pressure.
It reduces the gas content in body.
Prana Mudra
Gesture of the Vital Air

To be executed while sitting in a comfortable position (in the yoga in Sukhāsana or in Siddhāsana),
focusing on the breath. The tips of the little finger and ring finger touch the tip of the thumb, keeping the
other fingers straight. To be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.

It symbolizes the life force. Prana is the vital air that flows in our body. There are 5 vital airs: Prana,
Apana, Vyana, Udana, Samana.
Ganesh Mudra
Gesture of Ganesh

To be executed while sitting in a comfortable position, focusing on the breath. Hang up your hands to the
heart. The left outside, the right in front of the heart.

It symbolizes Ganesh, the elephant-headed God, known as the remover of obstacles.

It stimulates the fourth chakra, Anahata.
Kalesvara Mudra
Gesture of Kalesvara

To be executed while sitting in a comfortable position, focusing on the breath. The tip of the middle and
thumbs touching, the other fingers are joined folded inside. Place your thumbs to the heart.

It symbolizes Kalesvara, God of Time.

It calms the mind.
Matangi Mudra
Gesture of the Goddess Matangi

Join the hands at stomach height, palms are towards each other with fingers facing upwards. The fingers
of the right hand are entwined with those of the left, with the exception of the middle fingers that remain
straight and joined.
It symbolizes the relationship with Mother Earth.
Yoni Mudra
Yoni Gesture

Join hands in front of the stomach with palms facing your tummy, thumbs joined up and forefingers
joined down to form a triangle.
Yoni, meaning vagina, uterus, symbolizes the origin of life, the feminine energy, the creative power,
Shakti. This mudra insulates the practitioner from the outside world as a fetus in the womb of the
mother.
Yoni Mudra
Yoni Gesture

Fold the hands, under the right than the left.

Grab with the index fingers the ring fingers.
Then stretch out the middle fingers, the little fingers and thumbs.
Yoni, meaning vagina, uterus, symbolizes the origin of life, the feminine energy, the creative power,
Shakti. This mudra symbolizes the yonis of the three Mothers.
Linga Mudra
Linga Gesture

Cross fingers of both hands. Keep the left thumb straight surrounded by the right thumb and forefinger.
Linga is the symbol of Shiva, represents the universe.
This mudra produces heat in the body.
Kundalini Mudra
Kundalini Gesture

To be executed while sitting in a comfortable position (in the yoga in Sukhāsana, Vajrāsana or in
Siddhāsana), focusing on the breath.
Form two overlapping fists, extend the left index and grab it with the right fist on it. Cover the tip of the
index with your thumb.
Hold the Mudra on Muladhara.
It symbolizes the union of individual soul with the cosmic soul.
Rudra Mudra
Rudra Gesture

To be executed while sitting in a comfortable position (in the yoga in Sukhāsana, Vajrāsana or in
Siddhāsana), focusing on the breath.
Combine the tip of the thumb, index and ring fingers. Medium and little fingers straight but relaxed. It is
performed with both hands, palms facing up.
Symbolizes Rudra, the terrific aspect of Shiva.
Very powerful mudra with different beneficial effects on the body.
Brahma Mudra
Brahma Gesture

To be executed while sitting in a comfortable position (in the yoga in Sukhāsana, Vajrāsana or in
Siddhāsana), focusing on the breath.
With the palms facing upwards and located at the level of the navel, place your thumb inside the Palm of
the hand touching the base of the little finger. Close the four fingers on the thumb to create a fist. Join
the knuckles of the hands like in the picture alongside.
It symbolizes Brahma, the creator aspect of the divine.
Ankusha Mudra
Gesture of the Goad

Folded index, medium straight.

It symbolizes Ganesh goad. Also used to encourage the deities to move from the spiritual world to the
material. Or even to encourage the soul towards the ultimate goal.
Matsya Mudra
Gesture of the Fish

Right palm below, left Palm over. Thumbs move as if they were the fins of fish. (this mode is mainly
Tantric, other schools put right above)
Symbolizes the Fish.
It symbolizes also swimming across the ocean of worldliness without fear.
Dhenu Mudra
Gesture of the Cow

Fold the hands, under the right than the left.

The right index finger touches the left middle.
The left index finger touches the right middle.
The right little finger touches the left ring finger.
The left little finger touches the right ring.
Thumbs inside.
It symbolizes the muzzle of a cow, the one who always nourishes with love.
Kurmāsana Mudra
Gesture of the Turtle

Under the left hand: thumb, index and little finger raised.
The other fingers touch the palm.
Above the right hand: thumb, index and little finger down.
The other fingers touch the palm.
Join the two hands, the right index finger on the left thumb, right little finger on the left index, right
thumb on the left palm, right little finger on the left palm.
Bring Mudra to the heart.
It symbolizes a throne shaped like a turtle.
Used in Pooja and Sadhana.
Shankh Mudra
Gesture of the Conch

Hold the left thumb with the four fingers of the right hand.
The left middle touches the right thumb.
Bring Mudra to the heart.
Do it singing the mantra AUM.
Symbolizes the Ritual Conch.
Used in Pooja and Sadhana.

Relationship between fingers and the 5 elements - Vedik version

(Ayurveda, Dakshinachara - right hand path)

Agni Mudra (also called Surya Mudra)

Gesture of the Fire

Bend the ring finger to the base of the thumb and press with your thumb on the second phalanx, keeping
the other fingers straight. To be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
It symbolizes the inner fire. Prevents and cures digestive disorders.
Vayu Mudra
Gesture of the Air

Bend the forefinger at the base of the thumb and press with your thumb on the second phalanx, keeping
the other fingers straight. To be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
This Mudra helps in balancing the air element within the body.
Akash Mudra
Gesture of the Space

Join the tip of the thumb and the middle finger as to form a circle, keeping the other fingers straight. To
be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
This Mudra helps in balancing the space element and to achieve the energies inside the body.
Prithvi Mudra
Gesture of the Earth

Join the tip of the thumb and the ring finger as to form a circle, keeping the other fingers straight. To be
executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
This Mudra helps in balancing the Earth element within the body.
Jal Mudra
Gesture of the Water

Join the tip of the thumb and little finger as to form a circle, keeping the other fingers straight. To be
executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
This Mudra helps in balancing the water element within the body.

Relationship between fingers and the 5 elements - Tantrik version

(Vamachara - left hand path)

Akash Mudra
Gesture of the Space

Bend the ring finger to the base of the thumb and press with your thumb on the second phalanx, keeping
the other fingers straight. To be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
Mantra: HAṂ
This Mudra helps in balancing the space element and to achieve the energies inside the body.
Vayu Mudra
Gesture of the Air

Bend the forefinger at the base of the thumb and press with your thumb on the second phalanx, keeping
the other fingers straight. To be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
Mantra: YAṂ
This Mudra helps in balancing the air element within the body.
Agni Mudra
Gesture of the Fire
Join the tip of the thumb and the middle finger as to form a circle, keeping the other fingers straight. To
be executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
Mantra: RAṂ
It symbolizes the inner fire. Prevents and cures digestive disorders.
Jal Mudra
Gesture of the Water

Join the tip of the thumb and the ring finger as to form a circle, keeping the other fingers straight. To be
executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
Mantra: VAṂ
This Mudra helps in balancing the water element within the body.
Prithvi Mudra
Gesture of the Earth

Join the tip of the thumb and little finger as to form a circle, keeping the other fingers straight. To be
executed with both hands, palms facing upward.
Mantra: LAṂ
This Mudra helps in balancing the Earth element within the body.

Other mudras performed with the body:

Bhramari Mudra
Gesture of the Bee
Sitting comfortably with your back straight and your head not moving, imagine that a bee turns in a circle
before you, first in one direction and then another. Fold the neck back and repeat the exercise. It is
important to move only the eyes, the head remains stationary. To be performed only once a day. Relaxes
and invigorates the eyes.

Surya Chandra Mudra (or Brahma Mudra)

Gesture of the Sun and the Moon (or Brahma Gesture)
Sitting in the simple position inhale. Exhale and bring the head forward. Inhaling turn right up to the
shoulder. Exhale and rotate the head back. While inhaling turn left. Exhale and return to the initial
position. Repeat on the contrary. Contraindicated for arthritis extended to all cervical vertebrae. Prevents
cervical, eliminates headaches, strengthens the view, relaxing.

Matsya Mudra
Gesture of the Fish
Inflate the cheeks without curling the lips. Perform a dozen times. It purifies the blood, increases blood
pressure, tones the facial muscles preventing wrinkles.

Bhujangini Mudra
Gesture of the Serpent (or Cobra)

"Drink" the air by opening and expanding a little the mouth, strengthens the abdomen and the digestive
tract.

Simha Mudra
Gesture of the Lion
Exhale from the mouth: tongue out, eyes looking at the nose and open hands. Is good for the liver, bile
and sight. Eliminates bad breath.

Kaki Mudra
Gesture of the Craw

The Gheranda Samhita describes it thus: Contract the lips, like the beak of a crow, and drink the air
slowly and slowly.

Khechari Mudra
Gesture of the movement in Space (Kechari = moving in Space)

After performing the cleansing of the tongue, inhaling, place the tongue above the palate to close the
nasal cavity. Rhythmically massaging the soft palate. It should then produce a sweet liquid, but if it
produces a bitter or metallic taste liquid you must spit.
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes the Kechari Mudra thus: Kapālakuhare jihvā pravishtā viparītaghā
Bhruvorantarghatā drshtirmudrā bhavati khecharī - The Khechari mudra is accomplished by thrusting the
tongue into the gullet, by turning it over itself, and keeping the eyesight in the middle of the eyebrows.

Jalandhara Bandha
High Contraction

In Sanskrit jalan means net, dhara means to hold, then the meaning of jalandhara bandha is the physical
lock that controls the network of nadis (energy channels) in the neck.
Inhaling fold the chin close to the chest. With the chin in this position, push the tongue to the palate.
Exhaling slowly relax. Repeat several times. It stimulates the higher chakras (Vishuddha, Ajña and
Sahasrara). Strengthens the neck and directly stimulates the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, and
thymus glands.

Uddiyana Bandha
Abdominal Contraction (Uddiyana = rise up, fly up)

Inhale deeply and exhale all the air. Holding the breath contract the abdomen inside the rib cage. Hold
the position for a while 'and then slowly relax the abdomen. Repeat several times. Stimulates the chakras
medians (Manipura and Anahata). Prevents and treats disorders of the digestive system.

Mula Bandha
Low Contraction (Mula = root, Bandha = close - fix)

While inhaling contract the sphincter. Exhaling slowly relax it. Repeat several times. Stimulates the first
two chakras (Muladhara and Swadhishthana). Prevents and cures hemorrhoids.

Maha Bandha
Great Contraction

Perform in the order Jalandhara Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha and Mula Bandha releasing them in the same
order.

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