Mudras – meaning ‘seal’, mark’ or ‘gesture’ in Sanskrit – are said to intensify the effects of our yoga or meditation practice and enhance the flow of energy.
The image of someone in a lotus position with their thumb and forefinger touching is synonymous with yoga and meditation. But is there more to this hand gesture than meets the eye?
The purpose of these hand gestures can vary according to tradition – from focusing subtle energy, transmitting teaching through symbols, acting as a tool for healing illness, even attributing magical powers and psychic abilities to the practitioner! Essentially though, mudras are a form of non-verbal communication – an ‘external expression of inner resolve.’
How Yoga Mudras Work
The hands have different areas which are connected to other areas in the brain and the body. When our hands are placed in the yoga mudras, these different areas get stimulated and a specific energy circuit is created in the body. Thus, by doing the same, we are able to foster the reaching of a specific or particular state of mind.
The Five Elements Within Us
There are five elements that constitute the universe. Each of our five fingers represents each element which are as follows:
- Thumb – Fire, universal consciousness
- Index finger – air , individual consciousness
- Middle finger – akasha, connection
- Ring finger- earth
- Little finger- water
When there is an imbalance in these five elements, the body experiences disease. To create a balance among these elements within the body, mudras are used as one of the ways.
Note: Mudras are like simple exercises which will help the body to keep it in fit condition to do Yogic activities like meditation. It will not give you any divine powers. Some hopes that by spreading a lie that Mudra practice will bless you with Siddhis or Miracle Powers many will practice and discover God in them. So take your time to practice.
1. Gyan Mudra – A Gesture of knowledge
The word gyan means knowledge in Sanskrit. Thus, the practice of Jnana Mudra is believed to help increase knowledge and spiritual knowledge. This is why Jnana Mudra is widely used in many yoga meditation postures like Pranayama. Gyan Mudra is a powerful mudra practiced by yogis for thousands of years which also brings peace with spiritual development. It is the most common and highly practiced posture that increases the level of air in the body. Gyan Mudra should be performed ideally with meditation.
2. Prana Mudra – Invocation of energy
Prana mudra is one of the most important postures as it helps to activate dormant energy in the body. Prana is the symbol of vital life force which is responsible for maintaining a natural balance in the body. This mudra works to activate this vital life force. It is related to the heart and soul of a person. Prana mudra is a simple yoga technique, or gesture, designed to increase vitality and activate the mooladhara (root) chakra. Touch the tips of your ring finger and little finger with your thumb. The index finger and middle finger should be straight.
3. Vayu Mudra - Gesture of Air
Vayu means Air, Vayu Mudra helps in regulating the element of Vayu inside the body. This particular mudra reduces the air element of the body which controls restlessness, nervousness and calms an uneasy mind. Press the tip of your index finger on to the mound of your thumb. Bend your thumb so that it presses down lightly with the index finger. The other fingers should be held straight.
4. Prithvi Mudra - Gesture of Earth
Prithvi is a Sanskrit word, and it means earth, Prithvi mudra increases the element of earth in the body. The earth element is a vital component of bones, cartilage, skin, hair, nails, muscles, internal organs, etc. The practice of Prithvi mudra builds and invigorates these tissues and strengthens the bones. It produces stability, confidence, and strength. ouch the tip from the ring finger of each hand to the tip of the thumb. Rest of the fingers should be pointing straight.
5. Chin Mudra - Gesture of Human Conscience
Chin Mudra is usually described as a yogic sign that represents the unified nature of human consciousness. Both hands are used to practice this gesture. To do the chin posture, you should make a circle by joining your thumb and index finger. Place your index finger against the soft pad of the thumb. Raise the last three fingers of your hands upwards, towards the palm.
6. Apan Mudra - Gesture of Purification
Apan Mudra – the mudra is also known as the sum of hands. These hand gestures help in transmitting the flow of energy through the body. They also help in balancing the five elements present inside the body. Stand or sit upright. Bring your hands ahead of you and bend the middle and ring finger and thumb in order that their tips touch one another. Your index finger and little finger should be pointing straight. Apan mudra is usually done with both hands.
6. Surya Mudra - Gesture of Fire
Surya means Sun and Sun is related to heat. Similarly, Surya Mudra is also related to the heating element of the human body. Surya is the Sanskrit word for Surya and Surya Mudra is called because it increases the fire element in the body. About mudra is usually performed during yoga. It helps to increase the fire element related to hunger, sleep, and thirst in our body and thereby reduces the earth element related to skin and flesh related problems. By increasing the fire element in our body, we can transmit the inner strength of our body which is necessary to heal the process of your inner body. With the regular use of Surya Mudra, one can easily maintain one’s health.
7. Sunya Mudra - Gesture of Void or Emptiness
Shunya Mudra or Akash Mudra is supposed to work on the basic element of ether, which allows all space. This posture is especially beneficial while meditating. Shunya mudra was cited as providing access to the realm of heaven using fire energy (represented by the thumb) and ether energy (represented by the middle finger). Shunya mudra is practiced to provide relief from hearing and balance issues. Fold the middle so that its tip rests on the mound of your thumb. Bend your thumb until it is pressed lightly on the middle finger. All other fingers should point directly towards the sky.
8. Linga Mudra - Gesture of Heat
Linga Mudra, or heat exchange, works by concentrating heat within the body. The Finger Interlocking technique of Ling Mudra allows elements to merge and overlap air, space and earth, and allows elements to make air and fire stand out. When we do this mudra, it increases the contact between air and fire elements and air always helps in spreading the fire. Fire increases the heat of your body and it represents the life force. And spreads vitality and power throughout your body and mind. Bring both hands in front of your body and hold them so that the fingers are joined together. Make sure that the left thumb is pointing upwards and surrounds it with the thumb and index finger of the right hand.
9. Ganesh Mudra - Gesture of Motivation
Ganesha Mudra – Ganesha is the one to help remove all obstacles from your path. Ganesh Mudra is named after him because performing this mudra helps elevate your spirits and provides you with strong willpower when you are feeling down. Bring both your elbows bent in front of your chest. Keep the left hand in front of the palm in such a way that your thumb points towards your solar plexus and your little finger points towards your collar bone. Make a paw by bending the four fingers of your left hand and hold them with the four fingers of your right hand. In this case, your right palm should be towards your chest. Breathe deeply. While exhaling, try pulling both arms while keeping all eight fingers closed. Feel the stretch with your shoulders and chest.
10. Mandala Mudra - Gesture of Offering
Mandala Mudra is used to balance the mind and emotions. The word mandala means cosmos in Sanskrit and mandala mudra is a symbolic proposition to the universe. Mandala Mudra helps you to center yourself and helps you to connect with the universe at large. It helps to increase your need for meditation. Pull the fingers of both your hands up and down with your palms in between. Press the tip of the opposite thumb at the tip of each small finger. Fold each index finger so that its tip reaches the tip of the opposite middle. Hold the fingers of the fingers and position them in such a way that they are perpendicular to the top of your palms. Press the back of each finger to its counterpart.
11. Shamkh Mudra - Gesture of Positiveness
Shankha means conch which is in shape of the heart and generating divine vibrations to reach God. One of the most important benefits of conch posture is the positive effect it has on the respiratory system. It also helps to calm and focus the mind. Close your eyes and imagine that you are sitting in the middle of a blue sea of calm water. Raise both your arms ahead of your chest. Wrap the four fingers of your right hand around your left thumb. Bring the tips of your right thumb and left middle together. The other fingers of your left hand should be parallel to the middle finger. Your hands will form a conch-like shape from where the conch mudra derives its name.
12. Rudra Mudra - Gesture of Solar Chakra
Rudra mudra helps to control and activate the solar plexus chakra. Chakras are vortices of energy that are present in the body. Rudra mudra strengthens the earth element and its associated organs and hence relieves unnecessary stress and pain. Breathe in and out through your nose. Calm your mind and imagine that you are in the center of a spinning wheel. Raise your hands and press the tips of each index finger, thumb and ring finger together. The extension of the middle and the little finger should be straight.
13. Apana Vayu Mudra - Gesture to Save Life
Apan Vayu Mudra is used to balance the elements in the body and to guide them in the proper direction to fulfill a specific purpose. Apana Vayu Mudra is also known as Mrat Sanjeevani Mudra. This sanjeevani Mudra (bringing life with death), this mudra has many benefits and helps in relieving symptoms and letting go for anyone with a physical or mental / emotional heart condition. Turn your index finger in towards the center of your palm, cross your thumb over the index finger. Now touch the tips of Madhyama and Anamika with the tip of your thumb. Point your little finger straight.
14. Surahi Mudra - Gesture of Memory
Surahi Mudra – Yoga postures are probably one of the most esoteric parts of yoga. This pose is one of the simple yoga postures to perform. Sit in any pose that is comfortable for you. Exhale and inhale slowly through the nose. Slowly bend the elbows and bring both hands up. Then, touch the index finger of each hand with the tip of the little finger of the inverted hand. Your palms should be in the opposite direction.
15. Surabhi Mudra - Gesture of Concentration
Surbhi Mudra. This mudra is also known as the Kamadhenu mudra or wish-fulfilling mudra. Kamadhenu is the name of an Indian god who has the power to fulfill the wishes of his human. So, most of the people come to this goddess with their desires and ultimately travel to the path of spiritualism. It is believed that you will achieve the utmost level of happiness. Touch the tip of the index finger with the tip of the middle finger of the other hand. Your thumbs should be touching each other slowly. Now you are in surabhi mudra.
16. Hakini Mudra - Gesture of Thoughts
Hakini mudra in yoga can be described as a gesture in which you need to join the tips of the five fingers of your right hand with the left hand. This mudra, which is named after Lord Hakini, is said to help increase thinking and concentration. This gesture is believed to be associated with the third-eye cycle, where your imagination and intuition are located. Hakini Mudra is a very effective sign known as God in Hindu culture and associated with the 6th Chakra. It directs your consciousness through your 6th chakra, also known as the third eye or pineal eye.
17. Asthama Mudra - Gesture of Respiratory Breathing
Asthma postures are commonly recommended for respiratory problems. They can be performed with both hands. During an attack, you could practice bronchial and asthma posture, until your breathing became calm. Place the tip of your little finger at the base of your thumb, the tip of your ring finger at the joint of the upper thumb, and the tip of your middle finger at the tip of the thumb. Extend your index finger so that it is straight.
18. Vipu or Back Mudra - Gesture of Relieving back Pain
Back Mudra – Back pain is one of the most common diseases affecting people. This hand posture acts in a way that helps to stabilize the energy in the body. It is finger movement that aims to relieve pain. The back pose has healing properties. It works effectively due to a person with weak back or prolonged activities such as prolonged sitting and cleaning. With your palms facing you, spread your fingers straight out. On your right hand, leave your index finger and ring finger extended and touch the tip of your thumb with the tips of your middle and small fingers. At the same time place the thumb of your left hand on the index finger.
19. Kundalini or Back Mudra - Gesture of Shakthi
Kundalini Mudra is clear that it is a shakthi force that must be awake and active. The union of masculinity and woman, of contradictions. But above all, the union of the individual soul with the cosmic. The four fingers of the right hand that surround the index finger symbolize the outer and perceptible world, our mind and our soul, and the index finger on the left the thumb is the symbol of the divine. Hold both your hands in front of you in a loose fist. Then, stretch the index finger of the left hand and pass it with the right hand, which is still stuck. Pass the finger from the bottom, that is, from pinky to thumb. The grip on this position where the thumb-cushion of your right hand should rest on the tip of your left index finger. The other fingers of your right hand will cover the left index finger, like a loose glove. While doing this pose, pull your hands up to the lower abdomen.
20. Kechari Mudra - Gesture of Knowledge
Khechari mudra is believed to be a yogic sign that helps the artist achieve an advanced state of knowledge. This is one of the most unusual yoga practices, perhaps because it seems a bit strange even for those who practice yoga regularly. This gesture is also known as the tongue-swallowing technique, as it involves turning the tongue upward and slipping it. Nasal cavity above the soft palate. Yogis claim that one of our most sensitive organs is located around a centimeter above the roof of our mouth. This place can be reached with the tongue, which is about the Khechari Mudra. Krishna opted his mouth mostly like this to Yashodha. Roll your tongue backwards so that its tip touches the uvula located behind your mouth. Roll your tongue backwards so that it enters the nasal cavity above your soft palate. Breathe in and create snoring from the back of your throat and then exhale. Swallow any saliva that accumulates in your mouth, which leaves a hint.
21. Yoni Mudra - Gesture of Detachment from Outer World Chaos
Yoni Mudra is dedicated to the female goddess Shakti in Hinduism, where ‘Yoni’ means ‘Garbha or Valva’. Most yoga postures are hand positions (with certain positions of the body) that form a gesture to help stimulate various forms of energy within the body. Yoni mudra can be described as a gesture that allows a person to be isolated from the chaos of the external existing world. Yoni means uterus or womb and this gesture is named Yoni Mudra, because the person who practices it regularly has no external contact with the world, much like a baby in the uterus.
22. Gnana Mudra - Gesture of Wisdom
The word Jnana means knowledge in Sanskrit and as the name suggests, Gnana Mudra can be described as a gesture of knowledge or wisdom. According to the Yoga Shastras, the index finger should represent the ego, while the thumb represents the universal feeling. The wisdom posture signifies the destruction of the ego, as the index finger is downwards. While practicing Gnana Mudra, make sure that you are sitting comfortably in the meditation posture, with your eyes closed.
23. Varuna Mudra - Gesture of Water
Varun mudra is a healing practice and a form of yoga that stabilizes the amount of water in the body. About 70% of the body is water. The word Varuna means water and Varuna mudra is understood because of the seal of mental clarity. Varun Mudra is the simple trick of touching the little finger and thumb and spreading the three middle fingers in a gentle manner.
24. Adi Mudra - Gesture of Relaxation
Adi mudra is a symbolic gesture that is often used in a spiritual yoga practice to calm and soothe the mind. This mudra opens the upper lobe of the lungs. This inspires the Udana vatu, the prana which moves upward in the head region, and outward to the extremity. In physical terms, this feeling is in charge of balancing and healing the organs. In more subtle terms it is in charge of balancing our appreciation. Try to maintain awareness by exhaling each breath for two or three minutes. In the Adi Mudra, the thumb is placed at the base of the little finger and the remaining fingers curl over the thumb, forming a light fist. The palms are again placed upward on the thighs and exhale repeatedly.
25. Shuni Mudra - Gesture of Patience
Shuni Mudra is also known as a “seal of patience.” The middle finger represents the courage to perform duty and responsibility. The thumb represents fire and divine nature. When two fingers are held together, it means to symbolize and encourage patience, prudence, focus, and discipline. To make Shuni mudra, place the middle finger on the tip of the thumb. All three fingers should be straight. This posture is called giving patience and discretion.
26. Anjali Mudra - Gesture of Prayer
Anjali Mudra (Prayer) is a simple but powerful hand position and can be used in your practice and daily life. Anjali itself means “offering.” The beauty of this feeling, which places us at the core of our existence, is timeless and universal. The joining of palms is said to provide a connection between the right and left hemispheres of the brain and represents integration. It is also often used in yoga practice, such as during Surya Namaskar.
27. Lotus Mudra - Gesture of Purity
The lotus posture opens the heart chakra and symbolizes purity. A lotus flower sits on the surface of the pond, which opens towards the sun as its roots remain deeply stuffy on the dirty floor, making it firm and strong. It is a symbol of light and beauty emanating from the darkness. The message of lotus posture is to stay connected to your roots, open yourself to light and realize that the greatest feeling of stability in life is an open heart. The lotus posture is a hand gesture of loving-kindness and reminds us of the qualities of mercy, forgiveness and beauty and grace that are inherent within each of us. An awakened heart center is a sacred this mudra filled with the joy of life.
28. Kubera Mudra - Gesture of Confidence
Kubera Mudra is dedicated to Lord Kubera – the god of wealth. The mind should be clear but should not be distracted by unnecessary thoughts. You should visualize your desires and goals while doing Kubera Mudra. The systematic arrangement of the 3 fingers, what they represent, and their properties play an important role in practicing Kubera Mudra.
29. Maha Sarcal Mudra - Gesture of Energy
Touch the tips of the thumb and little fingers together, then touch the thumb, short and ring finger tips of both hands together; extend the index finger and middle fingers, pointing fingers downward in front of the lower abdomen.
30. Shiva Linga Mudra - Gesture of Holy Body
Shiva Linga Mudra is a powerful hand gesture representing both God and Goddess, symbolizing masculine and feminine. The masculine god is Shiva, and the female goddess is Parvati. In short, the Shiv linga mudra symbolizes the integration of the energies of Shiva and Shakti. This mudra is also called upright posture, where the thumb represents masculine energy and the palm on which it rests represents feminine energy. Shiv linga mudra can be practiced in the morning and evening for 5 minutes. This mudra accelerates healing. Bring your left hand near the chest and keep the palm upward.Keep fingers together. Make a fist with your right hand and place it securely on the left palm. Raise the thumb of the right hand upward. The right hand is a metaphor for your solar breathing. (right nostril). The left hand is an allegory for your Luna breath. (left nostril). Close your eyes and meditate.
31. Poorna Mudra - Gesture of Spirituality
The fingers wrapped around the thumbs and the knuckles of both hands pressed together. The hands are then lightly pressed against the pubic bone. Sit in a comfortable Diamond pose. The fingers are wrapped around the thumbs and the tips of both hands. Blow the air forcefully to empty the stomach and simultaneously bend forward until the forehead reaches the floor. (Some people may not touch the ground, but it’s fine to do as much as you can). After breathing out, can hold the breath for 3 to 4 sec and come back to centre while breathing in. The hands are then pressed lightly against the lower abdomen or pubic bone. Slow rhythmic breathing in 4: 3: 6: 3 ratio (breathing: 4, 4: 3 keeping air inside: 3, exhaling: 6, keeping the stomach empty without air: 3).
32. Suchi Mudra - Gesture of Relief
Suchi mudra is cleanliness is also important for the mind, soul and consciousness. Tighten both fists and place them in front of your chest. Pull the right arm to the right and point the index finger upwards. Also, together, spread the left arm to the left. Hold it for six breaths and return to the starting position.
33. Abhaya Mudra - Gesture of Fearlessness
Abhaya Mudra – a gesture of assurance and protection, is a hand pose, which removes fear and provides divine protection and pleasure to the devotee. It is a symbol of fear and evil detachment from our lives. In Abhaya mudra, the right hand is upward, and the palm is outward.
34. Garuda Mudra - Gesture of Freedom
Garuda Mudra – Garuda means, which has great wings. “The inspiration of this mudra is dedicated to the energy of freedom. Each of us is as free as we allow ourselves to be. We are like Garuda, always flying. The practice of Garuda Mudra keeps the balance of Vata (air) element in the body. Place both your hands in front of you with palms. Place the palm of the right hand on the back of the left hand, joining the two rings together. Allow fingers to rest on top of each other. Keep the hands in front of the sternum or heart center.
35. Kali Mudra - Gesture of Transformation
Kali Mudra symbolizes change – when you meditate with your hands in this position, you welcome learning, personal development, and change. The most important aspect of the practice of Kali Mudra is that it encourages positivity in the body by eliminating blockages in the Sushumna Nadi (channel), thus reducing stress and distraction. The index finger points upward with the interlace middle, ring and small fingers; left thumb crossed from the right side; place the hands in front of the chest or above the head.
36. Shukra or Venus Mudra - Gesture of focus and concentration
The name Shukra Locke is derived from the relationship between the negative and positive sides of the mound of Venus. They are located on each hand and have fleshy areas at the base of the thumb. This pose is done by interlocking the fingers. For women, the right pinky is at the bottom, while for men it is at the left. One of the thumbs touches the fleshy part between the thumb and index finger.
37. Guru or Jupiter Mudra - Gesture of Expansion
This mudra activates Jupiter in you and brings abundance in your life. It will expand your horizons and get wider views of life, and you will become a good judge of life events. A teacher will also be active in you. While performing this mudra chant the Bija mantra “Om Hum Namaha.” With two forefinger fingers together, Jupiter’s power, or good luck and expansion, is active. Together they focus your energy to break through obstacles.
38. Vyan Mudra - Gesture of Enthusiasm
This pose increases the Vaata humor within the human body. That Vaata humor controls the nervous system, which, in turn, is responsible for various bodily movements: external as well as internal. The practice of Vaata-kaarak mudra increases the Vaata humor within the body, which increases the nervous force and vital power. This pose is made by joining the tips of the thumb, index finger and middle finger together.
39. Samana Mudra - Gesture of Pancha Bhoothas
This mudra coordinates the five elements of the body and three comics. Therefore, this pose is useful for a person, whose all three comedies are deranged. While performing this pose, the fingers can be directed (or touched) over the diseased part of the body. Bring your Little, ring, index finger and middle finger together and bend it to touch your thumb. All the fingers are touching together. You can do this on both hands. This samana is the air hand pose.
40. Hansi Mudra - Gesture of Self Love
There is a common urge for happiness in everyone’s life and this mudra brings a feeling of fulfillment in a person. It is not recommended to chant mantras or slogans while practicing this mudra. Sukhasana is best suited for this posture, although one can be seated in a relaxed position. The tips of the index finger, ring finger and middle finger gently touch the tip of the thumb. The little finger is alone. This is done with both hands.
41. Mrigi Mudra - Gesture of Focus
The deer seal (deer posture) can be done individually at any time of the day, or as a part of your yoga workout session. Practicing the deer seal (deer posture) before starting your yoga routine will help you gain greater mental clarity and focus. Use your right hand to make a ‘paw’ with your fingers. Bring your index finger and middle finger down to the middle of the palm, Deer seal (mrigi mudra) uses an alternative breathing technique in which air is inhaled through one nostril and inhaled through another. Place your thumb against your right nostril as you inhale through the left nostril. Then using your thumb and ring finger keep both nasal cavities closed. The thumb should close the right nostril, while the ring finger should pin the left nostril. Raise your thumb and allow the air to exit your right nostril.
41. Hirdayi Mudra - Gesture of Emotions
The practice of Hirdayi Mudra that benefits the heart should be learned from a primary yoga teacher. To bring maximum benefits with the practice of heart posture as part of regular practice, yoga teachers should guide students by giving them knowledge about the heart and their associated problems. Guide the tips of your index fingers to the root of the digits of your thumb and connect the tips of your middle two fingers to the tip of your thumb. Release your little finger straight. Place your hands above your knees, and place your palms facing up.
42. Aditi Mudra - Gesture of Conscience
Aditi is described as Prithvi in some Vedic hymns. This mudra helps in the growth of earth and fire element. Sun (Surya) signifies fast and energy. In its absence there is night when every creature feels tired, tired and sleepy. Sunrise infuses new life, energy and alertness in everyone. Aditi Mudra is related to Anamika. Ring ginger represents the Sun and Earth elements. Aditi is described as Prithvi in some Vedic hymns. This mudra helps in the growth of earth and fire element. Place the thumb end on the base of the ring finger. Anamika represents Prithvi (earth) and thumb represents fire (Agni). When the finger touches the base of the ring finger, the earth rises and also the fire element.
43. Chinmaya Mudra - Gesture of Manifested Conscience
This mudra is said to bring awareness in the body which helps in keeping the body and brain healthy. Through this practice, awareness of breath and vital energy flows easily through the body thus keeping the physical body in balance. Chinmaya mudra is practiced with three fingers facing inward, while the index finger and thumb tips are in contact. In this posture, the hands are either palms up or down on the knees. The general practice of this mudra when practiced with pranayama practice; Ujjayi Pranayama, Kapalbhati Pranayama (Skull Shining Breathing), Anulom Vilom Pranayama, etc. are said to encourage better and faster balance in the body while ensuring a calm and stable mind. Hold fingers in the same way as indicated for Gyan Mudra. 3 Fold the fingers straight so that the tips touch or point towards the palm. The position of the thumb and index finger remains the same, whether the tips are in contact or if the tip of the index finger presses the root of the thumb. both are correct. Place hands on knees, palms up or down.
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