13 Easy Bharatanatyam Mudras for Beginners

It is through Mudras, the emotions get conveyed to the Divine! Bharatanatyam Mudras is a sign language through which the performer connects with the Rasikas or its audience.

"Yatho hasta thatho drishti, yatho drishti thatho manah

yatho manah thatho drishti, yatho drishti thatho rasa"

The powerful quote finds its mention in the Natya Sastra, an ancient Sanskrit treatise on the performing arts. It literally translates to,  

Where the hands are, the eyes follow, where the eyes are, the mind follows;

Where the mind goes, the expression follows, and where there is an expression, mood/ Navarasa is evoked.

Every Indian classical dance of India is inspired by the quote mentioned above. The Hastha mudras or hand mudras of Bharatanatyam are vital aspects of the art form. They are intense enough to convey deeper meanings and powerful enough to evoke a myriad of emotions in their audiences. There are also mudras that have a very limited meaning. The approach while mastering these mudras should be to understand their aesthetic aspect which is to communicate than to perform them with rigid correctness! We will cover thirteen easy hand mudras in this blog.

Here are the following 13 Bharatanatyam mudras:

1. Pataka Mudra

2. Tripataka Mudra

3. Mayura Mudra

4. Ardha Chandra Mudra

5. Alpadma Mudra

6. Trishula Mudra

7. Arala Mudra

8. Anjali Mudra

9. Kapota Mudra

10. Karkata Mudra

11. Swastika Mudra

12. Pushpaputa Mudra

13. Utsanga Mudra

Hand gestures of Bharatanatyam are broadly classified into Asamyukta or single-hand gestures and Samyukta or double-hand gestures. There are twenty-eight Asamyukta Hasthas and twenty-four Samyukta Hasthas as mentioned in scriptures like Natyashastra and Abhinaya Darpana.

Make it to the bottom of this blog to know more about the stunning Mudras (Asamyukta and Samyukta) of Bharatanatyam that can breathe life into any Bharatanatyam performance:

Asamyukta Hasthas or the Single-Hand Gestures

Some of the most popular beginner Asamyukta or single-hand mudras are:

1. Pataka:

It literally means a ‘Flag’. Pataka is the most basic hand gesture and the first to be taught to absolute beginners. The hand is upright (with a slight arch), the fingers are straight, and the thumb is slightly bent. There are no gaps between the fingers. The simple gesture depicts the action of blessing, to depict the sky, air, or water, and also to indicate to stop. 

2. Tripataka:

Same as in the Pataka Mudra the hand is held upright, but the third finger is bent in this mudra. As the name suggests the Tripataka, is a variation of the Pataka mudra using three fingers. It portrays the action of applying Tilak and is also used to depict the king or crown.

3. Mayura:

The term Mayura literally translates to a peacock. When the ring finger touches the thumb, the mudra portrays a peacock. The index, the middle, and the little finger remain extended. Besides portraying peacocks, this gesture is also used to portray a bird’s neck, Krishna’s feathers, and even creepers. This mudra usually goes along with intricate footwork!

4. Ardha Chandra:

The literal meaning of Ardha Chandra is the half moon. Very similar to the Pataka mudra, the main variation between the two gestures is that in Ardha Chandra, the thumb is held straight in line with the fingers. The gesture is complete when the hand is at a horizontal angle. Besides depicting a half moon, the mudra can also portray a spear, throat, etc. 

5. Alapadma:

The lotus mudra depicts the glory of a blooming lotus. The thumb and the fingers are stretched and curled in a way to form the petals of the lotus. The mudra depicts the productive energies that flow within the spiritual and the physical realms. It represents creation, romance, and wisdom. 

6. Trishula:

‘Tri’ means ‘three’ and ‘Shula’ means ‘spear’. Trishula is the most common ‘Astra’ or ‘weapon’, of the deities, as mentioned in the Indian scriptures. The mudra is achieved when the little finger meets the thumb, and the remaining three fingers are held upright. The Trishula mudra is a depiction of power, that exhibits the triumph of good over evil. It also represents Lord Shiva, the bearer of the Astra.

7. Arala:

The mudra is achieved when following the Pataka mudra, the index finger and the thumb is bent. The Arala mudra portrays the action of drinking an elixir or poison and can also portray a violent wind.

Samyukta Mudras or the Double-Hand Gestures

Some of the most popular beginner Samyukta or single-hand mudras are:

8. Anjali Mudra:

In this very basic mudra you need to join both your palms to get the Anjali Mudra. In Indian culture, people often use this familiar gesture to greet individuals and welcome them.

9. Kapota Mudra:

When you slightly bulge your Anjali mudra at the knuckles, you will be performing the Kapota mudra. Here, the centre is cupped! This mudra is a mark of obedience and acceptance and exhibits respectful salutations. The mudra is held while initiating a conversation with a Guru or teacher.

10. Karkata Mudra:

To hold a Karkata mudra, you will have to interlock both hands' fingers with one another. It portrays blowing the Shankh or the conch. It can also be used to depict the bending of a branch, stretching and twisting of the limbs, and the arrival of people.

11. Swastika Mudra:

This mudra is another important double-hand Bharatanatyam mudra used extensively in this particular dance style. It depicts denial, imprisonment, a blocked passage or road, and also a crocodile.

12. Pushpaputa Mudra:

In order to form a Pushpaputa mudra, you need to join your hands by bringing the little fingers together. The palms are slightly hollow. The mudra exhibits an open mind and soul. It also portrays the action of making an offering, usually to the almighty. Indicate waving of lights to Gods. The mudra also depicts giving away a floral tribute during a Puja, especially during the recital of Mantras.

13. Utsanga Mudra:

It is another graceful mudra where your right palm will touch your left shoulder, and your left palm will be placed on your right shoulder. You need to hold Mrigashirsha mudra on each of your hands to hit top-notch perfection. The mudra reflects shyness and modesty or an embrace. It also displays ornaments and armlets.

Wrapping Up!

Bharatanatyam like any other Indian classical art form has been thriving as an oral tradition. This means that different schools and styles of dance may use different hand gestures and different terms for the same hand gestures. The main purpose of executing a mudra is to communicate and the mode of this communication is a beautiful blend of technicality and aestheticize.

Whether you are a beginner looking forward to starting your Bharatanatyam journey from scratch or in the middle of your learning journey, on ipassio you can find a mentor who can customize your online Bharatanatyam classes as per your learning needs.