Ardhachandra Hand Gesture (Mudra)

January 2nd, 2008 by Anjali

In Ardhachandra all the finger are held straight and together, except the thumb finger which is held apart. It is just like the Pataka gesture , but the thumb finger is held straight and not bent like in Pataka.

ardhachandra

Following is the Viniyoga Shloka (uses):

Chandra krishnashtami Bhaji glahastarthakepi cha

Bhallayudhe devatanam-bhishechana-karmani
Bhukapatre chodbhave katyamchintayam atmavachake

Dhyane cha prarthane chape anganam sparshane tatha
Prakrutanam namaskare ardhachandro niyujyate

It is used to denote the following:-

  • It denotes the eight phase of the wanning fortnight of the moon. (Half Moon)
  • A hand seizing the throat
  • A Spear
  • Consecrating and bathing an image
  • A dinning Plate
  • source or beginning
  • Waist
  • contemplation
  • Meditation
  • prayers
  • Touching of ones limbs
  • Accosting ordinary people

Related posts:

  1. Trishula Hand Gesture (Mudra)
  2. Aarala Hand Gesture (Mudra)
  3. Suchi Hand Gesture (Mudra)
  4. Chandrakala Hand Gesture (Mudra)
  5. Mrigashirsa Hand Gesture (Mudra)

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Leave A Comment

8 responses so far ↓

  • 1 sangeeta Jun 11, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    Hi, i find this site very useful . I need an entire database of all the hand, leg , neck , waist movements so that i can use computer as a tool for choreography.

  • 2 hari Jun 30, 2009 at 9:05 am

    hi,i lik bharatham &i tried to learn 3or4 times &i couldnt make it full
    all in vain.i hope this site will help me now.its a wonderfull job
    given by u.my aim is to become a .bharatanatiyam dancer.but my
    parents never liked that.Really i must b very thankful to u.thank u
    thank u,thank u.

  • 3 lavanya Aug 8, 2009 at 8:05 am

    hi this is so useful, thanks. have you not got the sanskrit words for the mayura and ardachandra mudas?

  • 4 Anjali Aug 9, 2009 at 8:56 pm

    I shall add them here soon. Thanks

  • 5 Prema Apr 4, 2011 at 6:52 am

    I am very thankful to you for having given the opportunity to learn Bharatanatyam online.

  • 6 swadhin Sharma May 9, 2012 at 10:29 am

    This is a wrong representation of Ardhachandra, which will lead new learners in wrong impression for Bharatnatyam Mudras.

  • 7 Anjali May 9, 2012 at 11:41 am

    @Swadhin, there are various positions of the palm with Ardhachandra. This is one of them. You could also show it with palms facing out.

  • 8 swadhin Sharma May 10, 2012 at 9:52 am

    @Anjali- Sorry if I have hurt your sentiment(Which I think I have).
    No hard feelings but I think I was very blunt and immature.
    Will look into the picture for Ardhachandra represented by you and will reach back.