Vishnu: He is one of the trimurty’s or the trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiv). He regarded as the preserver of the universe. In Sanskrit the word Vishnu means that which pervades every thing. He is described as dark in complexion. His four hand hold the Shankha, Chakra, Gada and Padma. Sankha(conch shell) that is believed to [...]

Hope you had a great Navaratri. Wish you Good health, wealth and prosperity. Also do take a look at the images added to the last post “Dashavatara hasta-hand gestures for the 10 incarnation of lord Vishnu” In the forthcoming posts we shall see the hand gestures used to represent and describe different deities that we [...]

Brahma: In Sanskrit the creative principal of the universe is called the ‘Brahma’. As the name suggests he is believed to be the creator of the universe and all beings have evolved out of him. Brahma is depicted as red in color with four heads, bearded faces, and four arms. His hands hold a kamandalu [...]

When hands in Kapitta hasta is held crossed at the wrists we get the Bhairunda hasta. Some times this hasta is done without crossing the wrists also. Hands in kapitta just join at the wrists. Lets take a look at the viniyoga shloka (uses) bhairunde pakshidampatyor bhaiundo uchyate karah. In Sanskrit the word Bherunda or [...]

The Avataras of lord Vishnu are Matsya (the Fish), Kurma-the Turtle, Varaha- the Boar, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Sri Ramachandra, Balarama, Sri krishna, and Kalki. Lets take a look at the slokas (sanskrit verses) and know how each of these gods are represented by a mudra. 1. Matsya Avatara Vishnu took the form of a big [...]

When both hands in Mrigashirsha hasta and the left palm is placed over the right palm, we get the Varaha hasta. Lets take a look at the viniyoga shloka of this gesture. Etasya Viniyogaha Syadvarahartha pradarshane It means that this hasta is used to denote a Boar or a wild pig. The Varaha avatara of [...]

While the hands are in chakra hasta, bend all the fingers (except the thumb and the little fingers) and hold the palms tight. Lets take a look at the viniyoga shloka Kurmarthe viniyujyate The shloka says that this hasta is used to denote a Tortoise. The Kurma Avatar of Lord Vishnu is also denoted by [...]

When the right palm is placed over the back of left palm, both palm being in Ardhachandra hasta. Lets take a look at the viniyoga shloka etasya viniyogastu sammatau matsyadarshane It says that this gesture is used to denote a Fish. The Matsya Avatara of Lord Vishnu is also denoted by this gesture.

When the fingers in Chakra hasta are bent in such a way that there is a hollow at the center of the palm we get the Samputa Hasta. lets take a look at the viniyoga shloka of Samputa Varvacgade sampute cha samputah krah iritaha It says that Samputa is used to denote 1. Concealment of [...]

When both the little fingers interlock each other we get the Kilaka Hasta. Lets take a look at the Viniyoga shloka (uses) snehe namranulape cha kilako viniyujyate The shloka says that this kilaka hasta is used to denote A feeling of Love and affection Funny talks, hilarious conversation etc Return to Samyukta hasta