MUDRAS IN BHARATANATYAM

Asamyukta Hastas (Single-Hand Mudras) – Bharatanatyam

Asamyukta Hastas are single-hand gestures used in Bharatanatyam to express ideas, objects, emotions, and actions.
They are described in the Natya Shastra and Abhinaya Darpana.

1. Pataka – Flag

All fingers extended and together, thumb bent slightly inward.
Uses: Denotes cloud, forest, denial, blessing.



2. Tripataka – Three Parts of a Flag

Pataka with ring finger bent.
Uses: Crown, tree, arrow, flame.



3. Ardhapataka – Half Flag

Pataka with little finger and ring finger bent.
Uses: Leaves, knife, tower.



4. Kartarimukha – Scissors

Index and middle fingers extended apart, others folded.
Uses: Separation, opposition, lightning.



5. Mayura – Peacock

Ring finger touches thumb tip, others extended.
Uses: Peacock, bird, creeper.



6. Ardhachandra – Half Moon

All fingers extended with thumb stretched sideways.
Uses: Moon, waist, offering.



7. Arala – Bent

Index finger bent, others extended, thumb touches middle finger.
Uses: Drinking nectar, violent wind.



8. Shukatunda – Parrot’s Beak

Thumb, index, and middle fingers together bent forward, others folded.
Uses: Shooting an arrow, throwing a spear.



9. Mushti – Fist

All fingers bent into the palm with thumb on top.
Uses: Steadiness, grasping, wrestling.



10. Shikhara – Peak

Fist with thumb extended upward.
Uses: Bow, pillar, embrace.



11. Kapitta – Wood Apple or Elephant Apple

Fist with index finger bent over thumb.
Uses: Holding flowers, offering betel leaves.



12. Katakamukha – Opening of a Bracelet

Three variations:

  • Type 1: Thumb, index, and middle fingers together.



  • Type 2: Same but different positioning for holding garlands.



  • Type 3: Variation for holding cloth or ornaments.



  • Uses: Wearing jewelry, plucking flowers.

13. Suchi – Needle or Point

Index finger extended, others closed.
Uses: One, truth, world.



14. Chandrakala – Digit of the Moon

Shikhara with index finger extended.
Uses: Moon, face.



15. Padmakosha – Lotus Bud

All fingers slightly curved and separated.
Uses: Fruit, flower, breast.



16. Sarpashirsha – Snake’s Head

All fingers extended forward, together with gentle curve.
Uses: Snake, sacred offerings.



17. Mrigashirsha – Deer’s Head

Tips of thumb, index, and middle finger together, others extended.
Uses: Calling women, deer, flute playing.



18. Simhamukha – Lion’s Face

Tips of thumb, middle, and ring fingers together, others extended.
Uses: Rabbit, lion, holding lotus.



19. Kangula – Bell

Tips of ring finger and thumb together, others extended.
Uses: Bell, small fruit.



20. Alapadma – Fully Bloomed Lotus

Fingers spread out and curved back.
Uses: Beauty, full moon, opening.



21. Chatura – Cleverness

Tips of thumb and index together, others slightly bent.
Uses: Small quantity, good looks.



22. Bhramara – Bee

Thumb and middle finger tips together, index bent, others folded.
Uses: Bee, parrot, crane.



23. Hamsasya – Swan’s Beak

Thumb and index finger tips together, others extended.
Uses: Pearl, tying a thread.



24. Hamsapaksha – Swan’s Wing

Little, ring, and middle fingers extended, others folded.
Uses: Sand, leaves.



25. Sandamsha – Pincers

All fingers and thumb open and close together repeatedly.
Uses: Offering flowers, grasping.




26. Mukula – Bud

All fingertips together pointing upward.
Uses: Bud, eating, flower.



27. Tamrachuda – Cock’s Comb

Thumb touching base of ring finger, others extended.
Uses: Rooster, cock.



28. Trishula – Trident

Shikhara with index and middle fingers extended.
Uses: Trident, Shiva’s weapon.



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