Mudras in Worship

Adapted from works of

Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Devi Mandir Publications

What are Mudras?

Mudras are symbolic gestures that
demonstrate a specific attitude or respect
according to the various meanings found in
the ceremonies of worship.
When the fingers assume the appropriate
positions, the mind automatically conceives
the corresponding attitude.
Thus, mudras are an effective technique to
bring the mind into a state of harmony.

Sankalpa Mudra
The Sankalpa Mudra is
used for stating the
date, time and place,
the performer,
proposed activity
and purpose, prior to
the commencement
of worship.

Purifying Mudras
Purifying Mudras are used
in the purification of
articles of worship, for
example, water and
flowers.

Water Purification
Three mudras are used sequentially in
purifying water during puja. These
mudras are waved over the container
of water which may be a conch or
cup.
Matsya

Dhenu

Ankush

Matsya Mudra
The Matsya Mudra is the
mudra of the fish,
which symbolizes
swimming across the
ocean of worldliness
without fear. Shree
Maa tells us to be like
the fish at the bottom
of the pond. He is
always in the mud, but
never dirty.

Dhenu Mudra
The Dhenu Mudra is
the mudra of the
cow, which
indicates the one
who pours forth
nourishing
goodness in
abundance.

Ankush Mudra
The Ankusha Mudra
is the mudra of the
goad or curved
sword, which
symbolizes
prodding seekers
on towards their
ultimate goal, or
cutting down the
iniquities of the
ego.

Purification of Flowers
Both the Dhenu and
the Prathana
mudras are used in
purifying flowers to
be offered for
worship. The
mudras are waved
over the flowers in
sequence.

Prathana Mudra
The Prathana Mudra
is the mudra of
prayer, and the
worshiper who
demonstrates this
mudra prays for
purity and clarity.