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Hasta Mudra (Hand Gestures) Part 5 - Bandhava Hasta

January 08, 2018

Bandhava Hasta means the hand gestures that reflects the relationship. These are very important for dance
compositions. These are also known as Bandhu Hastas. As per Abhinaya Darpana There are 11 Bandhava Hastas.
They are as follow

1.  Dampati Hasta  : It means married couples.This is denoted with Shikhara in left and Mrigashisya in right
hand. 
2. Matru :  Matru or mother is depicted by holding Ardhachandra in left hand near stomach(turned over)
and Samdamsam in right hand.
3. Pitru : Pitru or father is depicted by holding Ardhachandra held near stomach in the left hand and
Shikhara in the right hand
4. Sodra : Sodara means Brother. Elder brother is depicted by Myura is both the hands in front of the belly.
Younger brother is shown by Mayura hands on both the sides.
5. Putra : Putra or Son is depicted by Shikhara in left and Samdam in right held near the belly and then
moved in a circular way.
6. Snusha : Means Daughter -in - law and is depicted by showing Putra hasta and then Mrigashishya in right
hand.
7. Swashru/ Shvashuru : This means Mother -in -law. Depicted by Hasmsasya in the left hand (near
neck) and right hand Samdam.
8. Swashru : This means Father -in- law. Dpicted by Hamsasya in the left hand (near neck) and Samdam
hasta in the right hand and then Shikhara.
9. Sapatni : Saptani or second wife. Depicted by Parsha hasta and then Mrigashishya.
10. Nanand : Means Sister - in -law. Depicted by Shikara in the left and Kartarimukhaha in th eright and then
Mrigashishya.
11. Bhartru : Means Brother - in - law. Depicted by Shikara in the left and Kartaimukhaha in the right.
Jaati Hasta or Varna Hasta
http://sangeetkalakendra.blogspot.com/2018/01/hasta-mudra-hand-gestures-part-12-jaati.html
Since Pre - historic times, Indian society had a complex, inter- dependent and co operative political economy
where each individual had a specific role to play in uplifting the society and human welfare. The caste system in
ancient India was followed with precise order and instructions. One can go on and on about the intricacies of the
Caste System in India. Many research in modern times have been conducted on the caste systems. For centuries,
caste dictated each and every aspect of Hindu life with each group occupying a specific place in the complex
hierarchy.

Earliest mention of the caste system in ancient India can be found in Manusanhita (1000 years before Christ), a
book written by King Manu who ruled South India and have said to migrated to North India.

Jaati Hastas are very common in Indian classical dance compositions. While composing a dance drama it becomes
very important to depict the characters with the help of these Hastas. These hastas in co ordination of the body
language will help the dancers to depict charecters and invoke the right bhavas.
 These are also known as Varna Hastas. There are 4 main Varna as per ancient Hinduism.

Brahmans  : They formed the top level of the pyramid. They were the priests and teachers.
Kshatriyas   : They were the warrior class consisting of the kings, army, administrators etc. They were known as the
Rajanas.
Vayshyas    : They were the merchant,artisan,traders and farmer class.
Sudras    : These were the remaining lot or the labor class who worked for others.

In addition to these 4 main Varnas, Natyashastra mentions the exsistance of Rakshasha Hasta.

Author's Note : It is my personal request to the young teachers to teach all the hasta mudras. Incomplete
knowledge of these will make the students incompetent to choreograph in later stage of career. It is our duty to
give the next generation the right and full knowledge or else we run the risk of loosing the same.
Caste System in India
Dev Hasta
http://sangeetkalakendra.blogspot.com/2018/01/hasta-mudra-hand-gestures-part-3-deva.html
Hasta Mudra (Hand Gestures) Part 3 - Deva Hasta
January 08, 2018
Deva Mudras are an integral part of learning Indian Classical dance. These mudras are taught at a very early age to
the students in order to achieve fluency.

Bhrama Hasta : Hindus believe Creation is not a simple task, infact it is not even a one man’s job. Bhrama is know
as the Supreme creator. He is the first one of the Supreme Trinity. The entire World is his creation. His colour is
considered as pale Red. His picture depicts him as a

widely old man with wisdom. He hold Rosary, Lotus, Vedas and Kamandalu
with his four hands. He is said to have written the 4 vedas and his vehicle is a white SWAN. His wife is Godessess
Saraswati. He is said to be born from the naval of God Vishu. He is seen always in sitting position depicting the
concentration that is required to create. Brahma temples are found outside India, such as in Thailand at the
Erawan Shrine in Bangkok. He is represented with Left hand holding the Chatura hasta (representing the 4 hands
or 4 mouth or the 4 Vedas) and Right hand in Hamsasya hasta (representing holding Rosary and giving boon at the
same time).

 Sloka for Bhrama, Vishnu and Shiva Hasta

brahmachaturo vame hansasya dakshine karaha hastabhyam tripakastu vishnuhastaha kirtitaha Shambovarmay
mrugashirshas tripatakastu dakshine

Vishnu Hasta : He is known as the preserver of the Universe. Ancient Sanskrit text describes him as one who
pervades all. He is depicted as dark skinned some time blue skinned with four hands holding Sanka (Corn shell
when blown is suppose to create positive vibes), Chakra(representing the circle of time or eternity also a weapon),
Gada (Weapon) and Lotus(flower or purity).  He is seen either in standing Position or lying posture, which
represents either working exhaustively or resting. He sleeps on coiled snake with multi hood or Adi Ananta
Sheshnaga (Primal-Limitless-Residue, which is numerically visualized as One-Infinity-Zero) which represents the
complexity of life. The Hindu philosophy as a whole have been obsessed with infinity (everything-ness) and zero
(nothingness) and with the number one (the beginning). We time and again find mention of rebirth, cyclical time,
and a world where there are no boundaries. His dress is luxurious with silk and color yellow representing the
Grahasti life. He is shown with two hands holding Tripataka below the navel or rite above the navel.

Deva/Devi Left Hand Right Hand

Brahma Chatura Hamsasya
Vishnu Tripataka Tripataka
Shiva Tripataka Simhamukham
Saraswathi Kapaitham Suchi
Lakshmi Kapaitham (facing the sky) Kapaitham (facing the sky)
Parvathi ArdhaChandra (inverted) ArdhaChandra
Ganesha Kapaitham (facing down) Kapaitham (facing down)
Karthike Trishula Shikara
Kamadeba Shikara Kathakamukham
Shiva Hasta : Shiva, the last one of the tridevas is depictaed as Yogi. He is the first know Yogi as per the texts. He is
the destroyer. He do not possess any luxurious item. Describe as one with pale complexion, with blue in his neck
and a third eye representing (divine wisdom & foresight). He
is always seen in meditative sitting posture or dancing poses. Lord Shiva is shown as mrigashirsha hasta in the left
hand and tripataka hasta in the right hand. His body is covered with ashes and his body is ornamented with
snakes. He is know to possess the knowledge of Medical Powers .He is known to be the best dancer in the world.
Ganga flows from his chunks of hair and he holds a crescent on his head.

Next in the list is that of the feminine power. Under this group we have 3 main Godessess as per Nandikeswara
and addition have been made afterwards.These are commonly known as Devi Hastas. The main 3 Devi hastas are
that of Parvati, Saraswathi and Lakshmi. Addition like that of
Meenakshi, Andal, Lalitha, Velli, Deviyani, Mukhambi have been done at much later stage. For the benefit of the
students we should discuss this brief.

Parvathi : Nandikeshwara writes the below

slokam  which means that both the hands needs to be hold in Ardha Chandra position. She is considered as the
supreme power of femininity. The other form of her is Godesses Kali. Though not included in the original text many
scholars are of opinion to make it a part of the Devi Hastas. Her carrier is Lion.

udhvardaha prasutavardhachandrakhyo vamadakshinauabhayo varadachaiva parvaryaha

Lakshmi : She is considered as the goddesses of Wealth and Prosperity. Her husband is Lord Vishnu. Her four hand
suggests 4 principal goals of like viz. Dharma, Kama, Artha and Moksha. It is believed that a human life is satisfied
only if all these four virtues are found in balance in once’s life. Lakshmi represented by holding both hands in
kapitta hasta close to the bosom. Her arrier is a white Owl.

                      Amsopakanthe hasta bhyam kapityashtu shriyaha karaha

Saraswathi : She is shown by holding suchi hasta in the right hand near the chest and the left hand in kapitta hasta
raised above shoulder level.She is normally shown with veena (musical instrument) in her hand. Her carrier is a
White Swan. In her four hands she hold veena with two and rosary and 4 vedas in other two hands.

Navasindhi Hastas
Next in the list is the Adi devas, These are the groups of devas that governs the nature. Historians believe that
ancient Hindus worshiped the uncontrolled forces of nature and would give luxurious offerings to make the GODS
happy. There is a debate among the historian on which group these Gods fall under. While some call them the ADI
Deva many call them the Nava Sandhi including Bhrama in the center. In addition to this Akasham was taken as
another side. The ten directions are implied in the name -Dasha Dwisha. It is believed that during a dance
performance these Gods are in charge of the 9 sides of the stage.

In addition to this there are 3  important gods mentioned in Abhinaya Darpana by Nandikeshwara. These hand
gestures are to be practiced thoroughly in order to understand the true base of NatyaShastra.
Kamadeva or Manmatha : He is the ancient Indian cupid who induces lusty desires in our minds. His bow is made
of Sugarcane with a string of honey bees, the arrows are decorated with 5 fragnents. By holding right hand in
Katakamukha and the left hand in Shikhara hasta manmatha is represented.

                                vame karetu shikharau dakshine katakamukhaha 

                                manmatahsya karaha natyashastrartha kovadaihi

Muruhgan : He carrys a spear in one hand and the other hand is always blessing the devotees.
His vehicle is a peacock that is in grip of a serpent.  . Kartikeya is dipicted by holding left hand
in Trishula hasta and right hand in Shikhara hasta

                               vame kare trishulashcya shikharo dakshine kar

                                urdhvam gate  shanmukhasya hastaha syaditi kiritaha

Ganesha : He is depicted by kapitta hasta in the right hand, while the same hasta is held in the left hand, but facing
downwards. . In the shiva purana it is said that Goddess parvati created ganesha out of the dirt of her body while
bathing and assigned the task of guarding until she finishes her bath. Meanwhile lord shiva returned and was
furious as he saw a stranger boy would not let him enter. In anger he cut off the boys head. Now parvati was grief
struck and pleaded to bring back her son’s life. Thus shiva ordered his men to bring the head of a sleeping being
who faced the north. As such they could find only an elephants head. Shiva restored the boys life and declared him
as Ganapati (leader of his troops or ganas). This elephant headed god rides on a mouse. He is said to be a god of
Wisdom and success and worshiped as one who removes obstacles of his devotees.

urogatabhyayam hastabhyam kapittyo vignaratakaraha

In addition to the above Deva Hastas there are few more that needs to be taught to the students.
Name Left   Hand Right   Hand
Shanmukha Hasta Trishoola Hasta Shikhara Hasta
Indra Hasta Tripataka Hasta Swastika Hasta
Agni Hasta Kangoola Hasta Tripataka Hasta
Yama Hasta Paasha Hasta Suchi Hasta
Kubera Hasta Padmakosha Hasta Ardhachandra Hasta
Vaayu Hasta Ardhapataka Hasta Arala Hasta
Varuna Hasta Shikhara Hasta Pataka Hasta
Niruti Hasta Khatva Hasta Shakata Hasta
Hasta Mudra (Hand Gestures) Part 9 - Jantu Hasta
January 08, 2018
These are not so common and is hardly ever taught to the students in the class. However it is advisable to read
this. This strictly falls under "Good to Know" information.

Animals Hasta Reference

Lion Patāka (applied to the back of the right, the fingers being Asamyukta Mudra
freely moved) Siṃha-mukha in Right
Tiger Ardha-candra hand held face downward Asamyukta Mudra
Boar Saṅkīrṇa-makara hand in the aforesaid Matsya hand, the Asamyukta Mudra
right hand is held downwards and shaken the five fingers
being severally held apart, indicating bristles
Monkey Adho-muṣṭi-mukula hand is used, i. e. the thumb and Asamyukta Mudra
second finger of the Muṣṭi hand are joined
Cat Ardha-mukula hand the thumb and third finger of the Asamyukta Mudra
Muṣṭi hand are joined
Yak the hands touching at the wrists, left hand Muṣṭi, right Asamyukta Mudra
hand Mudrikā, making the Muṣṭi-mudrā hand
Iguana Tala-patāka hand, i. e. the thumb and little finger of the Asamyukta Mudra
Patāka hand are slightly raised
Porcupine/ forefinger of the Mṛga hand is raised Asamyukta Mudra
Deer
Antelope Mrigasisya hasta Asamyukta Mudra
Mule Nāga-bandha hands directed upwards, indicating Ears Samyukta Mudra
Mouse Katakamukha. left hand forefinger of Mukula Asamyukta Mudra
Bear Padmakośa face downwards, right hand Patāka placed on
the back of the left
Cow the Saṅkīrṇa-mudrā hand with the middle finger is bent, Asamyukta Mudra
and all the others extended, also indicating Yantra-
bheda.
Goat Śikhara hands in contact face to face Asamyukta Mudra
Hare Tri patāka hand is moved horizontally Asamyukta Mudra
Scorpion Karkaṭa hand is directed downwards
Dog Madhya-patāka hand, the little ñnger of the Patāka hand Samyukta Hasta
is bent
Camel the Kaṇḍāñjali hand, i. e. the thumbs of the Añjali hand Samyukta Hasta
are bent and moved up and down
Ass the Bhinnāñjali hand, i. e. the forefingers of the Hasta Mudra
Khaṇḍāñjali hand are bent
Bull Tala-siṃha [1] hand, i. e. the second and third fingers are Hasta Mudra
bent to touch the palm, and the thumb placed over them,
and the two other fingers extended
Hasta Mudra (Hand
Gestures) Part 1
Asamyukta Mudra
January 08, 2018

                                 Hand gestures in dance is called Mudra. These are also

known as Hasta or Hasta Mudra.  Mudra or these hand gestures are the

alphabets of dance. each and every mudra denotes specific meaning. With

proper usage of these mudra one can narrate stories. Now with two hands

there are two types of hand gestures. They are  ---  Asamyukta Mudra and

Samyukta Mudra
Asamyukta Mudra  : These are the one hand gestures. When the mudra is

performed with only one hand, its called Asamyukta Mudra. There are 28

Asamyukta hasta as per Natya Shastra. These can further be divided into 3

broad groups. they are illustrated below.

Pataka : This is the first Asamyukta hasta. All the four fingers (except the

thumb) are stretched and placed straight together. The thumb is bent.

Pataka is used for showing Flag, Blade, Sword, Blessing, Road etc.

Tripitaka : While doing Pataka if one bends the ring finger, we get Tripataka.

This is used for depicting Crown of a king, while doing Adavus, Manaha,

Light of a lamp etc.

Ardhapataka : While doing Pataka if one bends both the ring finger and the

little finger, one gets Ardhapataka. This is used for

Kartari Mukham : This is used for depicting Scissors, Cutting anything etc.

Mayuram : While doing pataka bend the ring finger in a way, so that it

touches the thumg. This is used for depicting birds with beak. As the name

suggests it is used for reflecting Peacock.

Ardhachandra  : Ardhachandra is done exactly like pataka but the thumb is

not bend but stretched towards other direction to form an angle between

the Pointing finger and Thumb. This is used for showing Female Goddess,

Moon, Cresent of Moon etc.

Arala : This is pataka with the thumb and pointing finger bent. This is used

for reflecting

Sukhotandu : Bend the fourth finger in Arala Hasta to show Shukatunda

Hasta. To Shoot an Arrow, Weapon, Saying Cunning things,Showing Fury

Shukatunda Hasta is used.

                         Baanaprayoge Kuntarthe Marmoktaaugrabhavane

                         Shukatundakarogneyo Bharatagamavedhibhih

Mushti : Fold all the fingers in to the palm & keep the thumb on them to show Mushti Hasta(like a fist).
Strength, Dragging by the Hair, Courageous, Holding Things Wrestling to show all these Mushti Hasta is

used

                          Sthire Kachagrahe Dardhye Vastraadeenaanchadharane

                         Mallanaam Yudha bhavecha Mushtihastoyamuchyate

. 

Shikara :  Stretch the thumb finger in Mushti Hasta to show Shikhara Hasta. Cupid, Bow, Piller,
Silence, Offerings to the dead ancestors Lips, Enterung, Teeth, Questioning Limbs, saying 'NO',

Recollection, At he end of an expression Tieing around the waist, Hugging Weapon names Shakti,

Weapon called Tomara, Ringing the Bell, Churning Shikhara Hasta is used

                         Madane Karmukhe Sthambe Nishabdhe Pitrutarpane Oshte Pravishtaroopecha Rad

                          ane Prashnabhavane Ange Naasteetivachane Smarane Abinayaantare

                         Katibandhakarshanecha Parirambhavidhoudhave Shaktitomarayo

                         rmokshe Ghantanadecha Peshane Shikharo Yujyatesoyam Bharatagamavedhibhihi 

Kapittam

Katakamukham

Soochi

Chandrakal

Padmokosha

Sarpashisya

Mrigashisya

Singhamukhm

Kangual
Alapadma

Chaturam

Bhromaram

Hamsasya

Hamsapakshya

Samdamsam

Mukulam

Tramrochura

Trisulam
Do note that the above 28 mudras as mentioned in Natya Shastra. Along

with these quite a few mudras have come into exsistance. These new

mudras are quite extensively used in dance compositions  even today. Few

of these new mudras are illustrated below.

Urṇa-nābha  (spider): the fingers of the Padmakośa hand are bent. It originates from Narasiṃha

when he was tearing the body of the Daitya (Hiraṇyakaśipu). Its sage is Sārdulaka, its race

Kṣattriya, its colour blood-red, its patron deity the Primal Tortoise (Kurmāvatāra of Viṣṇu). Usage:

scratching the head, theft, Narasiṃha, face of a deer, lion, monkey, tortoise,  karṇikara,  breast,

fear, Kṣattriya caste, blood-red colour.

Bāṇa (arrow): the three fingers joined just touch the thumb, and the little finger is extended. Usage:

the number six, Nāla-nṛtya.

Ardha-sūcika  (half-needle): the forefinger of the Kapittha hand is raised. Usage: sprout, young bird,
etc., large insect.

Another interesting division of hasta mudras are illustrated below. This

division of the Asamyukta Hastas is very important to understand.

NADI HASTA

PATANGA HASTA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16KrG57Siy0

Bandhava Hasta | Hands for Relations | Bharatanatyam | Akshita

Ms Gupta
Dancing Spirit

636 subscribers

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Bandhava Hasta means the hand gestures that reflects the relationship within the family. These are very
important for dance compositions. These are also known as Bandhu Hastas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjnbYgXD3g8

Dashavatara Hasta | Ten Incarnations Of Lord Vishnu |

Bharatnatyam | Akshita Ms Gupta

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtWHYq31fMo

Navgraha Hasta | Hands for Planets | Bharatanatyam | Akshita

Ms Gupta

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQAz_mdrYJE

Common mistakes in Mudras

Very important video showing groups of mudras

Abhinaya Darpanam

1. Avatarika. 2. Natyotpattih. 3. Sirobhedah. 4. Drsti Bhedah. 5. Bhru Bhedah. 6. Griva Bhedah.

7. Hasta Pranam. 8. Asamyuta Hastah. 9. Samyuta Hastah. 10. Deva Hastah. 11. Dikpala
 Hastah. 12. Dasavatara Hastah. 13. Varna Hastah. 14. Bandhava hastah. 15. Navagraha

hastah. 16. Raja hastah. 17. Samudra hastah. 18. Nadi hastah. 19. Loka hastah. 20.

Nrtta Hastah. 21. Pada Bhedah. 22. Mandala Bhedah. 23. Sthanaka Bhedah. 24. Utplavana

Bhedah. 25. Bhramari Bhedah. 26. Cari Bhedah. 27. Gati Bhedah. 28. Vrksa Hastah. 29.

Mrga hastah. 30. Paksi Hastah. 31. Jalajantu Hastah.

There are four words to describe the direction that the hasta is
facing:

 Uttana: palm up
 Adhomukha: palm down
 Unmukha: palm facing dancer
 Paran Mukha: palm facing away from dancer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O18OJ7iISeI

Good video on Dashavatara

Nritta Hastas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj3uYBOQmnM