Asamyuktha Hasthas (One - hand gestures)
Pataka Mudra (flag) is a single-hand gesture, where all fingers are held straight close together and thump is slightly bent. This mudra pose is used at the commencement of natya and to represent the clouds, forest, denial of objects, breasts, night, river, realm of divinities, horse, cutting, wind to decumbent, attempting to go, strength, benefaction, moon-light, fierce heat, opening the doors, in the sense of all seven case-endings (vibhakti), tides, entering a lane, equanimity, smearing oneself, taking a pledge, silence, palmyra leaf, shield, feeling the objects, blessing, a good king, describing a location, sea, series of meritorious actions, addressing, stepping forward, grasping a sword, month, year, a drizzly day and sweeping with a broom.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Natyarambhae vaarivahae vanai vastu nishedhanae
Kuchasthalae nishayam cha nadyam amaramandalae
Turangae khandanae vayo shayanae gamanodyamae
Pratapae cha prasadae cha chandrikayam Ghana tapae
Kavaadapaatanae saptavibhaktyarthae tharangae
Veedi praveshabhavepi samatvae cha angaragakae
Aatmarthae shapathae chapae thooshnim bhava nidharshanae
Thaalapatrae cha kheitae cha dravyadi sparshanae thatha
Aashirvadaekriyayam cha nrupa sreshtasya
Thatra Thatreti vachanae sindhyo cha sukruthikramae
Sambhodhanae purogaepae khadgarupasya dharanae
Masae samvathsarae varsha dinae sammarjanae thatha
Yevamardhyeshu yujanthae pataaka hasta bhavanaha
Sloka Translation:
| Natyarambhae | Beginning of the dance |
| Vaarivahae | Rain clouds |
| Vanai | Forest |
| Vastu nishedhanae | To deny, object, avoid |
| Kuchasthalae | Bossom |
| Nisha | Night |
| Nadyam | River |
| Amaramandalae | Heaven |
| Thurangae | Horse |
| Khandanae | Cutting |
| Vayo | Wind |
| Shayanae | Sleeping |
| Gamanodhyamae | Walking |
| Prataapae | Show power |
| Prasaadae | Bless |
| Chandrika | Moon light |
| Ghana tapae | Strong sunlight |
| Kavaadapaatana | Opening & closing door |
| Sapthavibhakthiyarthaae | Mentioning of the seven cases |
| Tharangae | Waves |
| Veedi pravesha | Entering a street |
| Samatvae | Equality |
| Anga ragakae | Massaging or applying sandal paste |
| Aathmarthae | Oneself |
| Shapathae | Take an oath |
| Thooshnim bhava nidharshanam | Silence, Secret act |
| Thaala patrae | Palm leaf, write letter |
| Kheitae | Shield |
| Dravyadis sparshanae | Touching things |
| Ashirvadae | Blessing |
| Nrupa sreshtasya | Powerful king |
| Thathra Tatreti vachanae | To say ‘this’ or ‘that’ |
| Sindhyo | Ocean |
| Sukrithikramae | To be good |
| Sambhodhanam | Address someone |
| Purogaipae | To move forward |
| Khadga | Sword |
| Roopasya | Form |
| Dharanae | To wear |
| Masae | Month |
| Samvathsarae | Year |
| Varsha dinae | Rainy day |
| Sammarjanae | To sweep |
Tripataka Mudra (three parts of the flag) is a single-hand gesture where in from the Pataka pose if the ring finger is bent and all other fingers are held straight, it is Tripataka. Tripataka is used to represent a crown, tree, Indra, thunder (Vajrayudha-the weapon of Indra), Ketaki flower, a lamp, flames of fire, a pigeon, putting marks, writing, an arrow and transformation, according to those who knows Natya.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Makutae vrikshabhaavecha Vajrae Thaddharavasavae
Ketakae kusumae Deepae Vanhijwalavigrumbhanae
Kapoothae patralekhayaam Baanaarthae parivarthanae
Yujyathae Tripatzakoyaam Kathithou Bharatamuthamaihi
Sloka Translation:
| Makutae | Crown |
| Vriksha | Tree |
| Vajrae | Thunderbolt |
| Thaddharavasavae | Lord Indra |
| Ketakae kusumae | A kind of flower |
| Vanhijwalavi grumbhanae | To show flames |
| Kapothae | Pigeon |
| Patralekhayam | Drawing patterns on face or chest |
| Baanaarthae | Shooting arrow |
| Parivarthanae | Circling |
Ardhapataka Mudra is characteised by the bending of the little finger, along with ring finger, in Tripataka Hasta. All other fingers are held straight. Ardhapataka is used to denote leaves, writing/painting board, bank, to mention ‘both’, knife, flag, tower, horns and elaboration.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Pallavae phalakae theerae Ubhayorithivachakae
Krakachae Churikayam cha dhwajae gopura shringayoho Yujyathae ardhapataakoyam Thathatkarmaprayogakae
Sloka Translation:
| Pallavae | Leaves |
| Phalakae | Writing pad |
| Theerae | Bank of a river |
| Ubhayorithi vachakae | To say Both |
| Krakachae | Saw |
| Churikayam | Knife |
| Dhwajae | Flag |
| Gopura | Gopuram of a Temple |
| Shringayoho | Horns |
In the Kartarimukha Mudra, The ring finger and little finger needs to touch the thumb finger and there is a slight crossing (slight V) of the straight fingers , it is called Kartarimukha. We can also interpret the definition as follows: In the Ardhachandra pose, if the little finger (in the bent position) and the index (in the stretched position) are bent backwards, then, it is Kartarimukha. Kartarimukha Mudra is suitable for depicting parting of a couple, conflicts, opposition, looting, corner of the eye, death, alienating, lightning, sleeping, clever or inconsistency, disjunction, fall, and creeper.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Shtripum-sayoosthu-vishlasya
Viparyaa-sapaday-pivaaLuntana
Nayana-amtham Marana Bheda-bhavana
Vidhyu-dartha Api-yekashiyaa-viraha Patana Latayan
Yujathay Yasthu Sakara Kartarimukhaa
Sloka Translation:
| Shtripum sayoosthu vishlasya | Separation of man and women |
| Viparyaa sapaday pivaa | Opposition or overturning |
| Luntana | Stealing or rolling |
| Nayana-amtham | Corner of the eye |
| Marana | Death |
| Bheda-bhavana | Disagreement |
| Vidhyu-dartha | Lightning |
| Api-yekashiyaa-viraha | Married couple fights and separate / In separation from the loved one |
| Patana | To fall down |
| Latayan | A creeper |
In Mayura Mudra, the tip of the ring finger and the tip of the thump should touch each other while other fingers are straight touching each other. Mayura Mudra is used in depicting peacock head/neck, creeper, bird, spewing (to throw out), parting of the locks, ornamenting forehead with a mark, dispersing water of rivers or dispersing holy water, knowledge or dialects of scriptural texts and something famous.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Mayurasyam Latayancha Shakuna Vamana
Alakashyapa Nayana Lalaata-Tilakam-Shucha
Nadyu-Ddakasya-Niksheypam Shastra-Vaada Prasi-Dhaka
Evamarteshu Yujyanthe MayuraKara Bhaavanaaha
Sloka Translation:
| Mayurasyam | Peacock |
| Latayancha | A creeper vine climbing |
| Shakuna | Bird of Omen |
| Vamana | Vomiting |
| Alakashyapa | Moving the hair/Decorating the forehead |
| Nayana | Eye, putting Kajal |
| Lalaata-Tilakam-Shucha | Putting Tilak mark on forehead |
| Nadyu-Ddakasya-Niksheypam | Sprinkling water over the head; holy bathing |
| Shastra-Vaada | Discussing the sastra |
| Prasi-Dhaka | Very famous |
Ardhachandra Mudra is defined as a pose with thump of Pataka outstretched (all other fingers stretched out and held together to depict the half moon). Ardhachandra is used to depict digit of moon on eighth night during waning fortnight, grabbing and pushing by neck, lance, consecrating and bathing an image, dining vessel, source of origin, waist, contemplating on oneself, meditation, invocation, touching of ones limbs and accosting ordinary people.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Chandray Krishna AshtamiBaaji Gala Hastartha Kepicha
BhalaYudha Devathanam Abishechana Karmani
Bukpathra Chudbava Katyaam Chintayam Athma-Vachakam
Dhyana Prathana Anganam-Sparsha
Prakruthanam Namaskaram Ardha Chandrani Jujyathay
Sloka Translation:
| Chandray | Moon |
| Krishna Ashtami Baaji | 8-day of the weaning moon |
| Gala Hastartha Kepicha | Seizing one by the throat |
| Bhala Yudha | A spear |
| Devathanam Abishechana Karmani | Offering to God |
| Bukpathra | Plate |
| Chudbava | Origin or Birth |
| Katyaam | Waist |
| Chintayam | Thinking / Worrying |
| Athma Vachakam | Contemplation |
| Dhyana | Meditation |
| Prathana | Prayers |
| Anganam Sparsha | Touching the limbs |
| Prakruthanam Namaskaram | Greeting common people |
Other usages include:
- bangle
- wrist
- mirror
- astonishment
- effort
- intemperance
- entirety
- beating time
- tying up the hair
- supporting the cheek in grief
- elephant ear
- expelling evil
- wiping sweat form the brow
- adolescence
- ability
- consecration
- eye brow
- cloth
- bow
- preeminence
- tightening the griddle
- making a vessel
- the body
- movement of the feet
- carrying a child
- the back
- white color
- Vaisya caste
Arala Mudra is a single-hand gesture where in the forefinger of Pataka pose is bent, along with the thump and rest of the fingers are stretched and held together. Arala Mudra denotes drinking venom, nectar, etc. and a violent gale.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Vishadhyām amrutham paneshu, Prachandapavanepicha, Bāṇaprayoge kuṇthārthe, Alāsyasmṛtikarme”.
Sloka Translation:
| Vishadhyām amrutham paneshu | In the act of drink poison, nectar etc |
| Prachandapavanepicha | Strong winds (storm, gale etc) |
| Bāṇaprayoge kuṇthārthe | For using an arrow, or the concept of a spear(storm, gale etc) |
| Alāsyasmṛtikarme | For thinking of the past, or dwelling on laziness. |
| Marmukthyam Ugrabhāvaasu | For murmuring or an angry mood |
Sukatunda Mudra is when the ring finger of Arala is bent. Sukatunda is found utilised in depicting shooting of an arrow, a lance, recollecting ones repose, mystical invocations and outrageous mood.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Bhaana Prayooga Kunthartha Aalayasyas smridikarma
Marmookthyam Mugrabhava
Shukatundani yujyathae
Sloka Translation:
| Bhaana Prayooga | Shooting an arrow |
| Kunthartha | A Spear |
| Aalayasyas smridikarma | Remembering the past |
| Marmookthyam | Mystic feeling |
| Mugrabhava | Angry Mood |
In Musti Mudra four fingers are bent and closely pressed towards the palm and thump is placed upon them. Musti is found applied to depict upright-ness, grouping ones tresses, taking hold of objects and combative posture of wrestlers.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Shtiram Kachagraha Daartya Vasthvadeenaamcha Dharana
Maliaanam Yudhabava Mushti Hasta Ya Mishyate
Sloka Translation:
| Shtiram | Steadiness |
| Kachagraha | Grasping one’s hair |
| Daartya | Courage |
| Vasthvadeenaamcha Dharana | Holding things |
| Maliaanam Yudhabava | Fighting mood of wrestlers |
Other usages include:
- grasping
- waist
- fruit
- agreement
- saying “Very well”
- sacrificial offering
- greeting common people
- carrying away
- string hold
- holding a book
- running
- lightness
- wrestling
- holding a shield
- holding the hair
- grasping a spear
In Shikara Mudra, from Mushti, the thumb is raised upwards and held straight. It is found used to depict the God of love, bow, column or pillar, surety, offerings to ancestors, offering of cakes to manes, the upper lips, entry of some object, a tooth, interrogation, Shivalinga, denying, remembrance, proximity to gestures, drawing of girdle, embrace and ringing a bell.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Madhana Kaamuka Sthamba
Nishchaya Pithrukarmani
Oshtra Pravishtaroopa
Radhana Prashnabhavana
Linga Naastheetivachana
Samarana Katibhandhakarshana
Parirambhavidikrama Gantaninadha
Sikhara Jujyate Bharata Dibi
Sloka Translation:
| Madhana | Manmatha or Kama, the God of love |
| Kaamuka | Bow |
| Sthamba | Pillar |
| Nishchaya | Certainty |
| Pithrukarmani | Offering to ancestors |
| Oshtra | Lips |
| Pravishtaroopa | To pour liquid |
| Radhana | Teeth |
| Prashnabhavana | Questioning |
| Linga | Shiva Lingam or Phallic symbol |
| Naastheetivachana | Saying “I don’t know” |
| Samarana | Recollection Abhinayaanthikam – Intimate suggestion |
| Katibhandhakarshana | To lighten the waist band |
| Parirambhavidikrama | Embracing |
| Gantaninadha | Sounding a bell |
Bending the forefinger of the Shikhara pose and placing it over the thumb in a pressing position, forms Kapittha pose. Kapittha Mudra is used for representing Lakshmi, Sarasvathi, grasping the cymbals, milking the cows, collyrium, holding the flowers during amorous sport, the edge of upper garment, gathering cloth, waving lights or offering incense and fanning.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Lakshmyamchiva Saraswatyam Veshtane Taladharane
Godohanechanjanecha Leelattasumadharane
Chelanchaladigrahane Patasyivavakuntane
Dhoopadeepaarchanechapi Kapithasamprayujyate
Sloka Translation:
| Lakshmyamchiva | Goddess Lakshmi |
| Saraswatyam | Goddess Saraswati |
| Veshtane | Going Around |
| Taladharane | Holding the cymbals (Tala) |
| Godohanech | Milking the cows |
| Anjanecha | Putting eye liners |
| Leelattasumadharane | Holding Flowers |
| Chelanchaladigrahane | Holding the Saree(pallu) |
| Patasyivavakuntane | Draping a cloth on the face |
| Dhoopadeepaarchanechapi | To Hold Lamp and Incense |
Katakamukha Mudra is defined to be when fore-finger and middle finger of Kapittha are pressed against the thumb, while ring and little finger of Kapittha are to be raised. Katakamukha is preferred to indicate plucking flowers, arrangement and holding garland or necklaces of pearl, etc., pulling the bow-string, offering betel leaves, grinding to paste materials such as musk etc., anointing fragrant material, speaking and gazing.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Kusumaapachayae muktasrakdamnam dharanam
Sharamadhyaakarshanam Nagavallipradhanam
Kasturikaadivastunam peshana Gandhavasana
Vachana Drushti yujyathae katakamukha karaha
Sloka Translation:
| Kusumaapachayae | Plucking flowers |
| Muktasrakdamnam dharanam | Wearing a necklace of pearls or flowers |
| Sharamadhyaakarshanam | Drawing the arrow at the centre of the bow |
| Nagavallipradhanam | Offering betel leaves |
| Kasturikaadivastunam peshana | Preparing paste of musk |
| Gandhavasana | To smell |
| Vachana | Speak |
| Drushti | Glancing |
In the Katakamukha pose when the forefinger is completely stretched out, it is called Suchi Mudra. Suchi Mudra is preferred to indicate ‘One Supreme Brahman’, centum, solar disc, city, the worlds, in sense of supportive statements such as ‘may it be’, conditional statements such as ‘as-so’, loneliness, threatening, becoming slim, twig, body, amazement, matted locks, umbrella, competency, palms, tresses, beating the drums, circular movement of potter’s wheel, a disc, enquiry and culmination of the day.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Ekarthepi arabrahmabhavanayam Shatapicha
Ravou Nagaryam Lokarthe Tathepivachanepicha
Yachabdepichatatchabdhe Vyajanarthepitarjane
Karshye Shalakavapushe Ashcharye Venibhavane
Chatre Samarthe Konecha Romalyam Bheribhedhane
Kulalachakrabhramane Rathange Mandaletatha
Vivechane Dinantecha Suchi Hasta Prakeertithaha
Sloka Translation:
| Ekarthepi | Showing Number One |
| arabrahmabhavanayam | Showing Para Brahma |
| Shatapicha | To show 100 |
| Ravou | Sun |
| Nagaryam | City, Universe |
| Lokarthe Tathepivachanepicha | Saying ‘That’s how it is’ |
| Yachabdepichatatchabdhe | Asking when, why, who, how |
| Vyajanarthepitarjane | Scaring |
| Karshye Shalakavapushe | Thin or Skinny |
| Ashcharye | Wonder |
| Venibhavane | Showing the hair |
| Chatre | Umbrella |
| Samarthe | Capable |
| Konecha | Room |
| Romalyam | Excitement |
| Bheribhedhane | Beating an instrument called Bheri |
| Kulalachakrabhramane | Showing potter’s Wheel |
| Rathange | Wheel of a chariot |
| Mandaletatha | Group of People |
| Vivechane Dinantecha | Thinking |
| Suchi Hasta Prakeertithaha | Evening all these are shown using Suchi Hasta |
Release of thumb from Suchi Mudra is Chandrakala Mudra. The application of Chandrakala Mudra is prescribed to indicate moon, face, measurement ie,. the extent between thumb and index finger, the objects of the respective dimension, the crest of Siva, Ganga river and Club (weapon).
Chandrakala Mudra is characterized by the formation of the Ardhachandra (half-moon) with the thumb and forefinger extended, while the other fingers remain folded. It represents the crescent moon and other objects of similar shape.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Chandray mukhay cha pradayshay tanmatra-akaravastuni
Shivasya makutay ganganadyam cha lagudaypi cha
aisha chandrakala chaiva viniyojana vidhiyatay
Sloka Translation:
| Chandray | Moon |
| Mukhay | Face |
| Pradayshay | Extent between the thumb and index finger |
| Tanmatra-akaravastuni | Objects of similar shape |
| Shivasya makutay | The crescent on Lord Shiva’s head |
| Ganganadyam | The Ganga river |
| Laguday | A club (weapon) |
When all fingers are stretched without touching each other and slightly bent towards the palm, the pose is said to be Padmakosa Mudra. Padmakosa is used to indicate fruits such as wood-apple and bel, bosoms of women, circular movement, ball, cooking vessel, eating, bud, mango, flowers strewn around, bunch of flowers, hibiscus, bell, anthill, lotus and an egg.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Phalae bilwa kapitha
Sthrinam cha kutch kumbhayoh
Avartakae kandukae sthalyam
Bhojanae pushpa koraka
Shakaraphala pushpavarsha
Manjarikaadishu japakusuma
Gantarupavidhanaka valmika
Kamala Anda Ethi padmakoshayo karaha
Sloka Translation:
| Phalae bilwa kapitha | Various fruits |
| strinam cha kutcha kumbhayoh | Round breast of a women |
| Avartakae | Circular movement |
| Kandukae | Ball |
| Sthalyam | Bowl |
| Bhojanae | Food |
| Pushpa koraka | Flower garland |
| Shakaraphala | Mango |
| Pushpavarsha | Showering flowers |
| Manjarikadishu | Cluster of flowers |
| Japakusuma | Hibiscus flower |
| Japakusuma –Gantarupa vidhanaka | Preparing big bowl of food for elephant or bell shape |
| Valmika | Ant hill |
| Kamala | Lotus |
| Anda | Egg |
When the fingers of Pataka hand are bent at the tip with palm hollowed, it forms the pose called Sarpashirsa Mudra. Sarpashirsa Mudra is used to depict sandal, a serpent, medium tone, libation of water sprinkling on oneself, nourishment, movement of protrusion of elephant head, combative posture of wrestlers.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Chandane Bhujage Mande Prokshane Poshanadishu
Devarshudakadaaneshu Hyaspale Gajakumbhayoho
Bhujaasphaletu Mallanaam Yujyate Sarpasheershakaha
Sloka Translation:
| Chandane | Sandalwood paste |
| Bhujage | Snake |
| Mande | Slow |
| Prokshane | Sprinkling |
| Poshanadishu | Caring |
| Devarshudakadaaneshu Hyaspale | Holy water |
| Gajakumbhayoho | Elephant’s Forehead |
| Bhujaasphaletu Mallanaam | To show the muscles of wrestlers |
| Yujyate Sarpasheershakaha | Sarpasheersha hasta is used |
The thumb and little finger of Sarpashirsa are stretched, while rest of the fingers are closely held and bent perpendicular to them, is called Mrgasirsa Mudra. Mrgasirsa Mudra is used to indicate nymphs, cheek, wheel, limitation, anxiety, tussle, attire, calling, the tripartite mark on forehead(religious symbol), a deer, lute, rubbing of feet, coveting others wealth, the female reproductive organ, holding umbrella, stepping and summoning one’s beloved.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Streenamarthe Kapolecha Krama Maryadayorapi
Bheete Vivade Nepathye Aavasecha Tripundrake
Mukhamukhe Rangavalyom Paadasamvahanepicha
Sarvasammelanekaarye Mandire Chatradharane
Sopane Padavinyase Priyahvane Tathivacha
Sancharecha Prayujyeta Bharatagamakovidhihi
Sloka Translation:
| Streenamarthe | To show Women |
| Kapolecha | Cheeks |
| Krama | Way of doing things |
| Maryadayorapi | To show respect |
| Bheete | Scare |
| Vivade | Argument, |
| Nepathye | Back Stage |
| Aavasecha | The place of living |
| Tripundrake | Forehead |
| Mukhamukhe | Meeting of people |
| Rangavalyom | Sacred design on the floor |
| Paadasamvahanepicha | Massaging the feet |
| Sarvasammelanekaarye | Getting people together |
| Mandire | House |
| Chatradharane | Holding an umbrella |
| Sopane | Stairs |
| Padavinyase | Gait |
| Priyahvane Tathivacha | To call the loved one |
| Sancharecha Prayujyeta Bharatagamakovidhihi | To show Movement this hasta is used |
When all fingers are stretched except the ring and the middle finger, which are pressed against the thumb, it is called Simhamukha Mudra. Simhamukha Mudra is used to represent a fire sacrifice, rabbit, elephant, movement of darbha grass, garland of lotus, face of lion, medicinal preparation of physicians and refinement.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Vidrume Mouktikechiva Sugandhe Alakasparshane
Aakarnanecha Prushati Moksharthe Hrudisamstitaha
Home Shashe Gaje Darbhachalane Padmadamini
Simhanane Vaidyapakashodhane Simhavakrakaha
Sloka Translation:
| Vidrume | To show Coral |
| Mouktikechiva | Pearl |
| Sugandhe | Fragrance |
| Alakasparshane | Curls |
| Aakarnanecha | Hearing |
| Prushati | Point |
| Moksharthe | Salvation |
| Hrudisamstitaha | Heart |
| Home | Sacred fire |
| Shashe | Rabbit |
| Gaje | Elephant |
| Darbhachalane | Sacred Grass |
| Padmadamini | Flower |
| Simhanane | Lion’s face |
| Vaidyapakashodhane | Examining the medicinal preparations |
| Simhavakrakaha | Simhamukha Hasta is used |
Ring finger of Padmakosa pose is bend, middle, forefinger and thumb held upwards. Ring finger bend down and little finger raised, is Kangula Mudra. Kangula Mudra is the right pose to represent Lakuca (citrus) fruit, bell-girdle of children, bell, Cakora bird, betel-nut tree, the bosoms of young maiden, white lily flower, coconut and Caataka bird.
Viniyoga Sloka: Lakuchasya Phale Balakuche Kalharake tatha Chakore Kramuke Baalakinkinyam Ghutikadike Chaatake Yujyatechayam Kangoolakaranaamakaha Sloka Translation:| Lakuchasya Phale | To show Lemon |
| Balakuche | Breasts of a teenager |
| Kalharake tatha | Flower called Kalhara |
| Chakore | A bird called Chakora |
| Kramuke | Beetle nut |
| Baalakinkinyam | Jingles |
| Ghutikadike | Tablets |
| Chaatake | A bird called Chataka |
| Yujyatechayam Kangoolakaranaamakaha | Kangoola Hasta is used |
Little finger bend above and all other fingers stretched apart from each other is Alapadma Mudra. In the scriptures, Alapadma Mudra is prescribed to denote moving bloomed lotus, fruits such as wood-apple, circular motion, bosoms, separation from dear one, mirror, full-moon, sense of charm, hair-braid, moon-house, village, altitude, irritancy, a water reservoir, wheel, Cakravaka bird, chirping of birds and eulogy.
Viniyoga sloka:
Vikachaabjae Kapitthadiphalae cha
Aavarthakae Kuchae Virahae Mukurae
Poorna-chandrae Sowndarya-bhavanae
Dhamillae Chandrashalayam Gramae Uddhata kopayoho
Tatakae Shakatae Chakravakae Kalakalaravae Shlaganae
So alapadmashcha Keertito Bharatagamae
Sloka Translation:
| Vikacha-abja | A fully bloomed lotus |
| Kapittha-diphala | Wood apple |
| Aavarthaka | Circular movement |
| Kucha | Breast |
| Viraha | Yearning to the beloved |
| Mukura | Mirror |
| Poorna-chandra | Full moon |
| Sowndarya bhavana | Beautiful form |
| Dhamilla | Hair-knot |
| Chandra-shala | Moon pavilion |
| Grama | Village |
| Uddhathakopa | Great anger |
| Tataka | Pond or lake |
| Shakata | Cart |
| Chakravaka | Type of bird |
| Kala-kalarava | Murmuring sound |
| Shlagana | Praise |
Chatura Mudra is when little finger is straightened and thump is placed at the base of the ring finger with both the middle finger and index finger joined together. Chatura Mudra indicates musk, lesser quantity, gold, copper, iron, dampness, grief, aesthetic pleasure, eyes, castle based difference, substantiative evidence, enjoyment, slower gait, breaking down, face, ghee, oil etc.
Viniyoga Sloka:
Kastooryam kinchidapyarthae
Swarnataamraadi lohakae
Aardrae khede rasaaswasae lochanae varnabhedakae
Pramanae sarasae mandhagamanae shakaleekrutae
Aasanae ghruta tailadao yujyatae chaturakaraha
Sloka Translation:
| Kastooryaam | Fragrance from kastoori |
| Kinchidapyarthe | Show small quantity |
| Swarnataamraadilohake | Gold and other metals |
| Aardre | Wetness |
| Khede | Sadness |
| Rasaaswade | Taste |
| Lochane | Eye |
| Varnabhedake | Differentiate color |
| Pramane | Promise |
| Sarase | Romance |
| Mandhagamane | Slow movement |
| Shakaleekrute | Breaking |
| Aasane | Seated |
| Ghruta | Molten butter |
| Tailadou | Oil |
When the middle finger and thumb touch each other, index finger bent towards the palm and other two fingers stretched upwards it is called Bhramara Mudra. Bhramara Mudra is used to denote a bee, parrot, wing, heron, cuckoo and other birds.
Viniyoga Sloka: Bhramarecha shukae yogae SarasaeKokiladishu bhramarakhyascha Hastoyam Keerthitho Bharatagamae Sloka Translation:| Bhramarecha | Show honey bee |
| Shukae | Parrot |
| Yogae | Meditation |
| SarasaeKokiladishu | Show birds like kokila sarasa |
Hamsasya Mudra is when, index finger and thumb pressed against each other and other 3 fingers kept straight upwards, each of the fingers away from one another. Auspicious occasion, tying thread, confirming the imparted knowledge, horripilation, pearl, etc., lighting the wick of lamp, touchstone (stone meant for testing gold), flowers such as jasmine, etc., picture or drawing a picture, a clip and obstructing the flow of water are indicated by Hamsasya Mudra.
Viniyoga Sloka: Mangalyasutra bandhechapyupadesha Vinishchayae Romanchae mouktikadoucha Chitrasamlekhanae thatha Damshathua jalabindoucha Deepavartiprasaranae Nikashae shodhanae mallikadou cha Rekhavalekhanae malayaamvahanae Sohambhavanayancha Roopakae Naasteetivachanechapi Nikashanamchabhavane Krutakrutyepi Hamsasyaha Eerito Bharatagame Sloka Translation:| Mangalyasootrabandhe | Tying the sacred thread of marriage |
| Upadeshe | Advice |
| Vinishchaye | Decision |
| Romanche | Excitement |
| Mouktikadoucha | Pearls & other precious stones |
| Chitrasamlekhane tatha | Drawing |
| Damshetu | Fly |
| Jalabindoucha | Drop of water |
| Deepavarteeprasarane | Wick of the lamp |
| Nikashe | Polishing |
| Shodhane | Searching |
| Mallikadou | Jasmine & other flowers |
| Rekhavalekhane | Drawing a line |
| Malayaamvahane | Holding garland |
| Sohambhavanayancha Roopake | To say ‘i am Brahma’ |
| Naasteetivachanechapi | Saying ‘No’ |
| Nikashanamchabhavane | Looking at the polished article |
Hamsapaksa Mudra is when, the ring finger, middle finger and index finger stretched perpendicular to the little finger stretched upwards and thump is bent a little as if to reach to the top of index finger. Hamsapaksa Mudra is used to depict the numeral six, building of a bridge, engraving with nails and covering.
Viniyoga Sloka: Shatsankhyayaam Setubandhe Nakharakankhanetatha Vidhane Hamsapakshoyam Keertito Bharatagame Sloka Translation:| Shatsankhyayaam | To show number 6 |
| Setubandhe | Bridge |
| Nakharakankhanetatha | Impression of the nails |
| Vidhane | Way of doing thing |
When the Padmakosa posture fingers are contracted (closed position) and then open-up partly in a repeated manner, the pose is defined as Sandamsa by experts in natya. Sandamsa Mudra it represents numeral five, stomach, offering to deities, injury, an insect, great anxiety, breath and worship according to texts of natya.
Viniyoga Sloka: Udaare Balidanecha Vranae Keetae Manobhaye Archane Panchavakravye Samdamshakyobhidheeyate Sloka Translation:| Udaare | To show Generosity |
| Balidanecha | Sacrificial Offering |
| Vranae | Wound |
| Keetae | Insects |
| Manobhaye | Fear |
| Archane | Offering |
| Panchavakravye | Number 5 |
Mukula Mudra is defined in scriptures of natya as presentation of all the five fingers together (at the tip). Mukula Mudra is used to depict lilly, eating, Manmatha with his arrows, holding the signet, navel and flower of plantain.
Viniyoga Sloka: Kumudae bhojanae Panchabanae mudradi dharanae Nabhao cha kadalipushpae Yujyathae mukula karaha Sloka Translation:| Kumudae | To show the flower Lily |
| Bhojanae | Eating |
| Panchabane | Cupid, angel |
| Mudradidharane | Smearing sacred marks on the body |
| Naabhoucha | Belly button |
| Kadaleepushpe | Banana Flower |
When the index finger of Mukula is slightly bent, it is called Tamracuda Mudra. Tamracuda Mudra is prescribed by knowers of natya to depict rooster etc., heron, crow, camel, calf and engraving.
Viniyoga Sloka: Kukkutadou bakae kaakae Ushtrae vatsae cha lekhanae TaamrachoodaKarakhyasou Keertitou Bharatagame Sloka Translation:| Kukkutadou | To show Rooster |
| Bakae | A bird called Baka |
| Kaake | Crow |
| Ushtre | Camel |
| Vatsecha | Calf |
| Lekhane | to show letters |
When the thumb and little finger are bent while rest of the fingers are straightened, it is defined as Trisula Mudra. Trisula Mudra gives a sense of holy trinity, bilva leaves and trident.
Viniyoga Sloka: Bilwa patrae tritwayuktae Trishoola karaeritaha Sloka Translation:| Bilwapatre | To show a leaf called Bilwa |
| Tritwayukte | To show the number 3 |