Single hand gestures or Asamyukta Hastas
There are 28 primary single-hand gestures used to convey meanings, tell stories, depict objects, and express emotions
Pataka Mudra
In Pataka mudra, all fingers held straight and close together, with the thumb bent to touch the base of the index finger. Used to show clouds, a forest, or a blessing.
Tripataka Mudra
Same as Pataka, but with the ring finger bent down. Used to show a crown, a tree, or an arrow.
Ardhapataka Mudra
Same as Tripataka, with the little finger also bent down. Used to show a knife, a riverbank, or a temple tower.
Kartarimukha Mudra
Index and middle fingers extended and spread apart like scissors, the other fingers folded in. Used to show separation between two people, or lightning.
Mayura Mudra
Ring finger touches the tip of the thumb, while the other fingers stay spread and raised. Used to show a peacock, or the wiping away of tears.
Ardhachandra Mudra
Pataka with the thumb stretched outward, curving the hand like a crescent. Used to show the moon, or a gesture of prayer and greeting
Arala Mudra
Pataka with the index finger bent inward. Used to show the act of drinking poison or nectar.
Shukatunda Mudra
Similar to Arala, with the index finger bent more sharply, like a beak. Used to show shooting an arrow, or throwing a spear
Mushthi Mudra
All fingers folded into a tight fist, with the thumb pressed over them. Used to show firmness and steadiness, or wrestling.
Shikhara Mudra
A closed fist with the thumb raised straight upward. Used to show the god of love, a pillar, or the ringing of a bell
Kapittha Mudra
The middle finger bent to touch the thumb, with the other fingers folded over it. Used to show Goddess Lakshmi or Saraswati, or the act of milking a cow.
Katakamukha Mudra
Index finger, middle finger, and thumb brought together at the tips, with the ring and little finger raised. Used to show picking flowers, or holding a pearl necklace.
Suchi Mudra
The index finger pointed straight up, with the other fingers folded into the palm. Used to show the number one, or the sun.
Chandrakala Mudra
Ardhachandra with the index finger bent slightly inward. Used to show a digit of the moon, or a jewel.
Padmakosha Mudra
Fingers curved inward and slightly separated, like an unopened flower. Used to show a water lily, or a fruit such as mango or apple.
Sarpashirsha Mudra
Fingers pressed together and curved forward, resembling a snake's hood. Used to show offering water to gods and sages, or an elephant's flapping ear.
Mrigashirsha Mudra
Thumb and little finger raised, with the middle three fingers folded down. Used to show calling out to a beloved, or holding an umbrella.
Simhamukha Mudra
Middle and ring fingers bent to touch the thumb, with the index and little finger raised. Used to show an elephant, or a pearl garland.
Kangula Mudra
A curved variation of Mrigashirsha, with the fingers bent further inward. Used to show a small fruit, or a water lily.
Alapadma Mudra
All five fingers spread wide and curved back, like a fully bloomed lotus. Used to show yearning for a beloved, or the full moon.
Chatura Mudra
The four fingers bent slightly at the middle knuckle, with the thumb tucked in. Used to show the eyes, or a small amount
Bhramara Mudra
The four fingers bent slightly at the middle knuckle, with the thumb tucked in. Used to show the eyes, or a small amount
Hamsapaksha Mudra
Index, middle, and ring fingers extended together, with the thumb and little finger folded in. Used to show constructing a bridge, or the number six.
Samdamsha Mudra
Padmakosha with the fingers repeatedly opened and closed. Used to show an offering, or the number five
Mukula Mudra
All five fingertips brought together to a point. Used to show a flower bud, or the god of love.