Hands That Speak: Understanding Mudras in Indian art

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By Zeel Sundhani

6 min read

  • India
  • Art
  • Religion
  • History

    • Table of Contents

    1. Abhaya Mudra
    2. Varada Mudra
    3. Anjali Mudra
    4. Dhyana Mudra
    5. Gyan Mudra
    6. Kataka Mudra
    7. Musti Mudra
    8. Bhumisparshana Mudra
    9. Vitarka Mudra
    10. Dharmachakra Mudra

    In Indian art and iconography, hands are more than just physical forms, they are symbolic and carry a lot of meaning, silently communicating the deep spiritual truths. Mudras, ritualized hand gestures, serve as a symbolic language, bridging the gap between the human and the divine. Whether carved in stone, cast in metal or painted on various surfaces, mudras reveal divine emotions, intentions and blessings. These gestures create a visual dialogue between the gods and devotees, embodying ideas of protection, wisdom, discipline and transcendence.

    While mudras are an indispensable part of Indian performing arts, they also play an important role in visual and fine arts, acting as a medium for the artist to convey the emotions of the subject to the viewer through hand gestures. As a viewer, it is essential for us to understand the story behind any painting - as to why a certain figure is depicted in a particular

    Following are some of the mudras popularly depicted in traditional, folk and tribal art -

    Abhaya Mudra

    Abhaya, meaning non-fear, is a gesture of protection, reassurance and fearlessness, often displayed by Gods offering protection to their devotees. It is shown with the right palm raised up to the shoulder level, all fingers open and facing front.

    The lower right hand of Ganesha shows the Abhaya Mudra in this Mysore painting, reassuring the deities of his role as Vighnaharta, the remover of all obstacles.

    Lord Ganesha in Mysore art by Raghavendra B B

    Varada Mudra

    The Varada mudra is the gesture of giving, compassion and blessing, often displayed by gods blessing their devotees and granting their wishes. It is usually depicted using the left hand, placed lower near the thigh, with an open palm facing upwards.

    In this Mysore painting, Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity can be seen holding the Varada mudra in the lower left hand, blessing her devotees with good fortune

    Lotus of Divine Grace: A Mysore Painting Tribute to Goddess Lakshmi by Dr. J Dundaraja

    Anjali mudra

    The Anjali mudra shows folded palms, raised up to the chest, used as a gesture of salutation, devotion and prayer. It is displayed by devotees, vahanas and other figures revering a deity, and sometimes by Gods themselves too.

    In the below Bengal Pattachitra painting, Rama is shown with his hands in the Anjali mudra, a sign of prayer and salutation, highlighting his sacred bond with Sita based on love and respect.

    Rama and Sita in Bengal Pattachitra by Manoranjan Chitrakar

    Dhyana mudra

    The Dhyanamudra is considered to be a mudra for meditation. This indicates Samadhi or yoga mudra. It is depicted with both hands in the lap with the back of the right hand resting on the palm of the left hand with fingers extended and the tips of both the thumbs forming a triangle.

    In this Kalamkari painting, Hanuman can be seen holding the Dhayana mudra with his lower arms, palms resting on the lap in the gesture of meditation. He is known as a yogi, a master of ashta siddhis, often also shown meditating on Rama and Sita.

    Hanuman in Kalamkari by D Laxmi Amma

    Gyan mudra

    The Gyan mudra is a gesture of knowledge, symbolising wisdom and concentration. It is displayed with three fingers extended and the tips of the thumb and index finger touching and forming a circle. In the Gyan Mudra, also known as Chin Mudra, each finger carries a symbolic meaning that deepens the gesture beyond its physical form. The thumb represents the universal consciousness or supreme reality, while the index finger signifies the individual self or ego. When the index finger bends to touch the thumb, it symbolizes the dissolution of the ego into the higher truth, the union of the self with the absolute. The remaining three fingers embody the three qualities of nature, or gunas - the middle finger stands for sattva (purity and balance), the ring finger for rajas (activity and desire), and the little finger for tamas (inertia and ignorance). Together, the mudra expresses the idea that while one lives amidst these natural forces, true wisdom arises when the self recognizes its unity with the infinite.

    This is displayed by various deities, especially the Dakshinamurti form of Shiva, who is represented in the form of a teacher, imparting knowledge, as shown in the below Tanjore painting, his lower right arm showing the Gyan mudra.

    Dakshinamurti Traditional tanjore painting by Sanjay Tandekar

    Kataka mudra

    In this mudra, the hand is shaped as though holding a flower or a stem , and the thumb and index finger come together, while the other fingers are bent, suggesting the act of grasping. In the below Mysore painting, Parvati is seen holding a flower in her right hand, with her fingers forming the Kataka mudra.

    Shiva Parvati Ganesha and Kartikeya In Mysore by Raghavendra B B

    Musti Mudra

    The musti mudra is formed by a closed fist, with the fingers tightly pressed into the palm and the thumb covering them. It is most popularly displayed by Hanumana, holding his gada (mace), usually in his right hand, and is a symbol of strength, determination, and valor, as seen in the below Kalamkari painting.

    Hanuman: Kalamkari painting by Harinath.N

    Buddha is depicted with his hands in various mudras or gestures, each carrying a symbolic meaning.

    Bhumisparshana mudra

    In the Bhumisparshana mudra, Buddha is depicted sitting in meditation with his left palm upright in his lap, and right hand touching the ground. This signifies the calling of Earth to witness his nirvana.

    Buddha in Sikki Grass work by Suraj Kumar Sahu

    Vitarka mudra

    The Vitarka mudra indicates teaching and discussion or intellectual debate. The tips of the thumb and index finger touch and form a circle. This symbolises the constant flow of energy, and the belief that there is no beginning or end, just perfection. The right hand is positioned at a shoulder level, while the left stays in the lap, with the palm facing upwards.

    Buddha in Viktara Mudra Kalamkari Painting by Siva Reddy

    Buddha in Zardozi by Md. Bilal

    Dharmachakra mudra

    The Dharmachakra mudra signifies turning the wheel of Dharma or law, involving both hands to show balance. Mystic circles are formed to create the cycle of movement. This mudra was exhibited by Buddha after his enlightenment, at his first sermon at Sarnath.

    Buddha: Kalamkari painting by Harinath.N

    Mudras in Indian art are far more than just ornamental hand gestures, they are profound expressions of philosophy, spirituality and human emotion. From the raised hand of a deity assuring protection, the folded palms of devotion, or the clenched fist of strength, each gesture creates a bridge between the divine and the devotee. They allow art to transcend its medium into a living dialogue that conveys eternal truths. For the viewer, recognizing these mudras opens the door to deeper engagement with the artwork, enriching one’s understanding not only of the figure depicted but also of the values, aspirations and sacred ideals they embody. Thus, these mudras continue to speak across centuries, silently yet powerfully keeping alive the wisdom and spirit of India’s cultural and artistic heritage.

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