Mudra

Mudra is a symbolic hand gesture or body position used in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, as well as in yoga and Indian classical dance. The term comes from Sanskrit mudra, meaning seal, sign, gesture, or mark, and it denotes a deliberate gesture intended to signify or channel spiritual energy. In many traditions mudras are associated with particular meanings and powers, and in dance they are embodied as hasta mudras—hand gestures used to convey words, emotions, and narratives.

Mudras appear in temple iconography, ritual practice, meditation, and yogic disciplines. In Hindu art and worship, deities are often depicted with specific mudras that signify aspects such as blessing, protection, or teaching. In Buddhism, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas display mudras that symbolize fearlessness, meditation, or the turning of the Dharma wheel. In Indian classical dance, performers use a repertoire of hasta mudras to narrate myths. Common mudras include Gyan (knowledge) mudra, Prana (life energy) mudra, Dhyana (meditation) mudra, Abhaya (fearlessness) mudra, Dharmachakra (turning the wheel of Dharma) mudra, Vitarka (teaching) mudra, and Bhumisparsha (earth-touching) mudra.

In yoga and meditation, mudras are used to focus attention and, in some traditions, to influence the flow of prana within the body. They may be practiced alone or with breathwork and asanas. Contemporary interest has linked mudras to wellness and energy balance, but scientific evidence for specific therapeutic effects is limited and interpretations vary.

Historically, mudras are discussed in classical texts and richly depicted in sculpture and painting, reflecting their importance in spiritual practice and ritual. Their use spans tantric, yogic, and devotional contexts, and today mudras remain a central feature of spiritual, artistic, and pedagogical traditions across South Asia and beyond.