Hastas or Hasta Mudras are an
integral part of Bharatanatyam, where stories are brought to life through hand
gestures combined with facial expressions and dynamic movements.
There are 52 Hasta Mudras which are divided into 28 single handed gestures or Asamyuta Hastas and 24 double Handed gestures or Samyuta Hastas. These Hastas are used to depict stories of Indian Gods & Goddesses, various characters, creatures, elements of nature, animals, emotions and relationships within a story. Every movement in Bharatantyam has a Sanskrit name and their uses are mentioned in the Natya Shastra, which is a detailed treatise of the performing arts including Dance, Drama, Music and Literature.
Asamuyta Hasta Shloka :
Mayurakhyo
Ardhachandrascha Araala Shukathundakaha
Mushtischa
Shikharakhyascha Kapitha Katakhamukhaha
Suchi
Chandrakala Padmakosha Sarpashirasthathaa
Mrigashirsha
Simhamukhaha Kaangulascha Alapadmakaha
Chaturo
Bhramaraschaiva Hamsasyo Hamsapakshakaha
Samdamsho
Mukulaschaiva Thaamrachoodas Trisoolakaha
Ithyaasamyukta
Hastanam Ashtavimshati reerita”
Meaning of the Shloka :
Each word in the above shloka represents a mudra or gesture (single hand)
- Pathaka – Flag
- Tripathaka- Three parts of a flag
- Ardhapathaka – Half flag
- Kartharimukha – Scissors
- Mayura – Peacock
- Ardhachandra – Half moon
- Araala – bent
- Shukatunda – parrot’s beak
- Mushti – Fist
- Shikhara – Peak
- Kapitha – Elephant - apple
- Katakamukha – Opening in a bracelet
- Suchi – Needle
- Chandrakala – Crescent moon
- Padmakosha – Lotus bud
- Sarpashirsha – Snake's hood
- Mrigashirsha – Deer's head
- Simhamukha – Lion's face
- Kangula – Bud
- Alapadma – Fully bloomed lotus
- Chatura – Square
- Bhramara – Bee
- Hamsasya – Swan beak
- Hamsapaksha – Swan wing
- Samdamsha – Pincers
- Mukula – Bud
- Tamrachuda – Rooster
- Trishula – Trident
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