Mudras in Worship

1
Mudras in Worship

• Adapted from works of
• Swami Satyananda Saraswati
• Devi Mandir Publications

2
What are Mudras?

• Mudras are symbolic gestures that demonstrate a
  specific attitude or respect according to the
  various meanings found in the ceremonies of
  worship.
• When the fingers assume the appropriate
  positions, the mind automatically conceives the
  corresponding attitude.
• Thus, mudras are an effective technique to bring
  the mind into a state of harmony.

3
Sankalpa Mudra

• The Sankalpa Mudra is used for stating the date,
  time and place, the performer, proposed activity
  and purpose, prior to the  commencement of
  worship.

4
Purifying Mudras

• Purifying Mudras are used in the purification of
  articles of worship, for example, water and
  flowers.

5
Water Purification

• Three mudras are used sequentially in purifying
  water during puja. These mudras are waved over
  the container of water which may be a conch or
  cup.
• Matsya Dhenu Ankush

6
Matsya Mudra

• The Matsya Mudra is the mudra of the fish, which
  symbolizes swimming across the  ocean of
  worldliness without fear. Shree Maa tells us to
  be like the fish at the bottom of the pond. He is
  always in the mud, but never dirty.

7
Dhenu Mudra

• The Dhenu Mudra is the mudra of the cow, which
  indicates the one who pours forth nourishing
  goodness in abundance.

8
Ankush Mudra

• The Ankusha Mudra is the mudra of the goad or
  curved sword, which symbolizes prodding seekers
  on towards their ultimate goal, or cutting down
  the  iniquities of the ego.

9
Purification of Flowers

• Both the Dhenu and the Prathana mudras are used
  in purifying flowers to be offered for worship.
  The mudras are waved over the flowers in sequence.

10
Prathana Mudra

• The Prathana Mudra is the mudra of prayer, and
  the worshiper who demonstrates this mudra prays
  for purity and clarity.