Samyuta Hastas: 24 Double Hand Gestures as per Shastras

Respectful Communication:

• Make clear the level of respect intended through Anjali Hasta placement:
  • Deities: Held high above the head for maximum reverence.
  • Teachers/Elders: Held in front of the face for sincerity and dedication.
  • Friends/Respected Figures: Held near the chest for respect and honor.

Movement and Integration:

• Begin or conclude pieces with Anjali Hasta to show reverence or gratitude.
• Use it within narratives for characters offering prayers or greetings.
• Consider movement speed and direction:
  • Slow and deliberate for emphasis on respect.
  • Swifter for a more casual greeting.

Pairing and Emotional Impact:

• Combine Anjali Samyuta Hasta with other mudras for richer expressions. (e.g., Anjali Hasta + Padmasana = offering a flower)
• Utilize facial expressions and body posture to enhance the conveyed emotion:
  • Gentle bow with Anjali Hasta = humility.
  • Forceful gesture with determined gaze = pleading or seeking blessings.

• Emotional Expression: Use Kapota Hasta to portray emotions like respect, submission, or a prayerful state.
• Contrast with Anjali Hasta: Compared to the more direct reverence of Anjali Hasta, Kapota Hasta offers a more subtle and heartfelt expression.
• Movement and Integration:
  • Hold Kapota Hasta near the heart center to emphasize sincerity.
  • Consider incorporating gentle swaying motions to suggest inner peace or a prayerful offering.
  • Pair Kapota Hasta with mudras that evoke similar emotions, such as Ardha Chandra Hasta (half-moon) for a tranquil atmosphere.

• Karkata Hasta’s meaning relies heavily on the surrounding choreography and narrative.
• Ensure the context clarifies the intended interpretation (e.g., crowd gathering vs. blowing conch).
• Combine Karkata Hasta with clear body movements to effectively depict the action (gathering, stretching, etc.).
• Consider facial expressions to further emphasize the emotion or action.
• Karkata Hasta can portray powerful actions (blowing conch) or subtle gestures (bending a branch). Adjust intensity based on the scene.

• When depicting a crocodile, explore sharp, sudden movements that suggest the predator’s nature.
• For broader interpretations, experiment with slow, expansive movements in conjunction with other mudras to establish the intended concept (e.g., flowing movements for clouds or seas).
• Be mindful of the cultural complexities surrounding the Svastika symbol. Prioritize clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

• While the Natya Shastra assigns various meanings to Dola Hasta (hurry, sadness, fainting, etc.), these are less common in contemporary Bharatanatyam. Consider them only if absolutely necessary for the narrative, and ensure clear communication through additional elements:
  • Emotional States: If Dola Hasta is used for emotions like sadness or excitement, pair it with expressive facial expressions, body language, and potentially other mudras for clarity.
  • Physical Actions: Similarly, for fainting, intoxication, or injury, Dola Hasta needs strong supporting choreography (collapsing movements, swaying, etc.) and potentially other mudras to effectively convey the intended meaning.

• Use it to depict characters receiving or carrying objects like flowers, fruits, water, and other lawful items presented to deities.
• Pair Puspaputa Hasta with appropriate body language and facial expressions to convey sincerity and reverence during worship sequences. Consider a gentle bow with the Hasta held near the chest for a humble offering.
• While offerings are the primary focus, Puspaputa Hasta can also signify:
  • Evening Time: Use it with slow, graceful movements to suggest the calmness of dusk.
  • Carrying Objects: For actions like receiving rice or carrying water, incorporate appropriate mimetic movements alongside Puspaputa Hasta for clarity.
• Experiment with the direction and level of Puspaputa Hasta. Holding it near the chest suggests a personal offering, while raising it higher can depict presenting something to a deity.

• Utilize Utsanga Hasta to depict a warm embrace between characters. Consider the intensity of the embrace based on the relationship and context. A tight hold can signify deep affection, while a looser position might suggest a more casual greeting.
• Utsanga Hasta can also represent displaying ornaments worn on the arms. Pair it with appropriate hand and body movements to mime the act of showing off armbands, bracelets, or other adornments.
• The Natya Shastra mentions using Utsanga Hasta for the general feeling of touch.

• Shivalinga Hasta should ideally appear in a segment dedicated to Lord Shiva or within a story that directly references him or the Shivalinga.
• When using Shivalinga Hasta, maintain a reverent posture and serene facial expressions.
• Combine Shivalinga Hasta in transition with Trishula Hasta (trident hand) or Damaru Hasta (drum hand).

• In a coronation scene, raise both hands in Katakavardhana Hasta, palms facing outwards. You can incorporate a gentle swaying movement to suggest the placement of the crown.
• During a worship sequence, use Katakavardhana Hasta with a slight bow and reverent facial expressions to convey devotion.
• In wedding choreography, Katakavardhana Hasta can represent various rituals. For example, both partners holding Katakavardhana Hasta can signify the exchange of garlands.
• Experiment with the height and direction of Katakavardhana Hasta. Raising it high can emphasize grandeur (coronation), while a lower position might suggest a more personal prayer (worship).
• Explore using Katakavardhana Hasta with other mudras. For example, combining it with Mudra for “offering” (like Puspaputa Hasta) can create a beautiful visual for a wedding ceremony.

• Use Kartariswastika Hasta to represent elements of nature, particularly branches, hilltops, and trees.
• Create imagery within your choreography.
• For depicting branches, use Kartariswastika Hasta with your hands positioned outwards at an angle, resembling branching limbs. Consider incorporating flowing arm movements to suggest swaying branches in the wind.
• To portray a hilltop, raise both hands in Kartariswastika Hasta, palms facing upwards. You can add a subtle lifting motion to suggest reaching the summit.
• Kartariswastika Hasta can represent trees in general. Experiment with different hand placements and levels to depict various types of trees (tall trees with raised Hasta, short bushes with lower positioning).
• Pair Kartariswastika Hasta with appropriate body language and mimetic movements to enhance clarity. 

• The key element of Shakata Hasta is the gap formed between the index and middle finger, symbolizing the demon’s sharp teeth or claws.
• Pair Shakata Hasta with fierce facial expressions like furrowed brows, narrowed eyes, and a snarl to convey the demon’s aggressive nature.
• Incorporate strong and sharp body movements to depict the demon’s power and ferocity. Consider stamping steps, forceful gestures, and deep lunges.
• Holding Shakata Hasta near the eyes: This variation can suggest the demon’s menacing glare, searching for prey.
• A slight shaking motion with Shakata Hasta can add a sense of the demon’s rage or anticipation.

• The conch shell symbolizes various things, including:
  • Announcement: The conch was traditionally blown to announce important occasions like war or religious ceremonies.
  • Auspiciousness: The sound of the conch is considered sacred and auspicious.
  • Offering: Conch shells are used in rituals as vessels for offerings.
• Form Shankha Hasta with your fingers curved, resembling the opening of a conch shell. You can hold it near your ear to depict listening to the conch’s sound or raise it high to announce something.
• Pair Shankha Hasta with appropriate facial expressions. A determined look might suggest an announcement, while a peaceful expression could represent an offering.
• A quick, upward motion can signify a call to action, while a slow, swaying movement might represent a prayerful offering.

• The core meaning of Chakra Hasta lies in its circular shape. Use it to depict:
  • Wheels: Carts, chariots, or spinning objects.
  • Cycles: Natural cycles like day and night or the seasons.
  • Repetitive Actions: Churning butter or grinding something.
• Pair Chakra Hasta with circular arm movements to emphasize the continuous or cyclical nature of the action.
• In Hindu tradition, Chakra Hasta can also represent the chakra system, energy centers in the body.
• Experiment with the direction and level of Chakra Hasta. Holding it near the ground can suggest a wheel on the ground, while raising it higher might depict the sun’s chariot.

• The key element of Samputa Hasta is the cupping formed by one hand cradled within the other. This visually suggests holding or hiding something.
• Combine Samputa Hasta with furtive glances or secretive body language to emphasize concealment. A slow, deliberate lowering of the Hasta with a guarded expression can depict hiding an object.
• Samputa Hasta can also represent a box or container. Use it when a character interacts with a box, opens it, or peeks inside.
• Experiment with the direction and level of Samputa Hasta. Holding it near the chest might suggest hiding a personal item, while lowering it towards the ground can depict placing something in a box.
• For portraying opening a box, begin with Samputa Hasta and slowly separate the hands. Reversing the movement can signify closing the box.

• Combine Pasha Hasta with forceful movements, furrowed brows, and assertive facial expressions to portray a physical fight. For a verbal quarrel, use sharper, pointed movements and agitated expressions.
• Pasha Hasta can also represent a chain or something used for binding. Use it when a character is being restrained or captures something.
• A less common interpretation of Pasha Hasta is a string or cord. Consider using it when a character interacts with a stringed instrument or needs to depict pulling or tying something with a string.
• Facing the hands outwards can suggest a fight between two people, while interlocking them near the body might depict self-restraint.
• Raising Pasha Hasta high can signify capturing something, while lowering it can depict binding someone’s legs. Utilize forceful movements for struggle or slow, deliberate movements for binding.

• Combine Kilaka Hasta with gentle, flowing movements, soft smiles, and playful glances to depict love between partners or friends. Consider tilting your head slightly and using softer gestures for a more intimate portrayal.
• Kilaka Hasta can also represent lighthearted conversation and playful moments. Use it when characters are engaged in friendly banter or gossip.
• Pair Kilaka Hasta with brighter smiles, twinkling eyes, and energetic body language to convey a sense of amusement and lightheartedness. Consider incorporating quick flicks of the wrist or head tilts for added emphasis.
• Holding Kilaka Hasta near the chest can suggest a more intimate conversation, while raising it higher might depict addressing a larger group in a playful manner.
• Combine Kilaka with Dristi Bedas to create a visual for characters gazing into each other’s eyes lovingly.

• Pair Matsya Hasta with flowing, wave-like body movements to suggest swimming underwater. Consider incorporating ripples in the torso and arms to mimic the movement of fins.
• Add a sense of wonder or amusement for a playful portrayal of fish.
• For a scene with multiple fish, dancers can use Matsya Hasta simultaneously, creating a school of fish swimming together.

• Pair Kurma Hasta with slow, deliberate movements that suggest the tortoise’s measured pace. Consider incorporating low crouches or kneeling postures to mimic the tortoise’s stance.
• A serene or contemplative expression can enhance the portrayal of the tortoise’s wisdom.
• For a scene with multiple tortoises, dancers can use Kurma Hasta simultaneously, creating a sense of a tortoise procession.
• Kurma Hasta can also be used symbolically to represent stability and longevity. Consider using it for characters associated with these qualities or during moments that require a sense of groundedness.

• In practice, Varaha hasta is usually used to represent one of the Lord Vishnu’s avatar.
• Pair Varaha Hasta with forceful, energetic movements that suggest the boar’s power. Consider incorporating lunges, stamps, and sharp head turns to mimic the boar’s charging actions.
• A fierce or determined expression can enhance the portrayal of the boar’s strength.
• Varaha Hasta can also be used symbolically to represent strength, determination, and overcoming challenges. Consider using it for characters associated with these qualities or during moments that require a display of power and resolve.

• This hasta is a clear representation of Garuda or any bird.
• Pair Garuda Hasta with sharp, expansive movements that suggest Garuda’s swift flight. Consider incorporating jumps, sharp turns, and extensions to mimic the eagle’s agility.
• A focused or piercing gaze can enhance the portrayal of Garuda’s vigilance.
• Garuda Hasta can also be used symbolically to represent power, speed, vigilance, and even divine protection. 

• A common representation of snake god or in general, snakes.
• Pair Nagabandha Hasta with undulating body movements that suggest the sinuous motion of a snake. Consider incorporating torso twists, hip sways, and traveling steps to mimic the snake’s slithering motion.
• Snakes are often associated with mystery, danger, and primal power. Consider using Nagabandha Hasta to evoke these qualities, depending on the context of your choreography.

• Utilize it strategically to create clear visuals for furniture and modes of transportation within your storytelling.
• This could be a scene in a bedroom, a journey on a palanquin, or even a metaphorical reference to rest or illness.
• When depicting a bed, pair Khatva Hasta with minimal movement or postures that suggest rest or relaxation. Leaning or reclining on the floor while holding Khatva Hasta can effectively communicate lying in bed.
• For a litter, use Khatva Hasta alongside swaying motions or walking steps to suggest being carried. Mimic sitting or lying within the litter by lowering your body position while holding the mudra.
• For a large bed, use wider arms to create a bigger rectangle with Khatva Hasta. Conversely, use narrower arms for a smaller bed or a more compact litter.

• For the Bherunda, pair Bherunda Hasta with powerful and contrasting movements for each hand. Imagine each hand representing one head of the creature. Utilize sharp turns, lunges, and opposing gestures to depict its fierce nature. Facial expressions can be fierce or aggressive, depending on the portrayal.
• For a pair of birds, use Bherunda Hasta with softer, flowing movements that suggest flight or interaction. Consider incorporating hopping steps, wing-like arm gestures, and synchronized movements between the hands. Softer facial expressions or chirping sounds can enhance the portrayal.
• When depicting two birds, explore differentiating their movements and expressions slightly. This can suggest different bird types or personalities.
• Let Bherunda Hasta inspire a sense of duality, power, or graceful movement depending on your chosen interpretation.

• The beauty of Avahitta Hasta lies in its versatility. Combine it with other mudras and body language to create a specific portrayal.
  • Pair it with Kilaka Hasta (playful quarrel) and bouncing a flower ball to depict playful flirting.
  • Use Drishti Bedas to enhance the emotion of the scene.
• Combine Avahitta Hasta with soft, flowing movements and gentle smiles to depict love and affection. Consider tilting your head slightly and using softer gestures for a more intimate portrayal.
• Pair Avahitta Hasta with quicker, more energetic movements and playful expressions. Tilting your head coquettishly or incorporating hand flips can add a sense of lighthearted fun.
• Symbolize love, playfulness, or offerings. Use gentle throws and catches, or circling motions to showcase their beauty.
• Represent childlike joy or youthful energy. Utilize bouncing movements and playful expressions to convey this mood.