Indian Classical Dance Hand Gestures: Abhinaya Darpana Techniques

Anjali

The palms of two Pathaka Hasthas are joined together.Usage: to salute God, guru, Brahmins

Kapotha

When the palms of two Pathaka Hasthas meet only at the sides, base and top. Usage: Taking an oath, convesation with teachers, elders etch.., humble agreement

Karkata

The fingers of both the hands are interlocked, and the fingers are turned inwards or outwards. Usage: arrival of a group, seeing or showing group, showing stoutness, stomach, blowing a conch, stretching limbs, bending to bough of a tree

Swasthika

Two Pathaka Hasthas held across at the wrists. Usage: crocodile, timid speech, dispute, praising

Dola

Two Pathaka Hasthas placed on the sides of respective thighs. Usage: beginning Mary's

Pushpaputa

Two Sarpasheersha Hastas together (so that the little fingers and wrist are joined). Usage: offering haarathi, receiving/collecting water, receiving fruits from children, twilight water offering, flower spells, children receiving fruits

Uthsanga

Two Mrigasheersha Hasthas touch opposite upper arms or shoulders. Usage: hug, show modestly, bashfulness, to show armless, educating or disciplining children

Shiva-Unga

Right hand in Shikhara Hastha is placed on the left hand which is in Ardhachandra Hastha. Usage: to show shivalinga

Katakaavardhana

Two Katakaamukha Hasthas are crossed at the wrists. Usage: Coronation, or ritual or worship, blessing at the time of marriage

Kartaree-swastika

Two Kartareemukha Hasthas are crossed at the wrists. Usage: Tree, the boughs of trees, the summit of a hill

Shakata

When the middle fingers and the thumbs of the two Bhramara Hasthas are extended. Usage: The gesture for demons

Shankha

The thumbs of Shikhara Hasthas are joined, and the forefinger extended and joined. Usage: To show the conch

Chakra

The palms of the two Ardhachandra Hasthas are joined askew. Usage: To show the chakra or the discus

Samputa

The fingers of the Chakra hand are bent. Usage: To denote concealing things, show a casket or a box

Paasha

The forefingers of the Suchi Hasthas are bent and interlocked. Usage: To denote quarrel due to Enmity, noose , manacles

Keelaka

The little fingers of the Mrigasheersha Hastha are bent and interlocked. Usage: To denote friendship, affection, the conversation between lovers

Matsya

Palm of one Pathaka Hasta is placed on the back of the other Pathaka Hasta and the thumbs are outstretched. Usage: To denote a fish

Koorma

In chakra hastha, if the thumbs and little fingers are extended and ends if ither three fingers are bent. Usage: To denote a tortoise

Varaaha

When one Mrigasheersha hastha is placed over the other Mrigasheersa hastha and the little fingers and thumbs are linked. Usage: To denote a boat.

Garuda

Two Ardhachandra hasthas are held with palms askew, and the thumbs interlocked. Usage: To denote the Garuda

Naaga-bandha

Two Sarpasheersha hasthas are held in Swasthika position (crossed at the wrists) Usage: Naaga-bandha, pair of snakes, bower, Atharvana Veda spells

Khatwaa

The thumbs and forefingers of two Chathura hasthas are extended and their ends meet. Usage: To show a bed

Bherunda

The wrists of two Kapittha hasthas are joined. Usage: To show Bherunda bird or pair of birds.

Avahitta (dissimulation)

Two Alapadma hasthas are held on the chest. Usage: Erotic dances (Shringara natana), holding a play ball, bosom