Exploring Asamyuta Hasta in Bharatanatyam: The Essence of Hand Gestures

Bharatanatyam, one of the most renowned classical Indian dances, places immense importance on precise body language and intricate mudras or hand gestures. Asamyuta Hasta, a significant element of this dance form, refers to the use of single hand gestures that convey emotions, themes, and narratives with great efficiency. This article delves into the significance of these hand gestures and explores the specific mudras used in Bharatanatyam performances.

Understanding Asamyuta Hasta

Asamyuta Hasta involves the use of individual hand gestures, which are vital in enriching the storytelling aspect of Bharatanatyam. Each mudra carries specific meanings and can represent a character, object, or concept. These gestures are executed in conjunction with facial expressions and body movements, collectively enhancing the overall performance.

Recognition of Asamyuta Hasta Mudras

There are 28 recognized Asamyuta Hasta mudras in Bharatanatyam, and four new mudras have been added recently. These mudras are a part of Angika Abhinaya, the physical expression system of the art form. Here, we will explore the specific mudras and their meanings.

Overview of Asamyuta Hasta Mudras

Pataka - Flag

The Pataka mudra is an extended hand with the fingers held together and the thumb slightly bent. This gesture symbolizes blessings.

Tripataka - Three parts of a flag

The Tripataka mudra is achieved by adding a slight bend to the ring finger of the Pataka gesture.

Ardhapataka - Leaves

The Ardhapataka mudra is formed by bending the little finger of the Tripataka gesture.

Kartarimukha - Scissors

The Kartarimukha gesture is formed by reversing the middle finger and slightly bending the index finger in the Ardhapataka position.

Mayura - Peacock’s neck

The Mayura mudra is achieved by touching the tips of the ring and thumb fingers.

Ardhachandra - A hand seizing the throat

The Ardhachandra gesture is formed by extending the Pataka with the thumb pointing outward.

Arala - Poison

The Arala gesture is derived from Ardhachandra, with the index finger slightly bent.

Shukatunda - Shooting an arrow

The Shukatunda mudra is formed by extending the Arala gesture and bending the ring finger.

Mushti - Grasping one’s hair

The Mushti gesture is achieved by folding the four fingers and placing the thumb on them.

Shikhara - Sounding of bell

The Shikhara mudra is formed by extending the Mushti and stretching the thumb upward.

Kapittha - Grasping the veil

The Kapittha gesture is formed by adding an index finger above the Shikhara.

Katakamukha - Plucking flowers

The Katakamukha mudra can be in two forms: by joining the thumb, middle, and index fingers while stretching the last two fingers, and by extending the last two fingers in Kapittha.

Soochi - Number one

The Soochi gesture is simply the stretching of the index finger.

Candrakala - The crown of Shiva

The Candrakala mudra is achieved by extending the Soochi and stretching the thumb outwards.

Padmakosha - A ball

The Padmakosha gesture is formed by opening the fingers in Pataka and bending them like a paw.

Sarpasheersa - A snake

The Sarpasheersa mudra is derived by bending the tips of the fingers forward in Pataka.

Mrigasheersha - Deer’s head

The Mrigasheersha gesture involves bending the three middle fingers forward, stretching the little finger upwards, and the thumb outwards.

Simhamukha - Elephant

The Simhamukha mudra is formed by touching the tip of the thumb by bending the middle and ring fingers.

Kangula - Tiny bell

The Kangula gesture is achieved by curving the ring and little finger inside in Katakamukha.

Alapadma - Full blown lotus

The Alapadma gesture is formed by stretching all the fingers apart.

Chatura - A little bit

The Chatura mudra is derived from Mrigasheersha, with the thumb curving inwards to touch the three middle fingers.

Bhramara - Bee

The Bhramara mudra is formed by adopting Katakamukha, curving the index finger, stretching the last two fingers, and having the middle finger touch the tip of the thumb.

Hamsasya - Nectar

The Hamsasya gesture is achieved by adopting Arala, touching the tip of the thumb with the index finger.

Hamsapaksha - Number six

The Hamsapaksha mudra is formed by adopting Mrigasheersha and bending the thumb inwards to touch the index finger.

Sandamsha - Twinkling stars

The Sandamsha gesture is derived from Katakamukha, stretching the last two fingers to the thumb and closing and opening in a vibrating motion.

Mukula - Water lily

The Mukula mudra is formed by stretching all the fingers and touching the tip of the thumb.

Tamrachooda - Cock

The Tamrachooda gesture is achieved by curving the index finger up in Mukula.

Trishoola - The idea of Trinity

The Trishoola mudra is formed by bending the little finger in Pataka and touching the tip of the thumb.

Vyaghra - A tiger

The Vyaghra gesture is derived by bending the three straight upwards pointing fingers in Trishoola.

Ardhasoochi - Big worm

The Ardhasoochi mudra is formed by stretching the index finger in Kapittha.

Palli - Hut

The Palli gesture is achieved by crossing the middle finger over the index finger in Mayura.

Katakaa - Holding of damru by Lord Shiva

The Katakaa mudra is derived from Simhamukha, with the thumb and two middle fingers curving apart.

Lastly, the Urnanabha gesture, which is a skin disease, is formed by bending the thumb and fingers towards the palm in Padmakosha.

Mastering these Asamyuta Hasta mudras is crucial for any Bharatanatyam dancer. These gestures enrich the storytelling and emotional depth of the performance, ensuring that the intended message and emotions are conveyed effectively to the audience.

Conclusion

Asamyuta Hasta mudras are an integral part of Bharatanatyam, adding layers of meaning and emotion to the dance. Understanding and incorporating these gestures can significantly enhance a dancer's ability to communicate and engage with the audience. Through these intricate hand gestures, Bharatanatyam transcends merely telling a story; it successfully immerses its viewers in a world filled with rich cultural heritage and profound emotion.