List of mudras (yoga)


This is a list of Yoga mudras. In yoga, mudrās are used in conjunction with pranayama, generally while seated in Padmasana, Sukhasana or Vajrasana pose, to stimulate different parts of the body and mind, and to affect the flow of prana in the body.

Hasta (hand mudras)

Hasta mudras may be conducive for meditation, and help in internalization. Many hand mudrās evolved for use in rituals, especially within tantra. Others developed as iconographical symbols for depictions of deities in statues and paintings. Others were developed for non-verbal story telling in traditional dance. In the Hevajra Tantra hand mudrās are used to identify oneself to the goddesses at different holy sites.
Name in SanskritTranslation in EnglishOther MeaningsDescription
Anjali MudraGesture of reverenceOffering; PrayerPalms touching, fingers pointing upward. May be placed in front of the sternum, the forehead, or overhead.
Dhyana MudraPsychic gesture of meditationUpturned hands overlapping each other, usually right on top of left, with the thumbs touching.
Vāyu MudraPsychic gesture of airTip of index finger on the ball of the thumb, with thumb over the bent finger. Other three fingers are extended.
Shunya Mudra Psychic gesture of void or emptyMiddle finger bent, with thumb over it. Other three fingers are extended. Sometimes, tip of the bent finger on the ball of the thumb.
Prithvi MudraPsychic gesture of earthRing finger bent, with thumb over it. Other three fingers are extended.
Varuna MudraPsychic gesture of RainLittle finger bent, with thumb over it. Other three fingers are extended.
Shakti MudraPsychic gesture of powerTips of little and ring fingers of both hands touching, with middle and index fingers folded. Sometimes, thumb folded towards the palm.
Hakini MudraHand-steepling or finger-tenting: joining matching fingertips of right and left hands.
Prāna MudraPsychic gesture to activate life force energyTips of litte finger and ring fingers touch thumb. Other two fingers are extended..
Apāna MudraPsychic gesture of life forceTips of middle and ring fingers touch thumb. Other two fingers are extended.
Gyana Mudra Psychic gesture of knowledgeTip of index finger touches thumb, hand upturned. Other three fingers are extended.
Jnana MudraPsychic gesture of consciousnessTip of index finger touches thumb, hand overturned. Other three fingers are extended.
Chinmaya MudraPervaded by consciousness mudrāTip of thumb and index finger touching. Other three fingers are folded.
Yoni MudraAttitude of the womb or sourceHands touching by the tips of thumbs and index fingers. Other six fingers are either interlaced or folded and pressed together.
Bhairav MudraFierce or terrifying attitudeUpturned hands overlapping each other, usually right on top of left.
Hridaya MudraHeart gestureIndex finger bent under the thumb. Middle and ring finger touching tip of thumb. Little finger extended.
Vishnu MudraHand gesture of Lord VishnuThumb, ring and little finger extended. Index and middle finger folded and touching pad of thumb.
Granthita MudraKnot gestureThumb and index fingers of each hand touch at tips and are interlaced, other fingers are interlaced and folded at the knuckles.
Mahasir MudraGreat head gestureDone with the right hand. Ring finger is curled into the palm. The tips of the index and middle finger touch the tip of the thumb. Little finger extended.

Māna (head mudras)

Māna mudras are an important part of Kundalini yoga, and many are important meditation techniques in their own right.
Name in SanskritTranslation in EnglishOther MeaningsIllustration
Shambhavi MudraEyebrow centre gazing with eyes half-open
Nasikagra DrishtiNosetip gazing
Khechari MudraTongue lock
Kaki mudraThe crow's beak
Bhujangini MudraCobra respiration
Bhoochari MudraGazing into nothingness
Akashi mudraAwareness of inner space
Shanmukhi mudraClosing the six gates
Unmani MudraThe attitude of mindlessness

Kaya (postural mudras)

Kaya mudras combine physical postures with breathing and concentration.
Name in SanskritTranslation in EnglishOther MeaningsIllustration
Prana MudraEnergy seal
Vipareeta Karani MudraInverted seal
Yoga MudraUnion mudra
Pashinee MudraFolded mudra
Manduki MudraGesture of the frog
Tadagi MudraBarrelled abdomen technique

Bandha (lock mudras)

Bandha mudras are a type of mudra performed on the three diaphragms. They are used in conjunction with holding the breath during pranayama.
Name in SanskritTranslation in EnglishOther MeaningsIllustration
Maha MudraGreat mudra
Upward flying lock
Mula BandhaRoot lock
Jalandhara BandhaThroat lock, waterholder lock, net lock

Adhara (perineal mudras)

Adhara mudras are performed on the pelvic floor area and often relate to harnessing sexual energy.
Name in SanskritTranslation in EnglishOther MeaningsIllustration
Ashwini MudraHorse gesture
Vajroli/Sahajoli MudraThunderbolt/Spontaneous mudra
Maha Bheda MudraThe great separating mudra
Maha Vedha MudraThe great piercing mudra