Hastamudra, Hasta-mudra, Hastamudrā: 3 definitions
Introduction:
Hastamudra means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
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In Hinduism
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Hastamudrā (हस्तमुद्रा) or simply Hasta is the name of the Gesture (mudrā) associated with Kāmarūpa, one of the sacred seats (pīṭha), according to the Ṣaṭsāhasrasaṃhitā, an expansion of the Kubjikāmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the Kubjikā cult.—On the basis of hardly more than a hint in the Ṣaṭsāhasrasaṃhitā, it outlines a scheme of sixteen parts for each seat, conscious, no doubt, that this is an ideal number. The commentary normally limits itself to do no more than explain what is presented in the text. This is one of the few instances it adds substantially to its contents [i.e., the Gestures—Hasta]. Presumably this is because when it was written the presentation of the features of the seats on this model was the accepted norm.
Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.
Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)
Hastamudrā (हस्तमुद्रा) refers to “hand postures” (in Indian Dramas), according to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—The hand postures are termed as hastamudrās in Sanskrit. The hastamudrās are very essential to denote some particular action or state in dancing and these mudrās are formed with the help of hands and fingers. In the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa the necessity of hand gestures are highly recommended as according to this book, Dance depends on the actions of the hands. In the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa mainly three kinds of hastamudrās are discussed and those are termed as hasta.
Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).
Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)
Hastamudrā (हस्तमुद्रा) refers to one of the 81 Mudrās (hand-gestures) described in chapter 2 of the Ṛṣirātra section of the Sanatkumārasaṃhitā: an encyclopedic Sanskrit text written in over 3500 verses dealing with a variety of topics such as yoga, temple-building, consecration ceremonies, initiation and dhanurveda (martial arts).—[Cf. the chapter mudrā-lakṣaṇa].
Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.
Languages of India and abroad
Nepali dictionary
Hastamudrā (हस्तमुद्रा):—n. hand-posture;
Nepali is the primary language of the Nepalese people counting almost 20 million native speakers. The country of Nepal is situated in the Himalaya mountain range to the north of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: Mudras, Mudra, Hasta.
Full-text (+198): Hasta, Hand gesture, Ardhacandra, Anjalihasta, Shikharahasta, Dolahasta, Anjali, Mushtihasta, Pushpaputahasta, Ardhacandra Hasta, Pushpaputa, Kartarimukhahasta, Tola, Mushti, Hastmudra, Shikhara, Kartarimukha, Angikabhinaya, Hamsasya, Ahishirsha.
Relevant text
Search found 15 books and stories containing Hastamudra, Hasta mudras, Hasta-mudra, Hasta-mudrā, Hastamudrā; (plurals include: Hastamudras, Hasta mudrases, mudras, mudrās, Hastamudrās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Mudra therapy for health during complicated pregnancy bed rest < [2022: Volume 11, March issue 3]
Mudras unlocking the healing potential for body and mind < [2023: Volume 12, August issue 13]
Arts in the Puranas (study) (by Meena Devadatta Jeste)
5. Hasta-mudras (gestures of the hands) < [Chapter 2 - Dance in the Puranas]
4. Mudras or the Hand-poses of the Images < [Chapter 4 - Sculpture in the Puranas]
3. Origin of the art of Painting < [Chapter 5 - Painting in the Puranas]
Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture) (by Bhagyashree Sarma)
2.1. Origin of Dance (Nṛtta) and Hand-postures (Hasta-mudrā) < [Chapter 3 - Drama and Dance]
2.2. Hand Postures (a): Asaṃyukta-hasta < [Chapter 3 - Drama and Dance]
2.2. (d): Hand Gestures for Daśāvatāra < [Chapter 3 - Drama and Dance]
Informal Education of Sanskrit in Kerala (by Jayasree M.)
3. Brahmaswam Madham < [Chapter 3 - Informal Education of Sanskrit in Kerala: the Traditional Streams]
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
Diabetes Mellitus prevention and management with Yoga Yoga in diabetes < [Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025)]
Yoga Mudras and Physiological Benefits < [Vol. 10 No. 4 (2025)]
Importance of Mudras in Stree Swasthya < [Vol. 6 No. 6 (2021)]
International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
Benefits and Mode of Action of Various Hasta Mudra < [Vol. 7 No. 9: Sep (2024)]