Mudras in Worship

Adapted from works of Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Devi Mandir Publications

What are Mudras?

Mudras are symbolic gestures that demonstrate a specific attitude or respect according to the various meanings found in the ceremonies of worship. When the fingers assume the appropriate positions, the mind automatically conceives the corresponding attitude. Thus, mudras are an effective technique to bring the mind into a state of harmony.

Sankalpa Mudra
The Sankalpa Mudra is used for stating the date, time and place, the performer, proposed activity and purpose, prior to the commencement of worship.

Purifying Mudras
Purifying Mudras are used in the purification of articles of worship, for example, water and flowers.

Water Purification
Three mudras are used sequentially in purifying water during puja. These mudras are waved over the container of water which may be a conch or cup.
Matsya Dhenu Ankush

Matsya Mudra
The Matsya Mudra is the mudra of the fish, which symbolizes swimming across the ocean of worldliness without fear. Shree Maa tells us to be like the fish at the bottom of the pond. He is always in the mud, but never dirty.

Dhenu Mudra
The Dhenu Mudra is the mudra of the cow, which indicates the one who pours forth nourishing goodness in abundance.

Ankush Mudra
The Ankusha Mudra is the mudra of the goad or curved sword, which symbolizes prodding seekers on towards their ultimate goal, or cutting down the iniquities of the ego.

Purification of Flowers
Both the Dhenu and the Prathana mudras are used in purifying flowers to be offered for worship. The mudras are waved over the flowers in sequence.

Prathana Mudra
The Prathana Mudra is the mudra of prayer, and the worshiper who demonstrates this mudra prays for purity and clarity.