HASTA PRANALAKSHANA
The way a hasta/mudra is held, is divided into 12 Pranalakshana ie 12 different ways of holding a hand.
- Prasarana Hasta - The fingers are stretched
- Kunchita Hasta - The fingers are folded
- Rechita Hasta - The fingers are given movement
- Punchita Hasta - The fingers are folded or moved or stretched
- Apaveshtita Hasta - The fingers are bent down
- Prerita Hasta - The fingers are bent back or moved or stretched
- Udveshtita Hasta - Holding the hands UP while dancing
- Vyavrutta Hasta - Hands help UP in the sides
- Parivrutta Hasta - Hands are brought together from sides (like a namaskara)
- Sanketa Hasta - Hands used to convey Implied Meanings
- Chinha Hasta - While dancing a dancer tries to show lot of things which are visible & invisible like a person's physical appearence, face, weapons, places of limbs & other parts of the body, his/her influence on others, their mannerisms etc. Hands used to show such things are called Chinhe
- Padarthateeke - Hands used to confirm the meanings of certain words
The hand gestures are divided as
- Asamyuta Hasta - Single hand gestures
- Samyuta Hasta - Double hand gestures
There are 28 asamyuta hastas & 24 Samyuta hastas. Each hasta has a defined usage called Viniyoga. These viniyogas are again sanskrit shlokas written in Natyashastra.
Asamyuta Hasta
Pataka tripatakordhapataka kartareemukhaha
Mayurakyordhachandrashcha arala shukatundakaha
Mushtishta shikarakyashcha kapitha katakamukhaha
Suchee chandrakala padmakosham sarpashirastata
Mrugasheersha simhamukho langulasolapadmakaha
Chaturo bramarashchiva hamsasyo hamsapakshakaha
Samdamsho mukulashchiva tamrachooda trishoolakaha
Ashtavimshatihastanaam evam naamaanivikramat.
Samyuta Hasta
Anjalishcha kapotashcha karkata swastikastatha
Dolahasta pushpaputaha Utsanga shivalingakaha
Katakavardhanashchiva kartaree swatikastata
Shakata shankha chakrecha samputa pasha keelakau
Matsya Koorma Varahashcha Garudonagabandakaha
Khatwa bherundakakhyashcha avahitastathivacha
Chaturvimshatisankhyakaha samyuta katithakaraha
The Viniyoga (usage) of these are described below.
Hasta Viniyogas
Asamyuta Hasta
Samyuta Hasta
Using the above two, one can show lot of other things in dance like
- Deva Hasta
- Dashavatara Hasta
- Navagraha Hasta
- Jaati Hasta
- Bandhu Hasta
- Nritta Hasta
Asamyuta Hastas
Pataka Hasta
Stretch all the fingers & hold them tightly together to show Pataka Hasta.
Nattyaarambhe Vaarivaahe Vane Vastunishadhane
to begin the dance, clouds, forest, to refuse something
Kuchasthale Nishanyaamcha Nadhyaam Amaramandale
to show breasts, night sky, river, the heavens
Turage Khandane Vaayau Shayane Gamanodyame
horse, strike down, wind, sleeping, to go quietly
Prataapecha Prasaadecha Chandrikaayam Ghanaatape
to indicate greatness, to offer something, moonlight, bright sunlight
Kavaattapaattane Saptavibhaktyarthe Tarangake
to open a door, seven scriptures, waves
Vithipraveshabhaavepi Samatvecha Angaraagake
to enter a street, to show equality, to anoint ones body
Aatmaarthe Shapathechaapi Tushnimbhaavanidarshane
to show oneself, to take an oath, to show silence
Aashirvaadakriyaayaamcha Nripashreshtasyabhaavane
to bless,ideal king,
Taalapatrecha Khettecha Dravyaadisparshane tatha
palm leaf, shield, to touch things
Tatratatretivachane Sindhautu Sukrutikrame
to indicate such and such person, ocean, to indicate everything is alright
Sambhodhane Purogepi Khadgarupasyadharane
to address a person, going forward, sword
Maase Samvatsare Varshaadine Samaarjane tatha
month, year, rainy season, to sweep
Evamartheshuyujyante Pataakahastabhavanah
these are the different usages of Pataka Hasta
Tripataka Hasta
Bend the fourth finger & hold the rest tightly, like in pataka hasta to show Tripataka Hasta.
Makute Vrukshabhavecha Vajre Taddharavasave
Crown, Tree, Weapon of Lord Indra, Lord Indra
Ketakee kusume Deepe Vanhijwalavigrumbhane
Ketakee Flower, Lamp, to show flames
Kapole Patralekhayaam Baanarthe Parivartane
Cheeks, Letter writing, Arrow, Changing
Streepumpsayosamayoge Yujyate Tripatakakaha
Getting together of Man & Woman Tripataka is used.
Ardhapataka Hasta
Bend the fourth & the last finger and hold the rest tightly like in Tripataka Hasta to show Ardhapataka Hasta.
Pallave Phalake Teere Ubhayoritivachake
Sprouts, Board, Banks of rivers, to show two persons
Krukache Churikayancha Dhwaje Gopura Shrungayoho
Hack Saw, Sword, Flag, Shrine, Horns
Yujyaterdhapatakoyam Tatatkarmaprayogataha
Ardhapataka is used to show all these things.
Kartareemukha Hasta
Hold Ardhapataka Hasta. Then make an angle between the second & third fingers (like in scissors) to show Kartareemukha Hasta.
Streepumsayostuvishleshe Viparyasapadepicha
Separation of Man & Woman,differentiation
Lunthane Nayanantecha Marane Bhedabhavane
Stealing, Glance, Death, Showing Difference
Vidyudarthe Ekashayya Virahe Patanetatha
Lightning, Single Bed, Pain of Separation, Falling Down
Latayaam Yujyatechayam Kartareemukha Isyate
Creeper Kartareemukha is used for all these things.
Mayura Hasta
Hold Tripataka Hasta but touch the fourth finger with the thumb to show Mayura Hasta.
Mayurasye Latayancha Shakune Vamanetatha
Peacock, Creeper, Bird, Vomiting
Alakasyapanayane Lalate Tilakeshucha
Curls, Forehead, Dot on the Forehead(bindi)
Netrasyodakavikshepe Shastravade Prasidhake
Tears, Predictions, Famous
Yevamartyeshu Yujyante Mayurakarabhavanaaha
To show all these meanings Mayura Hasta is used.
Ardhachandra Hasta
Leave the thumb in the Pataka Hasta to show Ardhachandra Hasta.
Chandre Krishnashtameebhaje Galahastadikepicha
Moon, Krishna's Birthday, pushing out holding the neck
Bhallayudhe Devatanaamabhishechanakarmanee
Weapon, worshipping the gods
Bhukpatrecha Udbhave Katyaam Chintayaam Aatmavachake
Plate, Creation, Waist, Worrying, Saying that "It is mine"
Dhyanecha Prarthanechapi Angasamsparshane tatha
Meditation, Praying, Touching the Limbs
Prakrutanaamnamaskarepyardhacahndroniyujyate
To salute the common man Ardhachandra Hasta is used.
Arala Hasta
Fold the second finger in Pataka Hasta to show Arala Hasta.
Vishamrutadipaneshu Prachandapavanepicha
Drinking Poison or Nectar, Thunder storm
Yujyateraalahastoyam bharattagamakovidhihi
Arala Hasta is used to show all these things.
Shukatunda Hasta
Bend the fourth finger in Arala Hasta to show Shukatunda Hasta.
Baanaprayoge Kuntarthe Marmoktaaugrabhavane
To Shoot an Arrow, Weapon, Saying Cunning things, Showing Fury
Shukatundakarogneyo Bharatagamavedhibhihi
Shukatunda Hasta is used for all these things.
Mushti Hasta
Fold all the fingers in to the palm & keep the thumb on them to show Mushti Hasta(like a fist).
Sthire Kachagrahe Dardhye Vastraadeenaanchadharane
Strength, Dragging by the Hair, Courageous, Holding Things
Mallanaam Yudha bhavecha Mushtihastoyamuchyate
Wrestling To show all these Mushti Hasta is used.
Shikhara Hasta
Stretch the thumb finger in Mushti Hasta to show Shikhara Hasta.
Madane Karmukhe Sthambe Nishabdhe Pitrutarpane
Cupid, Bow, Pillar, Silence, Offerings to the dead ancestors
Oshte Pravishtaroopecha Radane Prashnabhavane
Lips, Entering, Teeth, Questioning
Ange Naasteetivachane Smarane Abinayaantare
Limbs, saying 'NO', Recollection, At he end of an expression
Katibandhakarshanecha Parirambhavidhoudhave
Tying around the waist, Hugging
Shaktitomarayormokshe Ghantanadecha Peshane
Weapon names Shakti, Weapon called Tomara, Ringing the Bell, Churning
Shikharo Yujyatesoyam Bharatagamavedhibhihi
Shikhara Hasta is used to show all these things.
Kapitha Hasta
Fold the second finger on the thumb in the Shikhara Hasta to show Kapitha Hasta.
Lakshmyamchiva Saraswatyam Veshtane Taladharane
To show Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, Going Around, Holding the symbols(Tala)
Godohanechanjanecha Leelattasumadharane
Milking the cows, Putting eye liners, Holding Flowers
Chelanchaladigrahane Patasyivavakuntane
Holding the Saree(pallu), Draping a cloth on the face
Dhoopadeepaarchanechapi Kapithasamprayujyate
To Hold Lamp and Incense, Kapitha Hasta is Used.
Katakamukha Hasta
Bring together the thumb, index & middle fingers & stretch the other two fingers at an angle to show Katakamukha Hasta.
Kusumapachaye Muktasrajaam Daamnancha Dharane
Plucking the flowers, Pearl necklace, Wearing Flowers
Sharamandaakarshanecha Nagavallee Pradanake
Getting attracted by the cupid arrows, Giving Beetle Leaf
Kastoorikadi Vastoonaam peshane Gandhavasane
Showing Kastoori & other Perfumes, Enjoying the perfumes,
Vachane Drushtibhavecha Katakamukha Ishyate
To show Talking & Seeing Katakamukha Hasta is used.
Suchi Hasta
Stretch the index finger & bring together all others to show Suchi Hasta.
Ekarthepi Parabrahmabhavanayam Shatapicha
Showing Number One, Showing Para Brahma, To show 100
Ravou Nagaryam Lokarthe Tathepivachanepicha
Sun, City, Universe, Saying 'That's how it is'
Yachabdepichatatchabdhe Vyajanarthepitarjane
Asking 'when, why, who, how?', Scaring
Karshye Shalakavapushe Ashcharye Venibhavane
Thin or Skinny, Wonder, Showing the hair
Chatre Samarthe Konecha Romalyam Bheribhedhane
Umbrella, Capable, Room, Excitement,
Beating an instrument called Bheri
Kulalachakrabhramane Rathange Mandaletatha
Showing potter's Wheel, Wheel of a chariot, Group of People
Vivechane Dinantecha Suchi Hasta Prakeertithaha
Thinking, Evening all these are shown using Suchi Hasta.
Chandrakala Hasta
Stretch the thumb finger in Suchi Hasta to show Chandrakala Hasta.
Yesha Chandrakalaa chandrakallayame Vyujyate
This Chandrakala Hasta is used to show Moon.
Padmakosha Hasta
Bend all the fingers towards the palm to show Padmakosha Hasta.
Phale Bilwa Kapithadou Streenaamcha Kuchakumbhayoho
To show Fruits like Bilwa & Kapitha, Breasts
Vartule Kanduke Swalpabhojane Pushpakoshake
Round, Ball, Small quantity of food, Bud
Sahakaraphale Pushpavarshe Manjarikadishu
Mango, Rain of flowers, Bunch of Flowers
Japakusumabhavepi Ghantaroopa Vidhanake
To show Flowers, Bell
Valmeeke Kumude Ande Padmakoshobhidheeyate
Anthill, Lilly, Egg Padmakosha Hasta is used.
Sarpasheersha Hasta
Bend the fingers a little in Pataka Hasta to show Sarpasheersha Hasta.
Chandane Bhujage Mande Prokshane Poshanadishu
Sandalwood paste,Snake, Slow, Sprinkling, Caring
Devarshudakadaaneshu Hyaspale Gajakumbhayoho
Holy water, Elephant's Forehead
Bhujaasphaletu Mallanaam Yujyate Sarpasheershakaha
To show the muscles of wrestlers Sarpasheersha hasta is used.
Mrugasheersha Hasta
Stretch the thumb & the little fingers in Sarpasheersha Hasta to show Mrugasheersha Hasta.
Streenamarthe Kapolecha Krama Maryadayorapi
To show Women, Cheeks, Way of doing things, To show respect
Bheete Vivade Nepathye Aavasecha Tripundrake
Scare, Argument, Back Stage, The place of living, Forehead
Mukhamukhe Rangavalyom Paadasamvahanepicha
Meeting of people, Sacred Design on the floor, Massaging the feet
Sarvasammelanekaarye Mandire Chatradharane
Getting people together, house, Holding an umbrella
Sopane Padavinyase Priyahvane Tathivacha
Stairs, Gait, To call the loved one
Sancharecha Prayujyeta Bharatagamakovidhihi
To show Movement this hasta is used.
Simhamukha Hasta
Touch the middle & the ring finger with thumb & stretch the second & little fingers to show Simhamukha Hasta.
Vidrume Mouktikechiva Sugandhe Alakasparshane
to show Coral, Pearl, Fragrance, Curls
Aakarnanecha Prushati Moksharthe Hrudisamstitaha
Hearing, Point, Salvation, Heart
Home Shashe Gaje Darbhachalane Padmadamini
Sacred fire, Rabbit, Elephant, Sacred Grass, Flower
Simhanane Vaidyapakashodhane Simhavakrakaha
Lion's face, Examine the medicinal preparations Simhamukha Hasta is used.
Langoola Hasta or Kangoola Hasta
Fold the ring finger in Padmakosha Hasta to show Langoola Hasta.
Lakuchasya Phale Balakuche Kalharake tatha
To show Lemon, Breasts of a teenager, Flower called Kalhara
Chakore Kramuke Baalakinkinyam Ghutikadike
A bird called Chakora, Beetle nut, Jingles, Tablets
Chaatake Yujyatechayam Kangoolakaranaamakaha
A bird called Chataka Kangoola Hasta is used.
Alapadma Hasta
Stretch & hold all the fingers at an angle to each other to show Alapadma Hasta.
Vikachabje Kapithadiphale Chaavartake Kuche
Lotus, Fruit Called Kapitha, Turning, Breasts
Virahe Mukure Poornachandre Soundaryabhajane
Pain of seperation, Mirror, Full moon, Beautiful things
Dhammille Chandrashalayaam Grame Uddhata Kopayoho
Knotted Hair, Moon Chamber, Village, Height, Anger
Tataake Shakate Chakravake Kalakalaarave
Lake, Cart, Bird Called Chakravaka, Sound of Birds, wind, water
Shlaghane Solapadmashcha Keertito Bharatagame
To Praise Alapadma Hasta is used.
Chatura Hasta
Stretch all the fingers, hold the little finger at an angle to the other fingers & fold the thumb & touch the bottom of the ring finger to show Chatura Hasta.
Kastooryaam Kinchidapyarthe Swarnataamraadilohake
Fragrance called Kastoori, To show small quantity, Gold and other metals
Aardre Khede Rasaaswade Lochane Varnabhedake
Wetness, Sadness, Taste, Eye, Differentiate colors
Pramane Sarase Mandagamane Shakaleekrute
Promise, Romance, Slow movement, Breaking
Aasane Ghruta Tailadou Yujyate Chaturakaraha
Seat, Melted Butter, Oil Chatura Hasta is used.
Bhramara Hasta
Touch the Middle finger with thumb, bend the second finger completely, stretch the last two fingers at an angle to show Bhramara Hasta.
Bhramarecha Shuke Yoge Saarase Kokiladishu
To show Honey Bee, Parrot, Meditation(Yoga),
Birds Called Sarasa & Kokila
Bhramaraabidhahastoyam Keertito Bharatagame
Bhramara Hasta is used.
Hamsasya Hasta
Touch the index finger with thumb & hold the other fingers at an angle to show Hamsasya Hasta.
Mangalyasootrabandhe Chapyupadeshe Vinishchaye
Tying the sacred thread of marriage, Advice, Decision
Romanche Mouktikadoucha Chitrasamlekhane tatha
Excitement, Pearls & other precious stones, Drawing
Damshetu Jalabindoucha Deepavarteeprasarane
Fly, Drop of water, Wick of the lamp
Nikashe Shodhane Mallikadou Rekhavalekhane
Polishing, Searching, Jasmine & other flowers, Drawing a line
Malayaamvahane SohambhavanayanchaRoopake
Holding garland, To say 'i am Brahma'
Naasteetivachanechapi Nikashanamchabhavane
Saying 'No', Looking at the polished article
Krutakrutyepi Hamsasyaha Eerito Bharatagame
Hamsasya Hasta is used to show all these things.
Hamsapaksha Hasta
Stretch the Little finger in Sarpasheersha Hasta to show Hamsapaksha Hasta.
Shatsankhyayaam Setubandhe Nakharakankhanetatha
To show number 6, Bridge, Impression of the nails
Vidhane Hamsapakshoyam Keertito Bharatagame
Way of doing thing Hamsapaksha Hasta is used.
Samdamsha Hasta
Hold the Padmakosha Hasta, close & open the fingers often to show Samdamsha Hasta.
Udaare Balidanecha Vrane Keete Manobhaye
To show Generosity, Sacrificial Offering, Wound, Insects, Fear
Archane Panchavakravye Samdamshakyobhidheeyate
Offering Worship, Number 5 Samdamsha Hasta is used.
Mukula Hasta
Touch the tips of all the fingers to show Mukula Hasta.
Kumude Bhojane Panchabane Mudradidharane
To show Lilly, Eating, Cupid,Smearing sacred marks on the body
Naabhoucha Kadaleepushpe Yujyate Mukulakaraha
Belly button, Banana Flower Mukula Hasta is used.
Tamrachooda Hasta
Hold the Mukula Hasta, separate the index finger, bend a little to show Tamrachooda Hasta.
Kukkutadou Bake Kaake Ushtre Vatsecha Lekhane
To show Rooster,A bird called Baka, Crow, Camel, Calf and to show letters
Tamrachooda Karakhyasou Keertito Bharatagame
Taamrachooda Hasta is used.
Trishoola Hasta
Fold the thumb & the little finger, stretch the other fingers & hold them together to show Trishoola Hasta.
Bilwapatre Tritwayukte Trishoolakara Eeritaha
To show a leaf called Bilwa & to show the number 3
Trishoola Hasta is used.
Samyuta Hastas
Anjali Hasta
Hold Pataka in both the hands & join the palms to show Anjali Hasta.
Devataguru Vipranaam Namaskarepyanukramaat
To salute God, Teacher & the Learned hold the Anjali Hasta
Karyasshiromukhorassu Viniyojyonjalikaraha
above the head, in front of the face &
in front of chest respectively.
Kapota Hasta
In Anjali Hasta, only the borders of the hands are joined(Palm should not touch one another) to show Kapota Hasta.
Pramaana Gurusambhasha Viniyogeekrutishwayam
To make promise, Speak to the teacher, To be Polite,
To Agree this hasta is used.
Karkata Hasta
Bring the fingers of both the hands between one another to show Karkata Hasta.
Samoohadarshane Tundadarshane Shankhapoorane
To show Crowd, Thick articles, Blowing of Shankha
Angaanaam Motane Shakhonnamanecha Niyujyate
Stretching Limbs, Bending the branches of a tree this hasta is used.
Swastika Hasta
Hold Pataka Hands & cross the hands at the wrist so that the hands are opposite to each other to shoe Swastika Hasta.
Samyogena Swastikakhyo Makararthe Niyujyate
This hasta is used to show Alligator
Bhayavade Vivadecha Keertane Swastikobhavet
To Talk in fear, to Argument and to praise this hasta is used.
Dola Hasta
Hold Pataka Hasta, stretch the arms & keep the hasta upside down along the hip line to show Dola Hasta.
Naatyarambhe Prayoktavya Iti Natyavidovidhuhu
This hasta is used in the beginning of a dance.
Pushpaputa Hasta
Hold Sarpasheersha in both the hands & join them at the wrist to show Pushpaputa Hasta.
Neerajanavidhou Baala Phaladigrahane tatha
To show Lamp Offering, Children, Accept Fruits
Sandhyayaamarghyadanecha Mantrapushpe Niyojayet
Offering to the Sun in the evenings, Chant Holy prayers
This hasta is used.
Utsanga Hasta
Hold Mrugasheersha Hasta in both the hands, cross the hands, touch opposite shoulders to show Utsanga Hasta.
Aalinganecha Lajjayaam Angadaadipradarshane
To Embrace, To show shyness, To show one's body
Baalaanaamshikshanechaayam Utsango Yujyatekaraha
To deciplinne children Utsanga hasta is used.
Shivalinga Hasta
Hold Ardhachandra Hasta in the left hand(palm up), keep shikhara Hasta in right hand & place it on the left hand to show Shivalinga Hasta.
Viniyogastutatsyva Shivalingapradarshane
This Hasta is used to show Shivalinga (Lord Shiva).
Katakavardhana Hasta
Hold Katakamukha Hasta in both hands, cross the hands at the wrist to show Katakavardhana Hasta.
Pattabhisheke Poojayam Vivahadishu Yujyate
To show Coronation, To worship and to show weddings
this hasta is used.
Kartareeswastika Hasta
Hold Kartareemukha Hasta in both the hands & cross the hands at the wrist to show Kartareeswastika Hasta.
Shakhaasucha Adri Shikhare Vruksheshucha Niyujyate
To show the branches of a tree, tip of Mountains, Trees
This hasta is used.
Shakata Hasta
Leave the thumb & the middle fingers in Bhramara Hasta. Hold like this in both the hands & cross at the wrist to show Shakata Hasta. Another way of showing Shakata Hasta is to cross the Arala Hastas at the wrist.
Raakshasaabhinayechaayam Niyukto Bharatadibhihi
This hasta is used to show Demons.
Shankha Hasta
Hold the Left thumb with the last three fingers of the right hand, stretch the other fingers of the left hand, stretch & touch the thumb & index fingers of the right hand with the stretched fingers of the left hand to show Shankha Hasta.
Shankhaadishuniyujyoya Mityevam Bharataadayaha
This hasta is used to show Conch.
Chakra Hasta
Hold Ardhachandra hasta in both the hands, place them one above the other like a Plus(+) mark to show Chakra Hasta.
Chakrahastassa vigneya chakrarthe viniyujyate
This Hasta is used to show Chakra, the weapon of Lord Vishnu.
Samputa Hasta
Hold Chakra Hasta, fold the thumb & little fingers in both the hands to show Samputa Hasta.
Vastvaacchchade Samputecha Samputahkara Eeritaha
To cover things and to show the sacred box in which the
idols are placed this Samputa Hasta is used.
Paasha Hasta
Hold Suchi Hasta in both hands, bend the index finger a little & join these fingers like a chain to show Paasha Hasta.
Anyonyakalahe Paashe Shynkhalaayaam Niyujyate
To show Playful Quarrel, Rope, Chains this hasta is used.
Keelaka Hasta
Hold Mrugasheersha Hasta in both hands, bend the little finger a little & join these fingers like a chain to show Keelaka Hasta.
Snehecha Narmalaapecha Viniyogosya Sammataha
To show friendly talk this hasta is used.
Matsya Hasta
Hold Pataka hasta in both the hands, place them one above the other, stretch the thumb a bit (like fins of fish) to show Matsya Hasta.
Etasya Viniyogastu Matsyarthe Sammatobhavet
This hasta is used to show Fish.
Koorma Hasta
Opposite of Chakra Hasta is Koorma Hasta i.e Stretch the thumb & little fingers & fold the other fingers in Chakra Hasta to show Koorma Hasta.
Koormahastasyavigneyaha Koormarthe Viniyujyate
This Hasta is used to show Turtle, Tortoise
Varaha Hasta
Hold Mrugasheersha hasta in both hands, place them one above the other to show Varaha Hasta.
Etasyaviniyogastu Varaharthe tu Yujyate
This Hasta is used to Show Boar (Wild Pig)
Garuda Hasta
Hold Ardhachandra in both the hands, turn them & hold them with the thumbs to show Garuda Hasta.
Garudo Garudarthe cha Yujyate Baratagame
This Hasta is used to show a bird called Garuda.
Nagabandha Hasta
Hold Sarpasheersha in both the hands & cross them at the wrist to show Nagabandha Hasta.
Bhujagadampatee Bhaave Nikunchanaamcha darshane
To show Snakes, Creeper Chamber
Athrvanasya mantreshu Yojyo Bharatakovidhihi
Atharvana Veda Shlokas this hasta is used.
Khatva Hasta
Hold Chatura Hasta in both hands, place the hands one above the other, stretch the index fingers down to show Khatva Hasta.
Khatvahastobhavedeshaha Khatvaadishu Niyujyate
This Hasta is used to show Bed.
Bherundha Hasta
Hold Kapitha Hasta & cross them at the wrist to show Bherundha Hasta.
Bherundhapakshi Dampatyorbherundhaka Eteeritaha
To show a bird couple called Bherundha this hasta is used.
Avahittha Hasta
Hold Alapadma in both the hands, cross them at the wrist, place them near chest to show Avahitha Hasta.
Srungara Natanechiva Leelaa Kandukadharane
To show Love, Catching the ball
Kucharthe Yujyate Soyamavahitthakaraabhidhaha
Breasts Avahittha Hasta is used.
Deva Hasta
| Name of the Deity | Left Hand | Right Hand |
| Brahma Hasta | Chatura Hasta | Hamsasya Hasta |
| Shambhu Hasta | Mrugasheersha Hasta | Tripataka Hasta |
| Vishnu Hasta | Tripataka Hasta | Tripataka Hasta |
| Saraswati Hasta | Kapitha Hasta, in line with the shoulder | Suchi Hasta |
| Parvati Hasta | Ardhachandra Hasta, held downwards | Ardhachandra Hasta, held upwards |
| Lakshmi Hasta | Kapitha Hasta, in line with shoulder | Kapitha Hasta, in line with shoulder |
| Vinayaka Hasta | Kapitha Hasta, in front of chest | Kapitha Hasta, in front of chest |
| Manmatha Hasta | Shikhara Hasta | Katakamukha Hasta |
| Shanmukha Hasta | Trishoola Hasta | Shikhara Hasta |
| Indra Hasta | Tripataka Hasta | Swastika Hasta |
| Agni Hasta | Kangoola Hasta | Tripataka Hasta |
| Yama Hasta | Paasha Hasta | Suchi Hasta |
| Niruti Hasta | Khatva Hasta | Shakata Hasta |
| Varuna Hasta | Shikhara Hasta | Pataka Hasta |
| Vaayu Hasta | Ardhapataka Hasta | Arala Hasta |
| Kubera Hasta | Padmakosha Hasta | Ardhachandra Hasta |
Dashavatara Hasta
The 10(Dasha) incarnations(Avatara) of Lord Vishnu can be shown like this.
| Name of the Avatara | Left Hand | Right Hand | Position of the Hands |
| Matsya (Fish) | Tripataka Hasta | Tripataka Hasta | First show the Matsya hasta and then hold tripataka hasta in both the hands, in line with shoulders. |
| Koorma (Tortoise) | Tripataka Hasta | Tripataka Hasta | Show the Koorma hasta and then hold tripataka hasta in both the hands, in line with shoulders. |
| Varaha (Wild Bore) | | | Show the Varaha hasta and then keep both hands on the waist. |
| Narasimha (Half Man & Half Lion) | Simhamukha Hasta | Tripataka Hasta | Hold the hands in front of the chest. |
| Vamana (Dwarf) | Mushti Hasta | Mushti Hasta, turned down | Hold the left hand little below the left shoulder and the right hand little above the waist, like showing the sacred thread. |
| Parashuraama | Keep the hand on the waist | Ardhapataka Hasta | Stretch the right hand above the head at an angle. |
| Raama | Shikhara Hasta | Kapitha Hasta | Hold the left hand above the shoulder level, like holding a bow and stretch down the right hand, like holding an arrow. |
| Balaraama | Mushti Hasta | Pataka Hasta | Hold the hands in front of the chest. |
| Krishna | Mrugasheersha Hasta | Mrugasheersha Hasta | Both the hands are held near the mouth with mrugasheersha hasta opposite to one another, like holding the Flute |
| Kalki | Tripataka Hasta | Pataka Hasta | Hold the hands in front of the chest. |
Navagraha Hasta
| Name of the Graha | Left Hand | Right Hand |
|
| Surya | Alapadma Hasta | Kapitha Hasta |
|
| Chandra | Alapadma Hasta | Pataka Hasta |
|
| Kuja or Mangala or Angaraka | Suchi Hasta | Mushti Hasta |
|
| Budha | Mushti Hasta, held horizontally | Pataka Hasta |
|
| Bruhaspati or Guru | Shikhara Hasta | Shikhara Hasta, both hands held like showing the showing the sacred thread. |
|
| Shukra | Mushti Hasta | Mushti Hasta, held upside down | |
| Shani | Shikhara Hasta | Trishoola Hasta | |
| Raahu | Sarpasheersha Hasta | Suchi Hasta | |
| Ketu | Suchi Hasta | Pataka Hasta | |
Jaati Hasta
| Name of the Jaati | Left Hand | Right Hand |
| Rakshasa Hasta | Shakata Hasta | Shakata Hasta, help near the mouth |
| Brahmana Hasta | Shikhara Hasta | Shikhara Hasta |
| Kshatriya Hasta | Shikhara Hasta, held horizontally | Pataka Hasta |
| Vyshya Hasta | Hamsasya Hasta | Katakamukha Hasta |
Bandhu Hasta
| Relationship | Left Hand | Right Hand |
| Dampati (Married Couple) | Shikhara Hasta | Mrugasheersha Hasta |
| Maatru (Mother) | Ardhachandra Hasta , held near the stomach | Samdamsha Hasta |
| Pitru (Father) | Ardhachandra Hasta , held near the stomach | Shikhara Hasta |
| Swashru (Mother-in-law) | Hamsasya Hasta, held near the neck | Samdamsha Hasta |
| Swashura (Father-in-law) | Hamsasya Hasta, held near the neck | Shikhara Hasta |
| Bhartru Bhaatru (Brother-in-law) | Shikhara Hasta | Kartareemukha Hasta |
| Nanand (Sister-in-law) | Show the above hasta and then show Mrugasheersha Hasta in right hand | |
| Sodara (Brother | Mayura Hasta | Mayura Hasta |
| Putra (Son) | Shikhara Hasta | Samdamsha Hasta, held near the stomach |
| Snusha (Daughter-in-law) | Show the above hasta and then show Mrugasheersha Hasta in right hand | |
| Sapatni (Second Wife) | Mrugasheersha Hasta | First Paasha Hasta and then Mrugasheersha Hasta |
Nritta Hasta
13 Hastas are categorized under Nritta Hasta. They are so named because of their usage in Aduvus. There are different ways of holding the Nritta Hastas. They can be held
- Facing Upward
- Facing Downward
- To the Right
- To the Left
- In Front
Depending on the footwork, the nritta hastas should be held in proper places.
The 13 Nritta Hastas are
- Pataka
- Swastika
- Dola
- Anjali
- Katakavardhana
- Shakata
- Paasha
- Keelaka
- Kapitha
- Shikhara
- Koorma
- Hamsasya
- Alapadma
When all Angas(main body parts) coordinate (along with pratyanga and upaanga) the artist is said to have Angashudhi. Anga meaning body parts and shudhi , meaning perfect. Any dancer should try to achieve this perfection. The Natyashastra, which talks about all aspects of Bharatanatyam, quotes shlokas to perform all the above movements.
