HASTA PRANALAKSHANA, Hastas

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.