Hasta Mudras and Navarasas

Hasta Mudras ( Hand Gestures )

Asamyukta Hastas

(single hand gestures)

  1. Pataaka
  2. Tripataaka
  3. Ardhapataaka
  4. Kartarimukha
  5. Mayura
  6. Ardhachandra
  7. Araala
  8. Shukatunda
  9. Mushthi
  10. Shikhara
  11. Kapitta
  12. Katakaamukha
  13. Suchi
  14. Chandrakalaa 
  15. Padmakosha
  16. Sarpashirsha
  17. Mrigashirsha
  18. Simhamukha
  19. Kangula
  20. Alapadma
  21. Chatura
  22. Bhramara
  23. Hamsaasye
  24. Hansapakshika
  25. Sandamsha
  26. Mukula
  27. Tamrachuda
  28. Trishula


 Samyukta Hastas

(double hand gestures)

 

1. Anjali
2. Kapota
3. Karkata
4. Swastika
5. Dola
6. Pushpaputa
7. Utsanga
8. Shivalinga
9. Kataka-vardhana
10. Kartari-swastika
11. Shakata
12. Shankha
13. Chakra
14. Pasha
15. Kilaka
16. Samputa
17. Matsya
18. Kurma
19. Varaha
20. Garuda
21. Nagabandha
22. Khatava
23. Bhairunda
24. Avahitta


Navarasas (Facial Expressions)


There are 9 different Navarasas (facial expressions) in Bharatanatyam. Each expression adds to the devotion of the dancer. In Bharatanatyam, one must be the character they are acting out. One must bring the dance from inside of them. Navarasas bring out that emotion from inside you to the Audience.

The nine Navarasas are:

Shringara
It is used to depict love and beauty, what appeals to the human mind, and what one finds as the most beautiful.

Haasya
Used to show joy, mirth, or laughter. It can be used when teasing a friend, when one is amused, and when one feels lighthearted.

Bhayanaka
Bhaya means fear. Bhayanaka is used when trying to portray the presence of someone or something evil. It is also used to characterize dread, anxiety, panic, agitation, or timidity.

Bhibatsya
This expression represents disgust. It is used to depict anything that nauseates, and sickens us.

Shanta
Shanta is used to illustrate serenity and peace. It exhibits the presence of a calm mind. For example, when doing tapasya (deep meditation), one must maintain peace in the heart and mind, one must release all emotions from the heart. This is Shanta.

Adhbuta
Adhbuta means wonder and awe. It can be used to show curiosity or shock. Adhbuta can be used when a being of divine power appears in front of man.

Karuna
Karuna shows grief and agony. When someone dies, the sympathy and compassion that follows can also be used to depict Karuna.

Rowdra
Rowdra means anger. The wrath of kings when someone disobeys them is an example of Rowdra.

Veera
Self confidence, might, being proud; all of these can be used describe veera.

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