The word “Mudra”, is a Sanskrit term that means bringing the deity and the devotee together. Mudras are gestures that convey certain attitudes.
The following mudras, demonstrated by Shree Maa, are performed at specific times during worship. You will be instructed to perform some or all of these mudras in our puja books.
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The Sankalpa Mudra is used for stating the date, time and place, the performer, proposed activity and purpose, prior to the commencement of worship.
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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, always in the mud, but never dirty!
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The Dhenu Mudra is the mudra of the cow, which indicates the one who pours forth nourishing goodness in abundance.
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The Ankusha Mudra is the mudra of the goad or curved sword, which symbolizes prodding seekers towards their ultimate goal of cutting down the iniquities of the ego.
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The Prarthana Mudra is the mudra of prayer. The worshiper who demonstrates this mudra prays for purity and clarity.
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The Lelihana Mudra literally means “Sticking Out.” It is the mudra that indicates, “It is You and only You who is our salvation.”
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The Tarpana Mudra is the mudra of the offering. Tarpana usually is performed in ceremonies respecting ancestors who have passed on, in respect of the Guru, the Sun, or any other deity. With the thumb and ring, we offer a pinch of whatever offering is being made. During ‘Pitri Shraddha’, the offering is sesame seeds in water. And during ‘Kali Puja’, it is wine. |
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The Tattva Mudra is the mudra of the Principle. It refers to the establishment of divinity within and most often indicates those places on the body which are different seats of the various energies. |
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The Avahani Mudra is the mudra of invitation. It is used to invoke the deity into the presence of the worshiper.
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The Stapani Mudra is the mudra of the establishment. The worshiper actually places the presence of the deity into his or her heart.
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The Samnidapani Mudra is the mudra that indicates apology for any inconvenience it may cause the deity, to be summoned in this manner. We understand that many devotees are requesting her presence. Even then, we request her to pay attention to us and apologize for the inconvenience caused to her.
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The Sambahani Mudra symbolizes that “I am binding You with all my power not to leave me until my worship is complete. For so long as I pay attention to You, You must stay and receive it.”
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The Upasanghara Mudra is a call to all the divine beings to assemble. “May all Gods and Goddesses make their presence manifest, right here, right now!”
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The Yoni Mudra symbolizes the womb of creation. It shows that She is the origin of all beings, and as Mother, She nurtures her creation.
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