What is Mudra?

[Guest guest]

Mudra means "that which showers Bliss." It refers to a gesture made

with both hands, symbolically representing the nature of the

Ultimate Reality and its transformation into various energies and

categories; and the Creation, Preservation and Destruction of the

Universe (just as Sri Chakra represents these concepts in geometric

or diagramatic form).

 

The five fingers of both hands signify the Panca-Bhutas. The right

hand and right side represent Siva, and the left hand and left side

represent Sakti.

 

Just as in the Natya-Sastra [classical dance tradition], mudra or

gesture in Abhinaya represents an idea; in this case, those ideas

just mentioned above. If a devotee performs puja with these mudras,

not only her/his mind but also her/his body will be intensely aware

of the great Truth that s/he is trying to grasp. It is there said

[in LS 977/dasa-mudrA-samArAdhyA] to be another aspect of the

Antaryaga (Internal) Worship, by which Sri Lalita is greatly pleased.

 

A mudra connotes the unity of the individual jiva with the Ultimate,

as an aspect thereof. It is always presented along with the

appropriate Mantra Bija or letters.

 

The Ten Mudras -- from Sarvasanksobhini to Trikhandesi -- are

regularly presented in the worship of Sri Lalita. It is not possible

to describe them here; they must be learned from a Guru. When a

devotee does not know these Mudras, it is better that s/he conduct

all worship with Yoni Mudra, which is used by Maharishis as

Namaskara-Mudra, and which is a manifestation of Sri Lalita as the

Union of Siva and Sakti.

 

[by Dr. C. Suryanarayana Murthy, Commentary on the Sri Lalita

Sahasranama, 1962]

 

 

, "NMadasamy"

<ashwini_puralasamy wrote:

>

>

> Worshipped by ten mudrAs.

>

> MudrAs positions of fingers practised in worship. [ See

> PUrvacatuhsati, ch. 3].

>

> The ten mudrAs are from SamksobhinI to TrikhandA and they are the

mens

> by which she is regularly worshipped according to the manner laid

down

> in the NityAhrdaya.

>

>

>

>

> BhAskararAya's Commentary

> Translated into English by R. Ananthakrishna Sastry.

>

> Lalitha Sahasranama with commentaries now in SS homepage. See link

>

http://shaktisadhana.50megs.com/Newhomepage/sadhana/Commentaries.html

>