Chapter 26 - A description of different positions of fingers in worship

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

1. (I now) describe the characteristic of (the different) positions of fingers (mudrā) (which) bring (the worshipper) nearer (to the object of worship). Añjali (folding of hands) is the first mudrā. (The second) is the Vandanī (fingers interlocked) to be placed near the heart.

2. With the left fist folded and the thumb erect, the right thumb interwoven with the erect left thumb is said to be (the third one).

3. (These are) the three common formations. The (following are) not common. By the unyoking of the smallest and other fingers eight positions (are formed) in order.

4. The first eight basic syllables are repeated in order. One has to bend the three fingers commencing with the little finger, with the thumb.

5. One has to raise up the hand to the face for the ninth mystic syllable. Then the left hand is raised up and bent half slowly.

6. These are the mudrās of the limbs of Varāha^[1] in order. Then the left fist having been kept closed, the fingers are released one by one.

7. The same position is held by the right hand also and the previous position is bent down. The left fist (is held) with the thumb erect. This results in the accomplishment of the mudrā.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

If the two palms are placed together so as to form a cavity it represents the Varāha Mudrā.