A Study of Mudralaksanam in Arts and Religion

Abstract

Gesture language is as old as man. Its provenance is almost unlimited. It could be related to all sorts of things and activities in ordinary parlance gross, subtle, simple and complex, it may also be connected with religious, spiritual and mystic matters. When used in art and religion, gestures arc naturally stylized. In the Hindu traditions they are defined and codified along with their uses for distinct purposes (viniyogas) In special treatises. Sanskrit words like sanketa, ingita, anga - vikṣepa, sūcana, abhinaya and mudra are synonyms conveying different levels of meaning. Although abhinaya and mudră are quite well-known In the fields of art and religion, the deeper meanings of these terms need to be more clear. Hence, this article will be concerned with the nature of mudrā in reilgion especially Salvism.