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It is used in depicting the following: Beginning of dance, (water bearing) cloud, forest, forbidding things, breast, night, river, heaven, horse, cutting, wind, reclining, walking, prowess, graciousness, moonlight, scorching sunlight, opening or knocking the door, indicating the seven cases, waves, entering the street, equality or composure, applying sandal paste etc., one's self, taking an oath, keeping silence, palmyra leaf, shield (capeté = slap on the cheek-Nida), touching the things, benediction, a good king, saying there there, sea, doing good things, addressing, going in front, holding a sword, month, year, rainy day (or rain, day), cleaning or sprinkling water.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the thumb is bent and other fingers are close to one another and stretched, it is Patāka hasta.

Patåka hasta is used to denote the following: saying 'victory', clouds, forbidding, forest, night, saying 'go', going, conveyance, wind, chest, front, merit, pre eminence, flow of water, abode of gods or the wise, crying "haha!", moonlight, sunlight, group of gods or heavens, removing the bolt or hindrance, wall, cutting, pleasing others, cheek, applying sandal paste, sword, stopping the flow of water, group, mustering an army, oath or boundary, removing fear, having no refuge, decrease, covering, reclining, the earth, flame, pouring rain, wave, wings of a bird, petitioning a king, saying 'here', saying like what like that, slap, touching the objects, lake, massage of limbs, false praise, prowess, offering to gods, embracing on bothsides, flag, strong wind, end of a robe, cold, heat, radiance, shadow, year, season, half-year, day, fortnight, month, purity, high birth, approaching, saying 'protect-caress', brahmin race and white colour.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the thumb is bent and its tip is at the root of the forefinger and the palm and the four fingers are streched, it becomes Patāka hasta. The additional point in the present definition is - that the tip of the thumb should be at the root of the forefinger.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Patāka (flag). The hand in which the thumb is bent to touch the fingers, and the fingers arc extended, is called Patāka.

It is used in the beginning of a natya and to denote the clouds, a forest, forbidding things, bosom, might, a river, region of gods, the horse, cutting, wind, lying down, attempt at going, prowess, favour, moonlight, strong sunlight, forcing open doors, meaning of seven case-endings, wave, entering a street, equality, anointing the body of one’s ownself, taking an oath, silence, palmyra leaf, shield, touching things, benediction, the ideal king, saying ‘such and such a place’, the sea, succession of good deeds, addressing a person, going forward, holding a sword, a month, a year, a rainy day, and cleaning with broom.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Patāka (flag): the thumb bent to touch the fingers, and the fingers extended.

beginning a dance, cloud, forest, forbidding things, bosom, night, river, world of the gods, horse, cutting, wind, reclining, walking, prowess, graciousness, moon¬light, strong sunlight, knocking, meaning of the seven cases, wave, entering a street, equality, applying sandal paste, one’s self, taking an oath, silence, benediction, a good king, palmyra leaf, slap, touching, saying “Such and such”, the sea, the way of good deeds, addressing (a person some distance away), going in front, the form of a sword, month, year, rainy season, day, sprinkling water.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book, the thumb is bent against the base of the forefinger and the palm and fingers extended. When Brahma, the Shaper, went to Parabrahma, as he saluted him with the cry of “Victory!” he held his hand like a flag, since when it has been called the “flag hand". It is the first of all hands, it originates from Brahma, its colour is white, its sage Siva, its race Brahmana, its patron deity Parabrahma.

saying “Victory, victory!”, clouds, forbidding things, forest, night, saying “Go!”, going, conveyance, wind, chest, front, merit (punya), preeminence, flow, abode of the wise, crying “Ha! ha!”, moonlight, sunlight, abode of the gods, removal of hindrance, wall, cutting, pleasing others, cheek, applying sandal paste, mustering an army, boundary, removing fear, having no refuge, decrease, covering, reclining, the earth, flame, pouring rain, wave, wings of a bird, petitioning a king, saying “Thus”, eye, saying “Like what?” and “Like that”, slap, touching, lake, massage, closing a dispute, strong wind, end of the robe (ancala), cold, heat, radiance, shadow, ear, season, half-year, day, fortnight, month, purity, high birth, approach, saying “Protect”, or “Caress”, Brahmana caste, pure colour.

When the thumbs and the middle fingers meet, in both hands, then it is Mudrā hasta.

This hasta is used to denote an atom, grass, cow's face and bird's beak.

Tripatāka hasta is used to denote the following: a crown, vaira, Indra, këtaki flower, lamp, flames, cheek (pigeon Ghosh), drawing of patterns, arrow, turning round or change, union of woman and man.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the ring finger of Patāka hasta is bent, it becomes Tripatāka hasta .

Tripatāka hasta is used to denote the following: invocation, welcoming, descent, lifting the face, bending down/saluti touching auspicious things, recognition, disrespect, known doubt, crown, tree, Indra, Vajra, stroking the hair, lamp marking tilaka, wearing a turban, covering the nose on hearing strong smell, covering the ears on hearing harsh voices, rubbing down a horse, arrow, Ketaki flower drawing patterns on cheeks and chest, flight of certain birds, rising of flames, Kshatriya caste, red colour.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the ring finger of Patāka hasta is bent, it becomes Tripatāka hasta .

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Tripatāka (a flag with three). When the ring-finger is bent in a Patāka hand, it is called Tripatāka.

It is used to denote a crown, a tree, the vajra (thunder bolt of Indra), and the bearer of vajra (Indra), the ketaki flower, a lamp, raising flames, a pigeon, patterns drawn on the face or breast (patralekha), an arrow, and turning round.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Tripatāka (three parts of the flag): the third finger of the Patāka hand is bent.

a crown, tree, vajra weapon, the bearer of the vajra (Indra), screw-pine flower, light, rising flames, cheek, patterns drawn on the face or body (patra-lekha), arrow, turning round, union of woman and man.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: same definition. It is so called since Sakra (Indra; and others held the vajra. weapon with three parts of the “flag” leaving out the third finger. Its colour is red, it is of Ksattriya race, its sage is Guha. its patron deity Siva.

invocation, descent (avalaratta), lifting or bending down the face, touching auspicious things, hook, site (khala), disre¬spect, doubt, crown, tree, Vasava (Indra), vajra, stroking the hair, lamp, marking the brow-spot, tying a turban, applying strong scents, closing the nose or ears, rubbing-down a horse, arrow, screw-pine flower, patterns drawn on the face or body, the flight of certain birds, tongues of flame, Ksattriya caste, red colour.

Ardhapatáka hasta is used to denote the following: tender branch, writing plank (ie, slate) or painting board, bank of a river, saying 'both', dagger/saw, knife, flag, tower and horn.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the little finger of Tripatāka hasta also is bent, it becomes Ardhapatāka hasta.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Ardhapatāka (half-flag): If the little finger of the Tripataka hand is bent down, it is called Ardhapātaka.

It is used to denote leaves, a board or slab for writing or painting, the bank of a river, saying ‘both’, a knife, a banner, a tower, and a horn.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Ardha-patāka (half-flag): the little finger of the Tripatāka hand is also bent.

tender shoots (pallava), panel for writ¬ing or drawing (phalaka), bank of a river, dagger (krakaca), knife, flag, tower (gopura), horn (srnga), saying “Both.”

Kartarīmukha hasta is used to denote the following: separation of woman and man, opposition or overturning, stealing, corner of an eye, death, disagreement, lightning, reclining alone with pangs of separation, falling, creeper

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the forefinger and the little finger of Tripatāka hasta are extended back, it becomes Kartarīmukha hasta.

Kartarī hasta is used to denote the following: applying red paint on the foot, falling down, reading what is written, yearning of separated wife and husband, over turning or opposition, Vishņu, lightning, sleeping alone, buffalo, deer, fan, hill-top, elephant, bull, cow, comb, man of Kshatriya race, copper colour, scissors and tower. Once upon a time, when Siva set out to slay the demon Jatādhara, He drew a circle at the centre of the earth with His forefinger and that is the origin of the Kartaríhasta (as suggested by the sage).

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the fore finger of Tripatáka hasta is streched backward it becoms Kartarī (mukha) hasta.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Kartarīmukha: If the forefinger and the little finger of the same band (Ardhapatāka) are outspread it is called Kartarimukha.

It is used to denote the separation of a man and a woman, overturning or opposition, plundering, a corner of an eye, death, estrangement, lightning, sleeping alone during separation, falling and weeping.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Kartarī-mukha (arrow shaft face): in the same hand, the forefinger and little finger are outspread.  

separation of woman and man, opposition or overturning, stealing, the cor¬ner of the eye, death, disagreement, lightning, sleeping alone, falling, a creeper.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: the forefinger of the Tripatāka hand is out(-spread). Once upon a time, the sages say, Sasanka- sekhara (Siva), set out to slay Jadandhara; he drew a circle round the centre of the earth with his forefinger, and that is the origin of the Kartarīmukha hand. It originates from Siva, its sage is Parjaniya, its race Ksattriya, its colour coppery, its patron deity Cakrapani (Vishnu).

red paint for the feet (padalaktaka), drawing patterns on the body, yearning of separated husband and wife, overturning or opposition, Madhava, lightning, sleeping alone, buffalo, deer, fly-whisk, hill-top, elephant, bull, cow, thick coil of hair, Ksattriya caste, copper colour, scissors, tower.

Mayūra hasta is used to denote the following: Peacock's beak, creeper, bird/omen, vomiting, stroking the front curly hair, forehead, tilaka, wiping away tears or scattering river water, discussion on sāstras, renowned aspect.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

If, in Kartarīmukha hasta, ring finger and thumb are joined at the tips and other fingers are extended, it will be Mayūra hasta.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Mayūra (peacock) When the ring-finger of the Kartarīmukha hand is joined to the thumb, and other fingers are extended, it is called the Mayūra hand.

It is used to denote the peacock’s neck, a creeper, a bird, vomiting, removing hair, an ornamental mark on the forehead (tilaka), scattering (agitating) river-water, discussing the Sastras, and a famous thing.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Mayūra (peacock): the third finger of the Kartarīmukha hand is joined to the thumb, the other fingers extended.

the peacock’s beak, a creeper, bird of omen (Sakuna), vomiting, forehead, stroking the hair, forehead, brow-spot, wiping away tears, argument according to law (Sasfra), renown.

Ardhaçandra hasta is used to represent the following: the moon on the

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

If the thumb of the Patāka hasta is streched out it becomes Ardhaçandra hasta.

Ardhaçandra hasta is used to denote the following: bangle, wrist, mirror, astonishment, fatigue or effort, unlimitedness, entirety, beating time, tying up the hair, young tree, supporting the cheek in grief, the ear of an elephant, the youth, ability, moon, greeting common people, consecration, eye brow, fine cloth, bow, plenty, tightening the girdle, making a (mud) vessel, the body, movement of the feet, carrying a child, the back, gowra varna, Vaisya jāti.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the thumb of Pataka hasta is stretched away from the other fingers, it beocmes Ardhaçandra hasta.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Ardhacandra (half-moon): If the thumb of the Patāka hand is stretched out, the latter is called Ardhacandra.

It is used to denote the phase of the moon on the eighth day of the dark fortnight, a hand seizing the throat, a spear, consecrating an image, a dining plate, origin, waist, musing, one’s ownself, meditation, prayers, touching limbs, and greeting by common people.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Ardhaçandra (half-moon): the thumb of the Patāka hand is stretched out.

the moon on the eighth day of the dark fortnight, a hand seizing the throat, a spear, consecrating an image, a platter, origin, waist, anxiety, one’s self, meditation, prayer, touching the limbs, greeting common people.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: same definition. This hand originates from the desire of Siva for ornaments, of which the moon is one. Its sage is Atri, its race Vaisya, its colour smoky, its patron deity Mahadeva.

bangle, wrist, mirror, astonishment, effort, intemperance, entirety, beating time, tying up the hair, supporting the cheek in grief, the ear of an elephant, ex¬pelling evil-doers, wiping sweat from the brow, adolescence, ability, moon, greeting common people, consecration, eyebrow, cloth, bow, preeminence, tightening the girdle, making a vessel, the body, movement of the feet, carrying a child, the back, white colour, Vaisya caste.

Arāla hasta is useful in denoting the following: drinking poison or nectar etc., violent wind.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

If the forefinger of Patāka hasta is bent, then it becomes Arāla hasta.

Arāla hasta is used to denote the following: ritual sipping of water by the brahmins, benediction, aversion of a parasite for the courtesan, dressing the hair, saying 'come soon', circumambulation (clock-wise turn) at morning and evening prayers, wiping out sweat from the forehead, and putting collyrium on the eyes.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the thumb and the forefinger of Patāka hasta are bent, it will become Arāla hasta.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Arāla (bent): When the fore-finger of the Patāka hand is curved, the latter is called Arāla.

It is used to denote drinking poison, nectar etc., and violent wind.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Arāla (bent): the first finger of the Patāka hand is curved.

drinking poison, nectar, etc., or sharp acid.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: the thumb and forefinger of the Patāka hand are curved. It was first used by Agastya in drinking (aposanam krte) the seven seas. Its colour is red, its race mixed, its patron deity Vasudeva — such is its history according to Bharata and others.

the sipping of water (aposana) by Brahmanas, benediction, the aversion of a parasite (vita) for his friend, dressing the hair, saying “Come soon!”, circumambulation at morning and evening prayer, wiping sweat from the brow, putting collyrium on the eyes, etc.

Ṡukatunḍa hasta is used to denote the following : shooting an arrow, throwing a spear, saying a secret word and showing ferocity.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the ring finger in the Arāla hasta is also bent of finger is already bent), it becomes Ṡukatunḍa hasta.

Ṡukatunḍa hasta is used to denote the following: Brahma astram, nose, crookedness, change or turning round, javelin, suggesting the future, crossing, fighting, disrespect, lovers' quarrel, opinion, abandonment, throwing dice in gambling, throwing a spear, denoting parrot - maina etc., ferocity, secret word, copper colour and brahmin race.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the forefinger and the ringfinger of Patāka hasta are bent, it becomes Ṡukatunḍa hasta (Ṡukatunḍa = parrot's beak).

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Ṡukatuṇḍa (parrot’s head): Arāla, when its third finger is bent, is called Ṡukatuṇḍa.

It is used to denote the shooting of an arrow, a spear, remembering one’s abode, saying of mystic things, and violent mood.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Ṡukatunḍa (parrot’s beak): the third finger of the Arala hand is also bent.

shooting an arrow, throwing a spear (kunta), mystery (marma), ferocity.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: same definition. It originates from Parvati, who used it in a lover’s quarrel with Sadasiva. Its sage is Dhruvasa, its race Brahmana, its colour red, its patron deity Marici.

Brahma-weapon, nose (mukhagra), curve, turning round, javelin, proceeding, fighting, crossing, disrespect, lovers’ quarrel, opinion, abandonment, dice, throwing a spear, ferocity, secrecy, copper colour, Brahmana caste.

Mushṭi hasta is used to denote the following: steadiness, grasping the hair, firmness, holding things etc. and wrestling

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the four fingers, close together, are bent into the palm and the thumb is set on them, then it is Mushṭi hasta (Mushṭi = fist).

Mushṭi hasta is used to denote the following: support or grasping, without bias or waist, fruit, symbol or agreement, saying 'very well' or 'be careful, sacrificial offerings, greeting by common people, massage of thighs or a strong hold, holding a bell,running fast, expertise or lightness, wrestling, holding a shield etc., firmness, holding the hair, fisticuffs, holding a mace - spear etc., blue colour and Sūdra race.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When all the four fingers are bent into the palm and the thumb is placed on the middle finger thus forming a mushti i.e., first, it is called Mushṭi hasta.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Muṣṭi (fist): When the four fingers are bent into the palm and the thumb is set on them, that hand is called Muṣṭi.

It is used to denote steadfastness, grasping the hair, holding things, and the fighting mood of wrestlers.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Mushṭi (fist): the four fingers are bent into the palm, and the thumb set on them.

steadiness, grasping the hair, holding things, wrestling.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: the thumb placed on the middle finger, and the fingers closed. It originates from Vishnu, who used this hand when he fought with Madhu. Its sage is Indra, colour indigo, race Sudra, patron deity the moon.

grasping, waist, fruit, agreement, saying “Very well”, sacrificial offer¬ings, greeting common people, carrying away, strong hold, holding a book, running, lightness, wrestling, holding a shield, holding the hair, fisticuffs, grasping a mace or spear, indigo colour, Sudra caste.

Ṡikhara hasta is used to denote the following: Manmatha, bow, pillar, resolve, silence, offerings to gratify the manes (ancestors who are dead), upper lip, entering, tooth, questioning, Sivalingam, body, saying 'no', recollection, change in abhinayam, intimate suggestion, grabbing the girdle, embracing, husband, throwing sakti and tomara weapons, sound of bell and pounding.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

If the thumb of the Mushṭi hasta is raised, it will be Ṡikhara hasta (Ṡikhara = peak of the mountain).

Ṡikhara hasta is used to denote the following: offerings to gratify the ancestors, steadiness, establishing the family, hero, hill top, friend, cleaning the teeth (when held obliquely), plying palmyra fan, difference, saying 'what', drinking water from a spouted vessel, the number four, throwing sakti and tômara weapons, receiving or enjoying the consequences, demure of an amorous girl, bashfulness, bow, Smara, husband, resolve, pillar, sound of bell, nartana, saying 'no', charity, dominant emotion or firmness, Vighneswara, Mahishasuramardani (=Durga), heroism, galloping of a horse, putting tilakas like ardhacandra, making the sign of tying the hair-knot, sapphire, and firmness or strength.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

If the thumb of Mushti hasta is raised, it becomes Ṡikhara hasta.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Sikhara (peak): If the Muṣṭi hand has its thumb, raised up it becomes Sikhara.

It is used to denote amour (or god of love), a bow, a pillar, certainty, making offering to manes, the upper lip, some¬thing entered, a tooth, questioning, the phallic symbol, saying ‘no’, recollection, near about abhinaya (?), pulling at the girdle, the act of embrace, and sounding a bell.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Ṡikhara (spire): in the same hand, the thumb is raised.

the God of Love (Madan), bow, pillar, silence, husband, tooth, entering, questioning, the body, saying “No!”, recollection, intimate suggestion (abhinayantara), untying the girdle, em¬brace, lover, letting fly sakti and tomara weapons, sound of a bell, pounding.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: same definition. It originates from CandraSekhara (Siva), when he held Mt. Meru as his bow. It originates from that Meru-bow, its sage is Jihna, its race Gandharva, its colour dusky, the God of Love (Rati vallabha) its patron deity.

gratifying the ancestors, steadiness, establishing a family, hero, spire, friend, cleaning the teeth with to and fro movement, plying a palmyra fan, difference, saying “What?”, drinking water from a spouted vessel (bhrngara), the number four, letting fly sakti or tomara weapons, enjoying con¬sequences, demure attitude of an amorous girl, bashfulness, bow, the God of Love (Smara), saying “ No!”, charity, perma¬nent mood (sthayi bhava), Vinayaka, Mahisa-mardini, heroism, galloping of a horse, half-moon, brow-spot, etc., making the sign of the hair-knot, sapphire, intensity.

Kapittha hasta is used to denote the following: Lakshmi, Saraswati, winding, holding cymbals, milking a cow, collyrium, holding flowers gracefully, grasping the end of a robe etc., covering the head with a veil and offering incense and light (to gods).

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the forefinger of the Ṡikhara hasta is bent over the top of the thumb, it becomes Kapittha hasta (Kapittha fruit = wood apple).

Kapittha hasta is used to denote the following: churning, Lakshmi, offering incense and light, throwing cowries, holding ankuša and vajra, holding a sling, holding cymhar presenting nâtya, holding a lotus gracefully, Saraswari holding a rosary, pounding yāvaka seeds etc., gathering the end of a robe, rshi race, and goura varna.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the tips of the thumb and the forefinger of Ṡikhara hasta meet, it becomes Kapittha hasta.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Kapittha (elephant-apple): If in the Ṡikhara hand the fore-finger is bent over the top of the thumb, it is called Kapittha.

It is used to denote Laksmi, Sarasvati, holding cymbals, milking cows, collyrium, holding flowers at the time of dalliance, grasping the end of robes, gathering of cloth and offering incense or light.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Kapittha (elephant-apple): the forefinger of the Sikhara hand is bent over the top of the thumb.

Laksmi, Sarasvati, winding, holding cymbals, milking cows, collyrium, holding flowers at the time of dalliance, grasping the end of the robe (celancala), veiling the head with the ancala, offering incense or lights, etc.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: same definition. Long ago when the Churning of the Ocean was done, Vishnu used this hand to pull upon Mt. Mandara. Its sage is Narada, its race Rsi, its colour white, its patron deity Padmagarbha (Vishnu).

churning, Laksmi, offering incense or lights, etc., spreading cow-ries, holding elephant goad or vajra, or a. sling, or cymbals, show¬ing a dance (natya), holding a lotus of dalliance (lilabja dharana), counting Sarasvati’s rosary, pounding barley etc., seizing the end of the robe (celancala), Rsi caste, white colour.

Kaṭakāmukha hasta is used to denote the following: plucking flowers, wearing a pearl necklace or a garland of flowers; holding the arrow at the middle of the bow or drawing the arrow slowly; offering folded betel leaves; preparing such things as musk etc., applying scents etc., speaking and glancing.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

In Kapittha hasta, if the tip of the forefinger touches the tips of the thumb and the middle finger, it becomes Kaṭakāmukha hasta (kaṭakā-mukha = link in a bangle or chain).

Kaṭakāmukha hasta is used to denote the following: wearing a pearl necklace or flower garland or a fly-whisk, drawing out an arrow, holding out a mirror infront, holding reins, breaking a twig, cleaning the teeth, plucking flowers, receiving folded betel leaves, preparing musk etc., embrace of harlots, drawing the bow, holding the discus, holding a fan, gold colour and dēva race.

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

If the thumb of the Kapittha hasta is raised up, it becomes Kaṭakāmukha hasta.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Kaṭakāmukha (opening in a bracelet): The Kapittha hand with the fore-finger and the middle finger applied to the thumb, is called Kaṭakāmukha.

It is used to denote picking flowers, holding a pearl necklace or garland of flowers, drawing the middle of the bow, offering betel leaves, preparing the paste of mask and sandal etc. by rubbing them against something, applying perfumes to something, speaking, and glancing.

It is used in coronation, worshipping, and marriage etc.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Kaṭakāmukha (opening in a link): the forefinger and middle finger are applied to the thumb.

picking flowers, holding a pearl necklace or garland of flowers, drawing a bow slowly, distributing folded betel leaves, applying such things as musk or scent, speech, glancing.

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: the thumb of the Kapittha hand is thrown forward. This hand originated when Guha received instruction in archery from Siva. Its sage is Bhargava, its colour coppery, its race Deva, its presiding deity Raghurama.

holding a pearl or flower garland or a fly-whisk, drawing out an arrow, holding out a mirror, reins, conveyance, breaking a twig, cleaning the teeth, picking flowers, distributing folded betel leaves, applying musk, embrace of harlots, drawing the bow, holding the discus, holding a fan, gold colour, Deva caste.

Sūçī hasta is used to denote the following : one, Parabrahma, hundred, Sun, city, world, saying 'thus’, saying which/what and that, fan, threatening, thinness, rod, body, astonishment, braid of hair, umbrella, capability, hand or corner, hair, bearing the drum, turning of the potter's wheel, wheel of a chariot, circle or group, thinking pros and cons, and evening.

When the forefinger of the Kaṭakāmukha hasta is upraised, it becomes Sūçī hasta (Sūçī=needle ;Sūçīmukha = needle point).

Sūçīmukha hasta is used to denote the following: praising, telling truth, pointing to a distant place or country, life, going in front, to say. 'one', the twilight, solitude deserted place, lotus stalk, saying 'well-done' etc., looking at things, saying 'thus', world, indicating Parabrahma, showing one or unity, rod, turning of the wheels of a chariot, Sun. sunrise and sunset, arrow, meeting the hero in secret or secret and hero, arrow's point, saying 'what and that': metal, handle, threatening, addressing inferiors, listening, yearning for the beloved, recollection, nose, beak, white colour, and vision.

If the forefinger of Kaṭakāmukha hasta is raised up, it will be Sūçīmukha hasta.

It is used to denote the number one, the Supreme Soul (Para-brahma), one hundred, the sun, a city, the world, saying 'like that’ and ‘that which’, in the sense of crowdlcss, threaten­ing, growing thin, a rod, body, astonishment, a braid of hair, an umbrella, capability, hairs, beating drum, the potter’s wheel, circum­ference of a wheel, consideration, and decline of the day.

Sūcī: The Kaṭakāmukha hand withits fore-finger raised is called Sūcī.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Sūçī (needle): the forefinger of the Kataka-mukha hand is upraised.

one, Parabrahma, demonstration, one hun¬dred, sun, city, world, saying “Thus”, or “What?”, “He”, fan, threatening, pining away, rod, the body, astonishment, braid of hair, umbrella, capability, down (roma), beating the drum, turning the potter’s wheel, wheel, circle, explanation, evening.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: same definition. It originates from Brahma, when he said “I am unique.” Its sage is the sun, its race Deva, its colour white, its patron deity Visvakarma.

boastings, truth-telling, pointing to a distant country, life, going in front, one, the twilights, solitude, lotus stalk, saying “Sadhu”, looking at things, saying “Thus”, world, Parabrahma, unity, rod, turning a wheel, sun, sunrise and sunset, arrow, secret, hero (nayaka), sili-mukha arrow, saying “What?”, saying “He”, metal, handle, threatening, addressing inferiors, listening, yearning for the beloved, recollection, nose, beak, white colour, vision.

Çandrakalā hasta is used to denote the following: Moon, face, prādēša, a thing of the size of prādēsa, jațājūtam of Siva, Ganga river, hand stick or cane or cudgel.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

If the thumb of the Sūçī hasta is released wide apart, it becomes Çandrakalā hasta (Çandrakalā = digit of the moon).

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Candrakalā (digit of the moon): The Sūcī hand after releasing the thumb is called Candrakalā.

It is used to denote the moon, the face, the span of the thumb forefinger and objects of that shape, the crown of Siva, Ganga (the Ganges) and a cudgel.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Çandrakalā (digit of the moon): the thumb of the Suci hand is released.

to indicate the crescent moon.

Fruit, bilwa - kapittha and other fruits, round breasts, turning round or circle, ball of flowers, plate - food (cooking pot - Ghosh), bud of a flower, mango fruit, rain of flowers, cluster of flowers etc., the japā flower, the shape of a bell or balls of food prepared to feed the elephants, snake-pit, lotus or water-lily and egg.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

All the five fingers are separated and slightly bent and the palm is hollowed - then it is Padmakōṡa hasta (Padma - kośa = lotus bud).

Padmakōṡa hasta is used to present the following: trunk of an elephant, brilliance, vessel of gold-silver etc. coil of hair, limitation, charm, saying 'sādhu' etc., bell, ball of flowers, lotus, snake-pit, round shape, breast, coconut, mango fruit, karņikāra flower, mirror, bending a bough or bough that bent ; rain of flowers, balls of food, blossoming of an egg (egg, opening = AKS), bilwa and kapittha fruits.

Padmakōṡa hasta is like a perfect white - lotus.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Padmakośa (lotus-bud): When the fingers are separated and a little bent and the palm is also a little hollowed, the hand is called Padmakośa.

It is used to denote fruits, such as the bel and an elephant-apple, round breasts of a woman, a circular movement, ball, cooking pot, taking meals, a (lower-bud, mango, scattering flowers, cluster of flowers, japa flowers, bell, an ant-hill, a lotus and an egg.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Padmakōṡa (lotus bud): the fingers separated and a little bent the palm a little hollowed.

fruit, wood-apple, elephant¬-apple, etc., breast, curve, ball of flowers, light food, bud, mango, rain of flowers, cluster of flowers, the japa-flower, the shape of a bell, the hole of a snake, a water-lily, an egg.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: the hand is like a perfect white lotus. Narayana used this hand when worshipping Siva with lotus flowers to obtain the discus. Its sage is Padmadhara, its race Yaksa, and it also partakes of the Kinnara kind, its pre-siding deity is Bhargava.

trunk of an elephant, brilliance, vessel of gold or silver, coil of hair, moderation, charm, saying Sadhu”, bell, ball of flowers, lotus, hole of a snake, etc., curve, breast, coconut, mango, karnikara, mirror, bending a bough, rain of flowers, pot, egg, opening (of a flower), wood-apple, elephant-apple.

Sarpaṡīrsha hasta is used to denote the following: sandal paste, snake, mandra swara or slowness, sprinkling, cherishing etc., offering water to gods or sages, hitting the kumbhasthala of an elephant or flapping of elephant's ears and arms of wrestlers or massage of wrestlers.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

If the ends of all the fingers of the Patāka hasta are bent i.e. if the palm of the Patāka hasta is hollowed, it becomes Sarpaṡīrsha hasta (Sarpaṡīrsha or sarpasira = head or hood of a snake).

The Sarpaṡīrsha hasta is used to denote the following: kumkuma, mud, doing Prānāyāma, washing the face, occasion for charity ; sàndal paste, elephant, shortman, wrestlers slapping their shoulders, fondling, milk, water, saffron flower, bashfulness / concealing, child or concealing a child, image or idol, drinking water, to become one or clinging, saying very true, deva race, harit varnam, saying 'it is proper', sprinkling scented powder, applying sandal paste etc. and holding the breasts etc. of women.

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the middle of the Patāka hasta is hollowed, it becomes Sarpaṡīrsha hasta (Sarpa-sirsha =snake head or hood).

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Sarpaṡīrṣha (snake-hood): When the tips of lingers in the Patāka hand are bent, it is called Sarpaṡīrṣha.

used to denote sandal paste, a snake, the middle tone, sprinkling, nourishing, giving water to gods and sages, the moving to and fro of the two kumbbas (the slight protuberances of the head) of an elephant, and arms of wrestlers.

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Sarpaṡīrsha (snake-head): the middle of the Patāka hand is hollowed.

sandal-paste, snake, slowness, sprinkling, cherishing, etc., giving water to gods and sages, the flapping of elephants’ ears, massage of wrestlers.

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: same definition. This hand is derived from Vishnu, who showed it when he offered to protect the Devas against Bali, and promised to put him down. Its sage is Vasava (Indra), its colour turmeric, its race Deva, its patron deity Siva.

rouge (kunkuma), mud, pranayama, washing the face, occasion of charity, sandal paste, elephant, a short man, massage of wrestler’s shoulders, fondling, milk, water, saffron, bashfulness, concealing a child, image, drinking water, clinging (lina), saying “Very true”, Brahmana caste, turmeric colour, saying “It is proper”, answering, sprinkling sandal powder, applying sandal paste, etc., holding the breasts, etc. of women.

Mṛgašīrsha hasta is used to denote the following: matters pertaining to women, cheek, cakra, courtesy or traditinal manners, fear, arguments, costume and make-up, welcoming, place of residence, putting three lines on the forehead with vibhūti, face of a deer or tete-a-tete, drawing patterns on the floor, massage of the feet, grouping, house, holding an umbrella, stairs, graceful movement of the feet, inviting the beloved, roaming.

If the little finger and the thumb of the Sarpaṡīrsha hasta are extended, it becomes Mṛgašīrsha hasta (mrga-širsha = deer head).

Mṛgašīrsha hasta is used to denote the following: wall, deliberation, appropriate time or opportunity, place of residence, holding an umbrella, women of Padmini-Sainkhini and Hastini types, low voice or slowness, applying sandal paste etc., gestures of women, screen, stairs, manifestation of a divine personality, order, drawing three lines on the forehead, thinking over, deer face, indicating oneself, the body, to beckon with signs, sshi race, white colour.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the thumb of the Çatura hasta is raised, it becomes Mṛgašīrsha hasta.

Mṛgašīrṣa (deer-head): When the thumb and the little finger of the Sarpaṡīrṣha hand are extended it becomes Mṛgašīrṣa.

It is used to denote women, check, awheel, limit, fear, quarrel, costume or dress, calling, tripundraka mark on the forehead, a deer’s head, a lute, massage of the feet, getting of one’s all, the female-organ, holding an umbrella, stepping, and calling the beloved.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Mṛgašīrsha (deer-head): in the above hand, the thumb and little finger are extended.

women, cheek, traditional manners (krama-maryada), fear, discussion, costume of an actor (naipalhya), place of residence, tete-a-tete, drawing three lines on the brow, patterns on the ground, massage of the feet, combining, house, holding an umbrella, stair, placing the feet, calling the beloved, roaming.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: the thumb and little finger are raised. It springs from Gauri, who used the Mṛgašīrsha hand to draw three lines on her forehead when practising tapas for the sake of Siva. Its race is Rsi, its sage is Markandeya, its colour white, its presiding deity Mahesvara.

wall, deliberation, opportunity, place of residence, Padmini, Sankhini or Hastini woman, slowness, applying sandal paste etc., gestures (abhinaya) of women, screen, stair, self-manifestation, order, having three lines drawn on the brow, consideration (vitarka), deer-face, indi¬cating one’s self, the body, Rsi caste, white colour.

The Siṁhamukha hasta is used to denote the following: coral, pearl, fragrance, stroking the curly hair, hearing, a drop of water, Salvation (when the hand is placed on the heart), homam, hare, elephant, waving kusagrass, lotus garland, lion's face, testing the preparation of medicine (in Ayurveda).

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the tips of the middle finger and the ring finger are applied to the thumb and the rest are extended, it becomes Simhamukha hasta (Simha-âsya = Simha-vaktra = Simha-ānana = Simhamukha = Lion's face). 

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Siṃhamukha (lion-face): When tips of the middle and the third finger are applied to the thumb and the rest of the fingers are extended, the hand is called Siṃhamukha.

It is used to denote boma, a hare, an elephant, waving insc-grass, a lotus garland, a lion’s face, preparations of medicine by physicians, and rectification.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Siṁhamukha (lion-face): the tips of the middle and third fingers are applied to the thumb, the rest extended.

coral, pearl, fragrance, stroking the hair, a drop of water, salvation (moksa) when placed on the heart, homa, hare, elephant, waving kusa grass, lotus garland, lion-face, testing the prepa¬ration of medicine.

Kāngula hasta is useful to denote the following: likuca (=lime) fruit, breast of a young girl, white water -lily, patridge, betel-nut tree, little bells, pill etc., cātaka bird.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

If the ring finger of Padmakosa hasta is bent, it becomes Kāngula hasta.

Lāngūla hasta is used to denote the following: grapes, rudraksha seeds, holding the chin, nipple of a breast, betel nut, bells, blue lotus, fruit, coral, a small ball of food, star, badari fruit, cirle, jāsmin flowers etc., patridge, câtaka bird, anything small,balls of snow, siddha race, chebulic myrobalan fruit (karakkaya), and gold.

If the three fingers i.e. thumb, forefinger and middle finger, are held looking like the three eyes of a coconut at its top, it becomes Lāngūla hasta.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Kāṅgula: The Padmakosa, when its third finger is curved, becomes Kāṅgula.

It is used to denote lakuca fruit, bells worn by children, any other bell, a partridge, a betelnut tree, a breast of a young girl, a white water-lily, the cataka bird and the coconut.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Lāngūla (tail): the third finger of the Padmakōṡa hand is bent.

lakuca-iruit, breast of a young girl, white water¬lily (kalhdra), partridge, areca-nut, little bells, pill, cataka.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: the thumb, middle and forefinger held like the eye of a coconut, the third finger bent, and the little finger erect. It is derived from Siva when he made a pellet of the poison that sprang from the sea of milk. Its sage is Kraunca, its race Siddha, its colour golden, its patron deity Padma

grapes, rudraksa seeds, holding the chin, breast-bud (kuca-praroka), areca-nut, bells, blue lotus, fruit, coral, a mouthful, asterism (naksalra), jujube fruit, circle, partridge, cataka, any¬thing small, hailstone, Siddha caste, myrobalan fruit, gold.

Alapadma hasta is used to denote the following: full-blown lotus, wood apple etc. circular movement or whirl-pool, breast, yearning for the beloved, mirror, full-moon, thinkin about beauty (or a beautiful vessel), hair-knot, moon pavilion, village, height, anger, lake, vehicle, cakravāka brid, kalakalam or murmuring sound and praise.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

If all the fingers are separated and slightly bent sideways towards the palm, it becomes Alapadma hasta (Alapadma or Sõlapadma=full-blown or shaking lotus).

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Alapadma: When fingers beginning from the little finger are bent and separated from one another, the hand is called Alapadma.

It is used to denote a full-blown lotus, elephant-apple, circular movement, a breast, separation from the beloved, looking-glass, the full moon, beauty, the hair-knot, a moon-tower, (turret) a village, height, anger, a lake, a cart, a cakravaka, murmuring sound, and praise.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Sola-padma (full-blown lotus) (Ala-padma) all the fingers separated, turned about the little finger.

full-blown lotus, elephant-apple etc., turning, breast, yearning for the beloved, mirror, full-moon, a beautiful vessel, hair-knot, moon¬-pavilion (candra-sala), village, height, anger, lake, car, cakra- tidka (bird), murmuring sound, praise.

Alapallava hasta is used to denote the following: fresh butter or ghee, yearning for the beloved, head; sweet stuff, full-blown lotus, cluster of flowers, crown, circle or roundness, praise, beauty of form, dancing, fort, palace, braided hair, moon pavilion, sweetness, saying 'sādhu', and palmyra fruit.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the hand is in vyāvịtta (i.e. fingers separated and bent slightly sideways) position, it becomes Alapallava hasta (Ala-pallava = shaking twig).

According to another book: it is the Ala-pallava hand when there is turning. It originates from Sri Krishna, when he was stealing butter and milk. Its sage is Vasanta, its race Gandharva, its colour dusky, its patron deity the Sun.

fresh ghi, yearning for the beloved, head, sweetmeat, full-blown lotus, cluster of flowers, crown, ball, praises, beauty of form, dancing (nartana), fort, palace, braided hair, moon-pavilion, sweetness, saying “Sadhu”, palmyra fruit.

Musk, meaning a little, gold - copper and other metals, wetness, difference, experience of aesthetic pleasure or enjoying a drink, eyes, differentiating colours or castes, playful - conversation, oath, slow walking, breaking to pieces, high seat, oil-ghee etc. - in denoting the above, Çatura hasta is used.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When forefinger, middle finger and ring finger are close to one another and stretched, the little finger is extended separately and the thumb is bent obliquely to touch the base of the ring finger, it becomes Çatura hasta.

Çatura hasta is used to denote the following: Göröcanam, dust, playful conversation, red paint, concentration, camphor, eye, chin, ear-ring, face, forehead, side-long look, beloved, naya, policy, musk, sugar, oil, honey, ghee, cleverness, mirror, gold, diamond, emerald, sufficient, this much, a moderate quantity of anything, nila-swěta etc. colours, mixed race, green meadow, sword, cheek, karnaptram or tip of the ear.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the thumb of the Patāka hasta touches the middle line of the middle finger and the little finger is stretched out, it becomes Çatura hasta

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Catura. When the thumb is placed at the foot of the third finger and the fore-finger and adjoining two fingers arc clinging to each other and the little finger is outstretched, the hand is called Catura.

It is used to denote musk, a little, gold, copper, iron, wet, sorrow, aesthetic pleasure, an eye, difference of castes, proof, sweetness, slow gait, breaking to pieces, face, oil and ghee.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Çatura - the thumb is bent to touch the base of the third finger, the first and adjoining fingers outstretched together, and the little finger extended (separately).

musk, a little, gold, copper etc., wet, sorrow, aesthetic emotion (rasasvada), eyes, difference of caste, oath, playful converse (sarasa), slow- stepping, breaking to pieces, seat (asana), oil or ghi, etc.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: in the Patāka hand, the thumb is made to touch the middle line of the third finger, and the little finger is stretched out. It originates from Kasyapa, who used this hand to show the way to Garuda when he wished to steal the nectar. Its sage is Valakhilya, its colour variegated, its race mixed, its patron deity Vainateya.

gorocana, dust, play¬ful converse, red paint (laklaka), concentration of mind (or attention), camphor, eye, chin, earring, face, brow, side glance, beloved, policy, musk, sugar, honey, oil, ghi, cleverness, mirror, gold, diamond, emerald, sufficiency, a little, a moderate quantity of anything, indigo, white colour, mixed caste, sword, cheek, tip of the ear.

Bhramara hasta is used to denote the following: bee, parrot, yoga-abhyasa (union - AKS), crane, and kökila etc.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the middle finger and the thumb meet each other, the forefinger is bent and the ring finger and the little finger are stretched, it becomes Bhramara hasta.

Bhramara hasta is used to denote the following: yogabhyasa or union, vow of silence, horn, tusk of an elephant, picking flowers with long stalks, bee, delivering a secret into the ear, taking out a thorn, untying the girdle, adverbs of two letters, flying creatures, mécaka colour.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the forefinger of the Hamsasya hasta is bent, it becomes Bhramara (=bee) hasta.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Bhramara (bee). When the thumb and the middle finger touch each other and the fore-finger is curved and the remaining fingers are outstretched, the hand is called Bhramara.

It is used to denote a bee, a parrot, a wing, a crane, a cuckoo, and similar birds.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Bhramara (bee): the second finger and thumb touching, the forefinger bent, the rest extended.

bee, parrot, crane (sarasa), cuckoo (kokild), union (yoga).

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: the forefinger of the Hamsasya hand is bent. It originates from Kasyapa when he was making earrings for the mother of the Devas. Its sage is Kapila, its colour dark, its race Khacara, its patron deity the King of Flying Creatures (Garuda).

union (yoga), vow of silence, horn, tusk of an elephant, picking flowers with long stalks, bee, utter¬ing the karna-mantra, taking out a thorn, untying the girdle, adverbs of two letters, flying creatures, dark colour.

Haṁsásya hasta is used to denote the following: benediction, tving a thread or tying Mangalasūtra, initiation, certainty, horripilation, pearl etc., extending the wick of a lamp, rubbing on touchstone, jasmin flower etc., picture, painting, gad fly, dam or drop of water

When the three fingers i.e. middle, ring and little fingers are separated and extended, the tips of the forefinger and thumb joined, then it becomes Hamsásya hasta (hamsa âsya or vaktra = swan face).

Additional usages in Nida’s version: carrying garlands, signifying Sõham', metaphor, saying 'no', and accomplishment of a task.

Haṁsásya hasta is used to denote the following: instruction in wisdom, ritual or worship, decision, offering sesame, speaking, reading, singing, meditation, interpreting a bhāva, applying red paint etc., horripilation, pearl, playing on flute (when two Haṁsāsya hastas are joined), smell, ownself, drop of water, taking aim, seal-ring, brahmin race and white colour.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the tips of the forefinger, the middle finger and the thumb are joined and the rest are extended, it becomes Haṁsásya hasta.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Haṃsāsya (swan-beak). If the thumb and the fore¬finger touch each other and the remaining fingers are outstretched the hand is called Haṃsāsya.

Blessing or festival, the tying with thread, ascertaining instruction, horripilation, pearls, putting forward the wick of a lamp, a touchstone, a jasmine, a painting, the act of paint¬ing, and a dyke impeding a current.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Haṁsásya (swan-face): the middle and following fingers are separated and extended, the forefinger and thumb are joined.

tying the marriage thread, initiation, certainty, hor¬ripilation, painting (citra-samlekhana), gad-fly, drop of water, raising the wick of a lamp, rubbing (metal on a touchstone), examining things, drawing lines, carrying garlands, signifying “Soham” (That am I), metaphor (rupaka), saying “No!”, indicating things to be examined by rubbing, accomplishment of a task.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: the tips of the forefinger, middle finger and thumb are joined, the rest extended. This hand is derived from Daksina-murti (Siva), when he was teaching the Tattva system to the sages at the foot of the Nyagrodha tree. Its sage is Sukha, its colour white, its race mixed, its presiding deity Caturanana (Brahma).

instructing in wisdom, ritual (puja), demonstration of a thesis (nirnaya), offering sesamum, speaking, reading, singing, meditation (dhyana), demon¬strating bhava, applying wax, horripilation, pearl, gem, sound of the flute, gathering together (samyutta), smell, own self, drop of water, taking aim, seal-ring, kissing, Brahmana caste, white colour.

Haṁsapaksha hasta is used to denote the following. number six, constructing a bridge, making marks with the nails (line drawings with the nails),concealment and arranging

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the little finger of Sarpaširsha hasta is extend it becomes Haṁsapaksha (swan-wing) hasta.

Haṁsapaksha hasta is used to denote the following: Subhanātyam, constructing a bridge, playing on vina, gathering, restraining, wing of a bird, completion of a work, drawing a portrait, syāma colour, apsara race.

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When the little finger of Sarpasirsha hasta is streched out,

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Haṃsapakṣa (swan-wing). If the little finger of the Sarpasirsa hand is outstretched, the hand is called a Hamsapaksa.

It is used to denote the number six, construction of a bridge, putting nail-marks, and covering or sheath.

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Haṁsapaksha (swan-feather): the little finger of the Sarpasirsa hand is extended.

the number six, constructing a bridge, making marks with the nails, arranging.

Research 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: same definition. It is said to be associated with tandava dancing, and springs from Tandi Its sage is Bharata, its colour indigo, its race Apsara, its patron deity the God of Love (Pancasayaka).

constructing a bridge, restraining, gathering, feathers of a bird, completion drawing a portrait (rupa-lekhana), dusky colour, Apsara caste and in Subha-natya. ’ ’

Saṁdaṁṡa hasta is used to denote the following: stomach, generosity, sacrificial offerings, tumour, insect, apprehension, great fear or fear of death, worship, and number five. any

When the fingers of Padmakosa hasta are repeatedly in quick succession) joined and separated, it becomes Saṁdaṁsa (=pincers) hasta:

Saṁdaṁṡa hasta is used to denote the following: tooth, small bud, singing, lāsya dance, brief explanation, jñānamudra, scales, flaw in a tooth or decaying tooth, yajnopavita, line, examining, painting pictures, truth, saying 'no', saying 'a little', moment, listening, testing metals like gold on the touchstone, whiteness, taking aim, nail, sprout, red and black seed, the number eight, red ant, poison, blade of grass, ant, mosquito, eclipse, garland of pearls, bug, fly, garland of flowers, romavali, pointing, solitude, touching, ou Vēda, snow, speaking, slipping, a wound, a wound made by the nail, gem or precious stone, beggar, tilakam, collyrium, shut vidyadhara race, goura colour, slowness.

If the middle finger of Hamsásya hasta is outstretched, it becomes Saṁdaṁṡa hasta

Sandaṃśa (pincers). If the fingers of Padmakosa are brought close to one another and drawn apart from one another in quick succession, the hand is called Sandaṃśa.

It is used to denote the belly, presentation of an offering to deities, wound, a worm, great fear, worship, and the number five.

Saṁdaṁṡa (grasping): the fingers of the Padmakosa hand are repeatedly opened and closed.

generosity, sacrificial offerings, tumour, insect, apprehension, worship (arcana), the number five.

According to another book: the middle finger of the Haṁsásya hand is outstretched. This hand originates from the Goddess of Speech, when she bestowed a rosary. Its sage is Visvavasu, rts race Vidhyadhara, its colour white, its patron deity Valmiki.

tooth, small bud, singing (samgila), gentle dances (lasya-natana), exegesis (tika), jinana-mudra, scales, flaw in a tooth, sacred thread (yajnopavita), line, examining, painting pictures (citra lekhana), truth, saying “No!”, saying “A little”, moment, listening, testing metals etc. on the touchstone (nikasa), shining white, taking aim, nail, sprout, gunja seed, the number eight, fire-fly, poison, blades of grass, red ants, mosquito, eclipse, col¬lecting pearls, bug, fly, garland, down, pointing (sucana), solitude, touching, Veda, snow, speaking, slipping, cutting off, a wound brow-spot, collyrium, Vidyadhara caste, white colour, slowness

Mukula hasta is used to denote the following: water lily, eating, Manmatha, holding a seal or signet ring etc., navel and plantain flower.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

When all the five fingers are joined together at the tips, it becomes Mukula hasta (mukula = bud).

Mukula hasta is used to denote the following: charity, prayer, humble speech, eating, lotus bud, self, life, number #five, words of a passionate person, kissing children, worshipping the gods, folding the umbrella etc., accepting fruits, mixed race and kapila colour. C: This is same as the mukula hasta described earlier.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

If all the fingers of Padmakosa hasta are joined together at the tips, it becomes Mukula hasta.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Mukula (blossom). If the five fingers of a hand meet together, the hand is called Mukula.

It is used to denote a water-lily, eating, the god of love [with his five arrows], holding of a signet or seal, the navel and a plantain flower.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Mukula (bud): the thumb and fingers are brought together so as to show their tips.

water-lily (kumuda), eating, the God of Love (Pancabana), holding a seal, navel, plantain flower.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

According to another book: the fingers of the Padmakosa hand are brought together. It originates from the Scion of the Wind (Hanuman) when he attempted to seize the sun, mistaking it for a ripe bimba fruit. Its sage is Visakhila, its race Sankirna, its colour tawny, its patron deity the Moon.

charity (dana), prayer (japa), humble speech, eating, lotus bud, self (atman), life (prana), the number five, behaviour of an amorous woman, kissing children, worshipping the gods, umbrella etc., bud, accepting fruits, mixed race, brown colour.

Tāmraçūḍa hasta is used to denote the following: cock etc, crane, crow, camel, child or calf, writing. There are two different definitions for Tâmraçūda hasta, in N.S: This definition is different from those two.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

If the forefinger of Mukula hasta is curved it becomes Tamraçùda (=cock) hasta.

Tāmraçūḍa hasta is used to denote the following: the three worlds, trident, number three, wiping out tears, the three Vēdas, bilwa leaf, dēva race and white colour.

When the thumb and the little finger of Patāka hasta are pressed together, it becomes Tāmraçūḍa hasta.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Tāmracūḍa (cock). If the fore-finger of the Mukula is curved the Tāmracūḍa hand will result.

It is used to denote a cock, a crane, a crow, a camel, a calf and a pen.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Tāmraçūḍa (red-crest, i. e. cock): the forefinger of the Mukula hand is bent.

cock etc., crane (baka), camel, calf, writing or drawing.

According to another text: the thumb and little finger of the Patāka hand are pressed together. Of old, when the Three Vedas assumed a visible form, and stood before Brahma to make expo-sition of themselves, they used this hand. Its sage is Vajrayudha (Indra), its colour mother of pearl, its race Deva, its patron deity Brhaspati.

the Three Worlds, trident, the number three, wiping away tears, the Three Vedas, wood-apple leaf, rubbing down a horse, leaf, panel (phalaka), cock, Deva race, white colour.

Trišūla hasta is used to denote the following: bilwa leaf, and three together or trinity.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

If the thumb and the little finger of Patāka hasta are curved, it becomes Trišūla hasta (Trišūla = trident).

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Trišūla (trident). If the thumb and the little finger are curved, the hand is called Trišūla.

It is used to denote a bel-leaf, and the idea of Trinity.

Bharata Natyam 
Elizabeth Kelly 

Trišūla (trident): the thumb and little finger are bent.

wood-apple leaf, three together.

Ūrṇanābha hasta is used to denote the following: scratching the head, theft, Narasimha, face of a deer, lion, monkey, tortoise, karnikāra flower, breast, fear, kshatriya race, blood red colour.

When the fingers of Padmakosa hasta are bent, it becomes Urnanābha hasta.

Ūrṇanābha (spider): the fingers of the Padmakosa hand are bent. It originates from Narasimha when he was tearing the body of the Daitya (Hiranyakasipu). Its sage is Sardulaka, its race Ksattriya, its colour blood-red, its patron deity the Primal Tortoise (Kurmavatara of Vishnu).

scratching the head, theft, Narasimha, face of a deer, lion, monkey, tortoise, karnikara, breast, fear, Ksattriya caste, blood-red colour.

Bāna hasta is used to denote the number six and Nåla nrtya.

When the three fingers i.e. forefinger, middle finger and ring finger are joined together and slightly pressed by the thumb and the little finger is outstretched, it becomes Bana hasta (bāna = arrow).

Bāṇa (arrow): the three fingers joined just touch the thumb, and the little finger is extended.

the number six, Nala-nrtya.

Ardhasūçi hasta is used to denote - sprout, young bird etc., and a large insect.

When the forefinger of the Kapittha hasta is extended upwards,it becomes Ardhasūçi(-sucika) hasta.

Ardhasūcī. If the thumb is moved above in the Kapittha hand, the result will be the Ardhasūcī hand.

It is used to denote a sprout, young ones of a bird, and big worms.

Ardha-sucika (half-needle): the forefinger of the Kapittha hand is raised.

sprout, young bird, etc., large insect.

Vyāghra hasta is used to denote - tiger, frog, monkey and the mother of a pearl.

If the little finger and the thumb of Mrgasirsha hasta are bent, then it becomes Vyāghra hasta (vyāghra = tiger).

Vyāghra (tiger). If the little finger and the thumb are bent in the Mrgasirsa hand, the Vyāghra hand will be the result.

It is used to denote a tiger, a frog, a monkey and a mother of pearl.

Kaṭaka hasta is used to denote … seeing ... welcoming and moving... (The definition and the usages of this hasta are incomplete)

If the tips of the middle finger and the ring finger joined together … it becomes Kaṭaka hasta.

Kaṭaka. If the middle finger and the third finger are joined together the result is the Kataka hand.

It is used to denote calling and moving.

Palli hasta is used to denote a village or a hut.

When the middle finger touches the back of the forefinger of Mayūra hasta, it becomes Palli hasta.

Palli: If in the Mayura hand the middle finger is put on the back of the fore-finger, the Palli hand will be the result.

It is used to denote a village or a hut.