The Complete List of Yoga Mudras

Certainly! Yoga mudras are gestures that involve the positioning of hands and fingers to influence the flow of energy in the body and mind. Here is a comprehensive list of various yoga mudras, along with brief descriptions of their purposes:

MUDRA

Gyan Mudra (Mudra of Knowledge)

• Description: Touch the tip of the index finger to the tip of the thumb, keeping the other three fingers extended.
• Purpose: Enhances concentration, memory, and mental clarity.

Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Air)

• Description: Fold the index finger to touch the base of the thumb, pressing the thumb down over the index finger while keeping the other fingers extended.
• Purpose: Balances the air element, reduces anxiety and stress, and aids in digestive issues.

Shunya Mudra (Mudra of Emptiness)

• Description: Fold the middle finger to the base of the thumb, press the thumb down over the middle finger, and keep the other fingers extended.
• Purpose: Helps with ear-related issues, dizziness, and promotes inner peace.

Prana Mudra (Mudra of Life)

• Description: Touch the tips of the thumb, ring finger, and little finger together while keeping the index and middle fingers extended.
• Purpose: Boosts vitality and energy, improves overall health.

Apana Mudra (Mudra of Digestion)

• Description: Touch the tips of the thumb, middle finger, and ring finger together while keeping the index and little fingers extended.
• Purpose: Aids in digestion, detoxification, and elimination of waste.

Anjali Mudra (Prayer Mudra)

• Description: Bring the palms together in front of the chest, fingers pointing upward.
• Purpose: Promotes inner peace, balance, and a sense of reverence.

Dhyana Mudra (Mudra of Meditation)

• Description: Place hands on the lap, palms facing up, with the right hand on top of the left and the tips of the thumbs touching.
• Purpose: Enhances concentration and meditation practice.

Chin Mudra (Mudra of Consciousness)

• Description: Similar to Gyan Mudra but with palms facing upwards.
• Purpose: Enhances awareness and consciousness.

Apan Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Heart)

• Description: Fold the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger to touch the base of the thumb while keeping the little finger extended.
• Purpose: Supports heart health, calms the nervous system, and relieves chest pain.

Kubera Mudra (Mudra of Abundance)

• Description: Touch the tips of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger together while keeping the ring and little fingers extended.
• Purpose: Attracts prosperity and success, aids in manifesting desires.

Bhairav Mudra (Mudra of Fearlessness)

• Description: Place the right hand over the left hand with palms facing up and fingers extended, or vice versa.
• Purpose: Helps in overcoming fear, promoting courage and inner strength.

Sammukh Mudra (Mudra of Alignment)

• Description: Extend the index and middle fingers of each hand while folding the other fingers into the palm, and bring the palms together in front of the chest.
• Purpose: Aligns the mind, body, and spirit, creating balance and harmony.

Surya Mudra (Mudra of the Sun)

• Description: Fold the ring finger to the base of the thumb and press the thumb down over the ring finger, keeping the other fingers extended.
• Purpose: Increases metabolism, reduces lethargy, and improves digestion.

Linga Mudra (Mudra of the Male Principle)

• Description: Interlock the fingers of both hands, with the index finger extended and the thumb wrapped around it.
• Purpose: Boosts immunity, increases body heat, and helps in combating cold.

Vishnu Mudra (Mudra of Preservation)

• Description: Use the right hand, fold the index and middle fingers down to the palm, and use the thumb to close off the right nostril. Alternate between nostrils for breathing.
• Purpose: Balances the energies within the body and supports breathing exercises.

Kalesh Mudra (Mudra of Time)

• Description: Join the tips of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger, while keeping the ring and little fingers extended.
• Purpose: Enhances spiritual awareness and brings a sense of timelessness.

Shakt Mudra (Mudra of Power)

• Description: Join the tips of the thumb, index finger, and ring finger, while keeping the middle and little fingers extended.
• Purpose: Increases personal power and confidence.

Rudra Mudra (Mudra of the Rudra)

• Description: Touch the tips of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger together, with the ring and little fingers extended.
• Purpose: Enhances concentration and inner strength.

Garuda Mudra (Mudra of the Eagle)

• Description: Place the right hand over the left hand, interlock the fingers, and extend the thumbs outward.
• Purpose: Boosts energy levels and helps in overcoming obstacles.

Ashwini Mudra (Mudra of the Horse)

• Description: Contract and release the anal sphincter muscles while sitting with the spine straight.
• Purpose: Strengthens the pelvic floor and aids in controlling the flow of energy in the body.

Prithvi Mudra (Mudra of Earth)

• Description: Touch the tips of the thumb and ring finger together while keeping the other fingers extended.
• Purpose: Enhances stability, grounding, and nourishment.

Varuna Mudra (Mudra of Water)

• Description: Touch the tips of the thumb and little finger together while keeping the other fingers extended.
• Purpose: Balances water elements in the body, improves hydration and emotional stability.

Jnana Mudra (Mudra of Wisdom)

• Description: Similar to Gyan Mudra, but the palms are facing upwards.
• Purpose: Enhances wisdom, intuition, and mental clarity.

These mudras can be integrated into yoga practices, meditation, and daily life to promote physical health, mental well-being, and spiritual growth. Each mudra is associated with specific benefits, and their effects can be experienced through consistent practice.

How many Yoga mudra are there in total?

The exact number of yoga mudras is difficult to pinpoint, as there are many different mudras used in various traditions, schools of yoga, and meditation practices. The number can vary based on the source and the system being followed. However, in general practice, several dozen mudras are commonly recognized and used. Here is a rough estimate of how many mudras are categorized:

Commonly Recognized Mudras

1.     Gyan Mudra

2.     Vayu Mudra

3.     Shunya Mudra

4.     Prana Mudra

5.     Apan Mudra

6.     Anjali Mudra

7.     Dhyana Mudra

8.     Chin Mudra

9.     Apan Vayu Mudra

10.   Kubera Mudra

11.   Bhairav Mudra

12.   Sammukh Mudra

13.   Surya Mudra

14.   Linga Mudra

15.    Vishnu Mudra

16.    Kalesh Mudra

17.   Shakt Mudra

18.   Rudra Mudra

19.   Garuda Mudra

20.   Ashwini Mudra

21.   Prithvi Mudra

22.   Varuna Mudra

23.   Jnana Mudra

24.    Bhujang Mudra

25.   Matsya Mudra

Additional and Lesser-Known Mudras

There are also many additional mudras found in specific yoga texts, traditions, and teachings, which may not be as widely known or practiced but are still valuable. These could include:

• Vajra Mudra
• Kachari Mudra
• Kalesh Mudra
• Maha Mudra
• Adhi Mudra
• Maya Mudra
• Shambhavi Mudra

Variations and Custom Mudras

Beyond these, practitioners and teachers may develop or adapt mudras based on personal experience or specific needs, leading to a broader range of variations. The diversity in mudras reflects the rich tapestry of yoga practices and their ability to address various aspects of physical and spiritual well-being.

In summary, while there are several commonly practiced mudras, the total number can be quite extensive when considering all traditional, contemporary, and custom variations.