Mudra Monday: Pushpaputa Mudra

Pushpaputa Mudra is one of only 24 samyukta hastas, which refers to Mudras in which both hands are utilised to perform the gesture

Pushpaputa translated from its Sanskrit origin means a ‘handful of flowers’ and refers to the offering of flowers to God in this Mudra. It symbolises the openness of mind and soul. As a gesture, it signifies the practitioner offering their open heart and welcoming whatever may come in return. Practicing this Mudra allows us to become receptive and accepting with gratitude of the universe's many blessings. When practiced as part of a gratitude meditation, this Mudra is said to heighten our sense of compassion towards others, help us overcome fear, relieve negative emotions and promote inner spaciousness.

To perform the Mudra, join both hands by bringing the little fingers together. The palms should be facing upwards and should be slightly hollow. To practice a moving variation of this Mudra we symbolically bathe ourselves, by bringing the palms to the top of the head and then tracing from our hair back down across the shoulders until our hands are back in our lap in a way that mimics the ritualistic gesture often seen during Durga Puja festivities in India. Either say out loud or to yourself one thing that you are thankful for and then shower yourself in a sense of gratitude, repeat as needed. Gratitude meditation turns what we have into more than enough. It is the most effective and efficient way to increase our physiological, physical, and mental health.

Elements: Water.

If you'd like to know more about Hasta Mudras you can read my introduction to the topic here and find all previous Mudra Monday blogs here.

Illustration © estudio mosa 2018