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Hasta Mudra (Hand Gestures) Part 5 - Bandhava Hasta

Bandhava Hasta means the hand gestures that reflects the relationship. These are very important for dance compositions. These are also known as Bandhu Hastas. As per Abhinaya Darpana There are 11 Bandhava Hastas. They are as follow

  1.  Dampati Hasta  : It means married couples.This is denoted with Shikhara in left and Mrigashisya in right hand. 
  2. Matru :  Matru or mother is depicted by holding Ardhachandra in left hand near stomach(turned over) and Samdamsam in right hand.
  3. Pitru : Pitru or father is depicted by holding Ardhachandra held near stomach in the left hand and Shikhara in the right hand
  4. Sodra : Sodara means Brother. Elder brother is depicted by Myura is both the hands in front of the belly. Younger brother is shown by Mayura hands on both the sides.
  5. Putra : Putra or Son is depicted by Shikhara in left and Samdam in right held near the belly and then moved in a circular way.
  6. Snusha : Means Daughter -in - law and is depicted by showing Putra hasta and then Mrigashishya in right hand.
  7. Swashru/ Shvashuru : This means Mother -in -law. Depicted by Hasmsasya in the left hand (near neck) and right hand Samdam.
  8. Swashru : This means Father -in- law. Dpicted by Hamsasya in the left hand (near neck) and Samdam hasta in the right hand and then Shikhara.
  9. Sapatni : Saptani or second wife. Depicted by Parsha hasta and then Mrigashishya.
  10. Nanand : Means Sister - in -law. Depicted by Shikara in the left and Kartarimukhaha in th eright and then Mrigashishya.
  11. Bhartru : Means Brother - in - law. Depicted by Shikara in the left and Kartaimukhaha in the right.

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