Mudra Monday: Rudra Mudra

Rudra is another name for Lord Shiva, who is the destroyer, clearing the path so we can reach our highest potential

Rudra Mudra is a hand gesture used in yoga practice that is believed to have powerful healing and energising qualities. Rudra is a Sanskrit word that means ‘howler’ or ‘terror.’ It is also the name of a Rigvedic deity and is associated with the Hindu god Shiva.

This Mudra is thought to activate the solar plexus (Manipura) chakra, which is associated with personal transforming power. As a result, this Mudra has a wide range of physical and mental benefits, including: 

• Improves mental clarity and concentration

• Eases tension

• Improves circulation and respiration

• Reduces feelings of dizziness and exhaustion

• Energises the body

• Promotes a sense of empowerment

• Therapeutic for low blood pressure

To perform Rudra Mudra, take a comfortable seated position, then touch the tips of the ring and index fingers to the top of the thumb, while the middle and little fingers extend comfortably. It is a particularly useful Mudra to use while setting an intention at the beginning of our physical asana practice as it can help focus our mind on reaching our full potential and achieving our goals.

Elements: Earth.

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