Anjali mudra, also known as the “prayer pose,” is a common hand gesture in yoga and meditation practices. This mudra symbolizes unity and respect, and is often used as a gesture of greeting or farewell in many parts of the world. It is believed to bring a sense of peace and balance to the body and mind, and is often used as a way to connect with a higher power or spiritual source.
In this article, we provide a deep look at how to perform the Anjali Mudra, as well as its numerous benefits and important precautions.
What are Mudras?
Mudras are hand gestures that activate a certain element or energy in the body. The five fingers represent the five elements. The energy activation point lies on the fingertips. When the fingertips are connected, the subtle energy in your body gets activated. The thumb represents the fire element. This element represents agni within the body, and it serves to activate all the other elements.
The index finger represents air, middle finger ether, ring finger earth and the little finger represents the water element.
When different hand formations, or mudras, are formed, the combination of subtle elements has a powerful effect on the mind and body.
How Can Mudras Heal?
There is a spiritual force that mediates our mind-body connection. Ayurveda says that when the elements in our body are balanced, our bodies and minds are healthy. Whenever imbalance arises, we can attain balance by activating specific elements using various mudras. Acupuncture is another method that involves activating specific points in the body and improving the flow of energy. Mudras act in a similar way. The tips of our fingers act like electrical potential points, and when the mudras are formed, they create an electrical circuit that circulates energy throughout the body. As this energy circulates, we feel a healing effect. The most astonishing fact is that our brain uses about 60% of its surface area to process the movements and sensations of the hands.
RECOMMENDED: For a complete guide to the many mudras and their benefits, check out Healing Mudras: Yoga of the Hands by Yogi Nataraj.
How to Perform the Anjali Mudra?
The Anjali Mudra is formed by bringing the palms of the hands together in front of the heart, with the fingers pointed upwards and the thumbs resting on the sternum. In yoga and meditation, anjali mudra is often used to begin and end a practice, as well as to bring focus and attention to the breath. It can also be used to cultivate feelings of gratitude and appreciation, as the hands are brought together in a gesture of offering and receptivity.
When Should I Perform the Anjali Mudra?
The Anjali mudra is useful for:
- In yoga and meditation, anjali mudra is often used to begin and end a practice
- Meditation practices
- Calming the mind
- Bring focus and attention to the breath
- Can also be used to cultivate feelings of gratitude and appreciation
- It can be used to bring a sense of balance, unity, and connection to both the physical and spiritual aspects of the self
- Brings a sense of love and respect
- Enhancing the endocrine system
Precautions When Practicing Anjali Mudra
Anyone can practice this mudra
What Chakras Does Anjali Mudra Activate?
Anjali mudra activates the heart chakra for healing the prana and feelings
Related Mudras
Gyan Mudra, Hakini Mudra, Surabhi Mudra and Dharma Chakra mudra give similar effects.
Related Yoga Poses
Anjali mudra is in itself a very important Yoga posture.