Rudra Mudra, also known as Shiva Mudra, is a powerful hand formation that can improve intelligence and improve the depth of our thinking. Rudra mudra is connected to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is known for his tandava or the fire dance. This tandava or the fiery mudra burns up excess toxins and fats in the body. This mudra activates the Manipura chakra or the fire chakra. Fat covers both the body and the mind. The fire of intelligence clears the fat from both the body and the mind. Heals the intelligence and the body at the same time. The power of Lord Shiva is very much present in this mudra.
In this article, we provide a deep look at how to perform the Rudra 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 Rudra Mudra?
Connect the tips of the thumb, Index finger and the ring finger. Gradually adjust until you can feel your pulse in your fingertips. Be aware of the outflow and inflow of energy going from and to the heart. Practice this mudra for about 15-20 minutes.
When Should I Perform the Rudra Mudra?
The Rudra mudra is useful for:
- Improving concentration
- Meditation practices
- Improving the intelligence
- Tone up liver, kidney, spleen and heart
- Finding clarity in your thoughts
- Activating Manipura Chakra
- Improves heat in the body
- Overcoming giddiness
- Overcoming obesity
- Rudra mudra also balances heart and improves blood pressure
Remember that it is very important to feel your pulse while performing this mudra. The Rudra Mudra can be used in all sitting meditative poses, or even while practicing walking meditation.
Precautions When Practicing Rudra Mudra
For those who have high pitta or high heat in the body this mudra is not recommended.
What Chakras Does Rudra Mudra Activate?
The Rudra mudra activates the Manipura chakra or the fire chakra. This mudra also activates the heart chakra. By activating the fire chakra, the power of digestion is unleashed.
Related Mudras
Surabhi Mudra, Udana Vayu mudra, Agni Mudra, Brahma Mudra, Hakini mudra give the similar effects of Rudra Mudra.
Related Yoga Poses
Simhasana (lions pose), Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend pose), Mayurasana (peacock pose), Veerabhadrasana (Warrior pose) give similar effects to Rudra mudra.
List of Mudra Guides
Mudras are very beneficial when performed with proper understanding. Mudras deal with individual elements, combinations of elements, the vital airs, the vital functions and even moods and feelings. Regular practice of each mudra based on our needs and present condition can help us achieve the specific results we are looking for. Please explore our various mudra guides and try out the practices that suit your needs
Chakra Mudras
- Mudras for the Root Chakra
- Mudras for the Sacral Chakra
- Mudras for the Navel Chakra
- Mudras for the Heart Chakra
- Mudras for the Throat Chakra
- Mudras for the Third-eye Chakra
- Mudras for the Crown Chakra
Mudra Sequences
Individual Mudra Guides
- Abhaya Mudra
- Adi Mudra
- Agni Mudra
- Akasha Mudra
- Anjali Mudra
- Apana Vayu Mudra
- Bhumisparsha Mudra
- Brahma Mudra
- Dharmachakra Mudra
- Dhyan Mudra
- Ganesha Mudra
- Gyan Mudra
- Kundalini Mudra
- Lotus Mudra
- Musti Mudra
- Prana Mudra
- Prithvi Mudra
- Shakti Mudra
- Shankha Mudra
- Shunya Mudra
- Surya Mudra
- Udana Vayu Mudra
- Uttarabodhi
- Varada Mudra
- Vayu Mudra
- Vitarka Mudra
- Yoni Mudra