Home  |  Origin Of Kathakali  |  Performing Techniques  |   The Vital Parts of Kathakali  |
Kathakali Mudras  |  Koothu and Koodiyattom  |   Ramanattom  |   Bharatanatyam  |   Ottan Thullal  |

Kathakali Mudras

There are 24 Basic Mudras (hand gestures) in the "Hasthalakshana Deepika", the book of hand gestures, which Kathakali is followed.

Asamyutha Mudras - that is shown using single hand
Samyutha Mudras - mudras shown in double hands

Considering all these Mudras and their seperations there are totally 470 symbols used in Kathakali. (The details of each Mudra are given down) Due to internal feuds and political rivalry between them, the Zamorin refused to send the performers and insulted with the remarks.

1. Pathaaka (Flag) 2. Mudraakhyam 3. Katakam (Golden Bangle) 4. Mushti

 
5. Kartharee Mukham (Scissor's sharp point) 6. Sukathundam (Parrot's peek) 7. Kapidhakam (The fruit of a tree) 8. HamsaPaksham (Swan's wing)

 
9. Sikharam (Peak) 10. Hamsaasyam (Swan's peek) 11. Anjaly (Folded hands in Salutation) 12. Ardhachandram (Half moon)

 
13. Mukuram (Mirror) 14. Bhramaram (Beetle) 15. Soochimukham (Needle's sharp point) 16. Pallavam (Sprout

 
17. Thripathaaka (Flag with three colours) 18. Mrigaseersham (Deer's head) 19. Sarpasirassu (Serpant's head) 20. Vardhamanakam (Seedling)

 
21. Araalam (Curved) 22. Oornanabham (Spider) 23. Mukulam (Bud) 24. Katakaamukham

more..

Powered by listkerala.com