Anjali / Atmanjali Mudra

Questions Answered Here

1. Translate “Atmanjali Mudra.”
2. What are some other names given to this mudra?
3. When used as a gesture, what is its meaning?
4. As a mudra, how is it used?
5. It is often taught to leave a small space between the palms. What symbolic meaning may this have?
6. What may be the differentiation in meaning or intention when the hands are placed above the head, in front of the face or at the heart center?

Introduction

• Some sources refer to this as Anjali Mudra, and some as Atmanjali Mudra (Reverence to the Self Seal).
• Others call this Hrdayanjali Mudra (Reverence to the Heart Seal) and in a few sources, we saw it referred to as Namaskar or Namaskara Mudra.
• Often in yoga classes, it is referred to as Namaste, as in “Take your hands to Namaste” or “Place your hands in Reverse Namaste” (referring to Anjali Mudra behind the back).
• It is a gesture of respect or reverence, greeting, prayer or gratitude and a mudra for calming the mind, harmonizing opposing energies and supporting meditation.