Ananya's Creations

 There are 24 Samyutha Hastas in Bharatanatyam. Here they are:  1. Anjali (Salutation) 2. Kapotha (Pigeon) 3. Karkata (Crab) 4. Swastika (Cross) 5. Dola (Swing) 6. Pushpaputa (Flower basket) 7. Utsanga (Holding Flowers) 8. Shivalinga (Shiva lingam) 9. Katakaavadhana (Pair of Bracelets) 10. Karkatiswastika (Crossi)ng two scissors) 11. Shakata (Chariot Wheel 12. Shanka (Conch) 13. Chakra (Discus Wheel) 14. Samputa (Container) 15. Paasa (Rope/ Bond) 16. Keelaka (Axle) 17. Matsya (Fish) 18. Koorma (Tortoise) 19. Varaha (Wild Boar) 20. Garuda (Eagle) 21. Naagabandha (Coiled Serpent) 22. Khatva (Cot) 23. Bherunda (Divine Bird) 24. Aavahita (Secret)

Mudras are a very important aspect of dance and are hand gestures which might explain something.  There are 2 types of mudras in Bharatanatyam: Samyutha and Asamyutha. Samyutha hastas are mudras using both hands while Asamyutha hastas use only one hand. I will explain both of them in future posts.