Varada mudra
Topic: Early Indian Art and Architecture: Stupas, Rock-cut Caves, Temples · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Varada mudra is the gesture of giving, or granting wishes. The hand points downward with the palm turned outward, as if offering a gift. It shows the deity's kindness and generosity. It is found in Buddhist, Hindu and Jaina images and is often paired with the abhaya mudra, the "fear not" gesture.
Example
A common image shows the right hand raised in abhaya, to protect, and the left hand lowered in varada, to give. Images of the Buddha and of goddesses such as Lakshmi often show this pairing.
Don't confuse with
- Abhaya mudra: the hand is raised with the palm facing out. It means protection and "do not fear". In varada the hand points down.
Related concepts
- Gupta art
- Sarnath school of art
- Mudras
- Abhaya mudra
- Bhumisparsha mudra
- Dharmachakra mudra
- Dhyana mudra
- Vitarka mudra
- Anjali mudra
- Uttarabodhi mudra