Vitarka mudra
Topic: Early Indian Art and Architecture: Stupas, Rock-cut Caves, Temples · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Vitarka mudra is the gesture of teaching and discussion. The thumb and index finger touch to form a circle, and the other fingers stay raised. The circle stands for the endless flow of wisdom and the teaching. It is used in both standing and seated images of the Buddha.
Example
A Buddha image with the right hand raised to the chest and thumb and forefinger joined in a circle is explaining his teaching to listeners.
Don't confuse with
- Dharmachakra mudra: both hands form circles in front of the chest, like turning a wheel. It stands for the first sermon at Sarnath. Vitarka uses one hand and means teaching or debate in general.
Related concepts
- Gupta art
- Sarnath school of art
- Mudras
- Abhaya mudra
- Bhumisparsha mudra
- Dharmachakra mudra
- Dhyana mudra
- Varada mudra
- Anjali mudra
- Uttarabodhi mudra