Varadamudra

The Varadamudra (Sanskrit: वरदमुद्रा, romanized: varadamudrā) or Abheeshta Mudra is a mudra, a symbolic gesture featured in the iconography of Indian religions. It indicates a gesture by the hand and symbolises dispensing of boons.^[1] It is represented by the palm held outward, with the fingers outstretched and pointing downwards. Sometimes, the thumb and the index finger meet, forming a circle.^[2]

Gilded bronze Statue of Tara, Sri Lanka, 8th century CE. With her right hand, the bodhisattva makes Varadamudra, the gesture of charity or gift-giving, while her left hand may originally have held a lotus.

Bodhisattva making varadamudra. Pala period, 12th century.

The Varadamudra and the Abhayamudra are the most common of several other mudras seen on divine figures in the art of Indian religions.^{[citation needed]}