20. Shivalinga
( “xx”)
It is noted in
the "Natya Sastra" as Ala-pallava.
Sola-padma (full-blown
lotus) (or
Ala-padma): all the fingers are separated, turned about the
little finger. It is the
twentieth of the twenty-eight hand gestures as
described in the "Abhinaya Darpana" ("Mirror of Gestures").
Alapadma Mudra is allusion to Shri Krishna stealing butter and milk as
a young child.
Its rishi
(sage) is Vasanta (Spring season
personified),
it is
associated with Gandharvas (Lunar
phases as celestial musians),
its colour
is dusky,
and its
devata (patron deity) is Surya (the
Sun or the Full Moon).
Technique: Turn your palm to face upward and stretch all fingers
keeping them separated and extended. Turn your little finger toward
your palm and fan out the rest of the fingers evenly away from the
little finger.
Application:
Primarily used to express emotional states.
Viniyoga
(meanings):
- Poorna-chandra (“full moon”);
- Chandra-shala (“moon pavilion”);
- Tataka (“pond” or “lake”);
- Vikasa-abja (“A fully bloomed lotus”);
- Kapittha-diphala (“wood apple”);
- Aavarthaka (“circular movement”);
- Kucha (“breast”);
- Viraha (“yearning to the beloved”);
- Mukura (“mirror”);
- Swondarya-bhavana (“beautiful form”);
- Dhamilla (“hair-knot”);
- Grama (“village”);
- Udruthakopa (“great anger”);
- Shakata (“cart”);
- Chakravaka (“type of bird”);
- Kala-kalarava (“murmuring sound”);
- Slagana (“praise”).
Additional
usages are
- fresh ghee,
- sweets,
- head,
- crown,
- braided hair,
- cluster of flowers,
- ball,
- dancing,
- fort,
- palace, and
- sweetness.
Benefits:
- Stimulates all five fingers and therefore
activates all Five Elements in the body,
- improves circulation and benefits the heart,
- boosts vitality and
- energizes body and mind.


ESPECTÁCULO DE
DANZA HINDU-FLAMENCO