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abhaya mudra

अभयमुद्रा abhaya-mudrā

The gesture of fearlessness: the raised hand, palm outward and fingers up, meaning 'be not afraid' (from a-bhaya, no fear). One of the most widespread mudra forms on a murti, and the reader's key to a standing image.

Where this term appears

  • How to Read a Murti Deities

    A right hand raised, palm outward, is the abhaya mudra , the gesture of fearlessness and protection: do not be afraid.

  • Who is Shiva? Deities

    Shiva is the supreme reality for the Shaiva traditions, and, by one widely cited estimate, for something like a quarter of all Hindus, though such figures are rough…

  • What are Mudras? Lineages

    The raised hand, palm out and fingers up, is abhaya mudra , from a-bhaya , "no fear." It is the gesture of reassurance and protection, the god saying do not be afraid .

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