Learn about the Mahasirs Mudra, its meaning, benefits, and how to do it. The Mahasirs Mudra is an ancient yogic Mudra that helps in creating a balance between the conscious mind and the subconscious.
Definition – What is Mahasirs Mudra and its Meaning, References, and Mythology?
Mahasirs Mudra is a type of Hasta Mudra or sacred hand gesture/seal. Let us simplify its meaning by breaking it down into different words.
Mahasirs – the Sanskrit word “Mahasirs” itself is made of two different words: Maha + Siris
Maha – “Maha” is a Sanskrit word used to represent “Great.”
Siris – the word “Siris” has a Sanskrit origin. The meaning of Siris is “Head.”
Mudra – As we know, “Mudra” represents “a gesture, seal, or lock.”
So, this Mudra is also known as the “Great head gesture” or “Large head gesture.”
It is believed that this Mudra shows a great effect while dealing with different headaches. It is believed that if you practice this Mudra, you would not need any headache-related medicine. Our eyes and nose are located quite close to the brain. It is believed that our eyes are a visible part of the brain, and the topmost part of the nose is located very close to the brain, which is why we sometimes experience a headache when our nose is blocked. So, the effects of this Mudra are not limited to headaches but also positively affect our nose and eyes. Making them healthier. Similarly, this Mudra practice helps in sinusitis and helps to keep the sinuses clear. It also cures various similar conditions as well such as migraine.
It is believed that Mahasirs Mudra also helps to remove stress from life. With the meditation practice, this Mudra helps greatly to overcome perceived stress. This Mudra should be assumed while practicing meditation.
Alternate Names of Mahasirs Mudra
The Great head gesture or large head gesture.
How to Do Mahasirs Mudra?
- This Mudra requires you to perform while seated in any meditative posture.
- Make sure that you are comfortable with the posture. You can practice it while sitting in comfortable meditative postures (such as Sukhasana, Padmasana, or Swastikasana). You can even start with micro exercises for the neck, arms, and legs before you start with this Mudra practice. This helps you to avoid any aches and pains that can be caused due to prolonged sitting.
- Keep your neck and spine comfortably straight.
- Rest both of your palms comfortably on your knee. Palms facing upward towards the sky.
- Take a deep breath and relax your entire body.
- Gently and completely close your eyes.
- Now, bring the tips of your middle finger and index finger together with the tip of your thumb.
- Gently join them without putting any additional pressure.
- Then, slowly curl your ring finger towards your thumb’s base.
- Your little finger should remain extended and pointed upward toward the ceiling.
- Assume this gesture in both of your hands simultaneously.
- Keep your awareness towards the breath.
- Inhale slowly and exhale gently. Feel the grounding. Observe the movement of your belly.
- You can practice it with different Mantra chanting, meditation techniques, and Pranayamas such as Bhastrika Pranayama and Kapalbhati Pranayama.
Mahasirs Mudra Benefits
- This Mudra helps greatly with headaches, including cluster headaches and TMJ dysfunction (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders), hence the name Mahasirs Mudra. Practicing this Mudra also helps with migraine.
- This Mudra practice helps to keep the eyes healthy and improves their functioning.
- Mahasirs Mudra also helps to keep the sinuses clear. So, helps people who have sinusitis.
- This Mudra practice helps to lower perceived stress. So, it helps you to stay mentally healthy.
- You feel stable. You feel calmer and more relaxed. By practicing this comes a sense of security and stability.
- It makes you more spiritual, so for those looking to pursue a spiritual journey, it is a good way to start with.
- It also improves awareness of the mind.
Mahasirs Mudra Precautions and Contraindications
Similar to all other Mudra practices, it has no side effects.
However, there are a few things to consider:
- Make sure to practice this Mudra correctly while seated in a meditative posture.
- Make sure to keep your fingers relaxed. If you find difficulty while practicing this, you may start with Suksha-Vyayama or micro exercises for fingers.
- Keep your spine comfortably erect.
When and how long to do Mahasirs Mudra?
- This Mudra can be practiced if you experience any form of headache or migraine.
- If you have sinusitis, practicing this Mudra will also help.
- You can practice this if you want to alleviate perceived stress and tension.
- You can practice this to keep your eyes healthy.
Morning is the ideal time to do any yoga or Mudra. In the morning, during the daytime, our brain is at its best. So, you are more likely to be able to concentrate easily. Therefore, you should practice this Mudra from 4 am and 6 am to get the most effective outcomes.
If you are having difficulty with this during the morning, you can do this Mudra later in the evening too.
Practicing this Mudra for a minimum of 30-40 minutes daily is recommended. Whether you wish to complete it in one stretch or two threes that last between 10 and 15 minutes, it’s up to you. Based on research, the best way to practice an exercise for at least 20 minutes is to get the best benefits of that particular Mudra.
Breathing in Mahasirs Mudra
There are types of breathing that we can practice with this Mudra:
- You can practice various Pranayama while practicing this, such as Ujjayi Pranayama.
Visualisation in Mahasirs Mudra
Visualize that this Mudra practice makes you feel your head is weighing less than usual. You feel light-headed as if you are not carrying excessive weight.
Affirmation in Mahasirs Mudra
While practicing this, Keep a positive intention. Start with:
“Even in my worst days, I will remain cool, remain calm, and never lose control.”
Conclusion
The Mahasirs Mudra is one of the most well-known Mudras, and for a good reason. This Mudra has a wide variety of benefits, from improved digestion to increased concentration. If you’re interested in learning more about the other Mudras, check out our Mudras Certification Course. This comprehensive course will teach 108 different Mudras, including the Mahasirs Mudra.
