Vishnu Mudra – Gesture of Universal Balance: Its Meaning, Benefits, and How To Do

Vishnu Mudra is a hand gesture used in Hinduism and Buddhism. Learn why it’s beneficial to your overall well-being.

vishnu mudra

What is Vishnu Mudra ? Its Meaning, References, and Mythology

Vishnu Mudra is a sacred hand gesture or seal. The word Vishnu refers to a Hindu god, Lord Vishnu. So, this Mudra was named in the honor of Lord Vishnu, one of the most principal deities in Hindu mythology.

This seal or Mudra plays a vital role in the channelization of Prana. Prana is known as the vital force which drives every living being.

This seal is also known as the “Gesture of Universal Balance”.

This Mudra is generally performed while practicing “Anulom Vilom Pranayama or Nadhi Sodhan Pranayama” which translates into “Alternate Nostril Breathing”. While practicing the Alternate Nostril breathing, practicing this Mudra is very helpful to channelize the flow of Prana.

It is believed that when we practice this Mudra, we stimulate the heart’s corresponding points on our palm with the help of the first two fingers ( the index finger and the middle finger ). This helps to channelize the flow of Prana as the Heart is solely responsible for the transportation of Oxygen and nutrients in our body. While practicing alternate nostril breathing, it is believed that we channelize the flow of Prana through two main Nadis Ida and Pingala. Ida is the Lunar Nadi & Pingala is the Solar Nadi. Nadis are the vessels through which Prana energy flows in our body.

While practicing the alternate nostril breathing, we try to channelize the flow of Prana into Susumna Nadi, the principal Nadi. When prana energy flows through Susumna Nadi it is believed that one can achieve almost everything he desires. In addition to this, practicing this Mudra helps to energize our body.

God Vishnu is believed as a preserver. He is the one who takes care of all living beings. He balances everything in this universe. Similarly, this Mudra helps to balance our thoughts, emotions, and Prana.

Balance is key to everything. Dualities exist everywhere, but to balance, everything is a virtue.

And this Mudra helps to achieve that balance that we seek throughout our life.

This Mudra is performed with the help of the right hand only. As it is believed to be the receiver of energy.

Alternate name of Vishnu Mudra

The gesture of Universal Balance

How to do Vishnu Mudra?

  • This Mudra is generally performed while practicing the alternate nostril breathing, so it should be performed while either sitting in a comfortable meditative posture or relaxing in Shavasana or corpse pose.
  • However, to gain maximum benefits of this Mudra start by sitting in any comfortable meditative posture (Sukhasana or Padmasana).
  • Keep your neck and spine comfortably erect.
  • Start by resting both of your palms comfortably on your knee.
  • Gently close your eyes.
  • Now, Slowly brings your right hand close to your face. And slowly curl your first two fingers (index finger and middle finger) to the base of your respective fingers or the bottom of your thumb.
  • Remaining fingers of the right hand will remain extended (ring finger, little finger, & thumb).
  • Now, make sure to use your right thumb whenever it is required to close your right nostril.
  • And use your little finger and ring finger to close the left nostril when required.
  • Observe this dark space behind your eyes. To practice alternate nostril breathing.
  • First, inhale through your left nostril, then exhale through the right nostril. Now, inhale through the right nostril and then exhale through the left. Repeat it for 20-30 rounds.
  • Breathe deeper and longer. With every passing breath, make your breathing even deeper. Do not lose awareness of your breath.
  • Witness your entire mind and body.

Vishnu Mudra Benefits

vishnu mudra benefits
  • It stabilizes the mind, body, and soul. It helps to establish that mind, body, and soul connection.
  • It balances the Chitta (mind), the flow of Prana.
  • It helps to pierce the dualities we come across in our lives.
  • It promotes the ability to make quick decisions.
  • If practiced, the injunction of pranayama relieves stress, reduces anger issues, and gives more clarity toward life goals.
  • It also helps to tackle heart diseases.

Precautions and Contraindications in Vishnu Mudra

vishnu mudra precaution

Similar to all other Mudra practices, it has no side effects.

However, there are a few things to consider.

  • Make sure to place the first two fingers at their respective places; otherwise, you will not receive good benefits from this.
  • Keep your spine comfortably erect.

When and How long to do Vishnu Mudra?

  • This Mudra helps keep your entire body more energized by channeling Prana’s vital energy flow.
  • If dualities surround you, then this Mudra is ideal to start with.
  • This Mudra can be practiced when you need to internalize your senses.
  • You can practice this when you need to remove all the stressors around you.

Morning is the ideal time to do any yoga or Mudra. In the morning, at this time 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 hours, you can do this Mudra later in the evening too.

It is recommended to practice this Mudra for a minimum of 30-40 minutes daily. It’s up to you whether you wish to complete it in one stretch or in two threes that last between 10 and 15 minutes. 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 Vishnu Mudra

There are three types of breathing we can practice with this Mudra.

  • Abdominal Breathing
  • Thoracic Breathing
  • Yogic Breathing (Abdominal Breathing, Thoracic Breathing & Clavicle breathing.)

Visualization in Vishnu Mudra

Visualize that you are on a straight path. While walking forward, you can see beautiful places. Trees that are pregnant with fruits. You know where this path is going, and you do not have any self-doubts.

Affirmation in Vishnu Mudra

While practicing this Mudra, Keep positive intentions: My vision is clear to me, and I am moving forward keeping clear goals in my mind; no dualities can cause hinder my plans.

Conclusion

Vishnu Mudra is one of the oldest and most popular hand gestures in the world. It has a deep meaning and references that date back to ancient mythology. The mudra can be used to represent different aspects of Vishnu’s character or to invoke his blessings. If you are interested in learning more about Vishnu Mudra and its symbolism. We offer a Mudra Certification Course that will teach you everything you need to know. In addition, 108 different mudras can be used for various purposes. We hope you’ll consider joining us on this journey to learn more about these powerful hand gestures and their benefits.

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Divyansh Sharma
Divyansh is Yoga, Meditation & Kinesiology Teacher who has been practicing Yoga and Meditation Since 2011. The Idea of correlating Yoga with Modern Sciences fascinates him the most & to feed his curiosity, he keeps on exploring new things every day. He has accomplished a Master's in Yogic Sciences, E-RYT-200, and RYT-500.

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