Sarpashirsha

सर्पशीर्ष

Sanskritsar · pa · sheer · ṣha

aa ee oo ē ō — long vowels: hold them twice as long

Snake's hood — Pataka with the fingertips bent

MudraBharatanatyamKuchipudiOdissi

Meaning

Sarpashirsha is formed from Pataka by bending the fingertips slightly forward, the hand curving like a cobra's hood. It shows a snake, sprinkling water, offering water to gods and the swaying of an elephant's head.

Also written: sarpa shirsha, sarpasirsa, sarpashirsham, sarpashirsa

Sources

Related words

Asamyuta Hastaअसंयुत हस्तThe single-hand gestures — twenty-eight in the Abhinaya Darpana Mudraमुद्राA hand gesture that carries meaning.PatakaपताकाThe flag — the first hand gesture every student learns.Mrigashirshaमृगशीर्षDeer's head — thumb and little finger extended Hamsapakshaहंसपक्षSwan's wing — Sarpashirsha with the little finger stretched out Pushpaputaपुष्पपुटFlower casket — two Sarpashirsha hands cupped side by side

Know this differently, or know it better? Traditions vary and we would rather be corrected — tell us.

Connect. Learn. Celebrate.