Namaskar Mudra – A Gesture of Harmony, Humility, and Healing

Namaskar Mudra, also known as Anjali, Namaste, or Vandanam in Sanskrit, is one of the most beautiful and spiritually enriching Mudras. When performed, the five elements (Pancha Tattvas) represented by our fingers come together, thereby helping to balance the energies within the body. As a result, it promotes the circulation of Prana (life force), bringing peace, compassion, and mindfulness.

Etymologically, the word “Namaste” translates to “A humble respect to thou,” where:

• Namaha = to honor the soul within
• Namas = modesty
• Te = you

Moreover, this Mudra has been an essential part of Indian culture for over 4000 years and holds deep spiritual and emotional significance. When practiced with awareness, it not only cultivates humility but also reduces ego and promotes positive thinking. Therefore, Namaskar Mudra is more than just a gesture—it is a powerful tool for inner transformation and energetic alignment.

Benefits of Practicing Namaskar:

• Cultivates love, punctuality, and good thoughts
• Encourages respect, culture, and humility
• Reduces anger and sadness
• Strengthens emotional values and relationships

Types of Namaskar Mudras:

Anjali Mudra / Namaskar Mudra

People most commonly practice this form of Namaskar by bringing both palms together at the heart center (Hridayam). It activates the Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra), encouraging feelings of love, compassion, empathy, and forgiveness. Scientifically, it stimulates the thymus gland, boosting immunity and removing negative energy. Spiritually, it eliminates Ahamkara (ego) and cultivates humility. Anjali Mudra is used to welcome others, show gratitude, and connect deeply with the inner self.

Agra Mudra

Performed while sitting in Vajrasana, Agra Mudra involves stretching both arms forward and joining the palms in a Namaskar gesture. This Mudra strengthens the shoulders and upper back, while also promoting discipline and focus. It is often used during prayer or Yoga sessions to channel energy forward with intention.

Kailasa Mudra

In this Mudra, both hands are placed in the Namaskar position above the head. It activates the Sahasrara Chakra (Crown Chakra), the seat of spiritual enlightenment. Kailasa Mudra is ideal for advanced meditation practices and connecting with divine consciousness.

Govinda Mudra

Govinda Mudra is performed by stretching the arms above the head in Namaskar position. This Mudra stimulates both the Vishuddha Chakra (Throat) and Sahasrara Chakra (Crown). It supports clarity in communication and fosters spiritual awareness.

Sashtanga Mudra / Ashtanga Namaskar

Sa + Ashta + Anga; Sa = Sahitha (including), Ashta=Eight; Anga=Organs.

Sashtanga Namaskar is one among many ways of performing Namaskar. Sashtanga means “with eight limbs.” This form of Namaskar is a full prostration gesture performed by touching the ground with eight parts of the body. It is also called as “Dandakara Namaskar”, meaning to lie down on the floor like a fallen stick. In a temple salutation to God is made by lying down on prawn posture and touching 8 organs to the floor in this Namaskar. It in turn has the following Mudras:

1. Ushassu Namaskara Mudra – Chest touches ground
2. Sirassu Namaskara Mudra – Forehead touches ground
3. Drishti Namaskara Mudra – Eyes remain closed in devotion
4. Manassu Namaskara Mudra – Heart and mind salutes God
5. Vaachas Namaskara Mudra – Through chanting or spoken devotion
6. Padbhyaam Namaskara Mudra – Toes touch ground
7. Karaabhyaam Namaskara Mudra – Hands touch ground
8. Jaanubhyaam Namaskara Mudra – Knees touch ground

This type of Namaskar is often performed in temples during Dandavat Pranam, symbolizing complete surrender and humility before the Divine.

Panchanga Mudra (for Women)

As per traditional spiritual guidelines, women are advised not to perform Sashtanga Namaskar, as their chest should not touch the ground. Instead, they practice Panchanga Namaskar, using five body parts:

• Feet
• Knees
• Elbows
• Forehead
• Hands (in Namaskar Mudra above the head)

Starting from Vajrasana, they bend forward and touch the ground with the above parts. It is a respectful and effective alternative that preserves the spiritual essence while honoring feminine physiology.

Each Namaskar Mudra is not merely a gesture but a powerful energetic and devotional expression. Regular practice fosters physical strength, emotional purity, spiritual awakening, and cultural refinement.

Namaskar Mudra helps us eliminate the ego hidden inside us. It removes any kind of negativities from our mind. We call the act of saluting elders by bowing down to their feet “Paadaabhi Vandanam.” It gives us multi-fold benefits. During family rituals, it is a custom/ tradition to take blessings of elders by touching their feet. Not only in rituals, but whenever we meet elders their blessing are taken by touching the feet.

Why Do We Touch the Feet of Elders?

1. A Gesture of Humility and Gratitude

To touch someone’s feet, one must bow down—literally lowering the head and heart. This posture signifies letting go of ego and offering oneself with sincerity. It reflects an inner readiness to receive guidance and blessings with a humble heart.

2. A Channel for Positive Energy Transfer

In Yogic and Vedic sciences, the human body is seen as a conductor of energy. Elders, through years of life experience, prayer, and spiritual growth, carry powerful positive vibrations. When a younger person bows and touches their feet, it creates a closed energy circuit—the elder’s positive energy, love, and blessings are believed to flow directly into the one offering respect.

3. Symbolic Acknowledgment of Wisdom

Touching the feet is not just about age. It honors the knowledge, life experience, and spiritual maturity of the elder. It is a way of saying, “I honor your journey and seek your blessings to walk in your footsteps.”

4. Scientific and Psychological Impact

From a scientific standpoint, bending down improves blood circulation to the brain and activates acupressure points in the hands and feet. Psychologically, it nurtures values like respect, humility, gratitude, and emotional bonding within families.

5. Cultural Continuity

This tradition, practiced since Vedic times, helps pass on spiritual values across generations. It teaches children that respect and blessings are integral to a meaningful life.

In essence, touching the feet of elders is not an outdated ritual—it is a living symbol of devotion, connection, and inner growth. It reminds us that in honoring others, we elevate ourselves.

The Traditional Procedure to Touch Elders’ Feet

There is a specific Vedic method to follow while touching elders’ feet:

1. Stand in front of the elder with a respectful posture.
2. Bend forward with your spine straight and head lowered in reverence.
3. Place your right hand on their left foot and your left hand on their right foot—this cross-connection forms a symbolic energy circuit.
4. The elder will then place their right hand on your head, completing the loop of energy transfer.
5. As they bless you, receive it with a calm, grateful heart.

This practice allows positive vibrations, wisdom, and goodwill to flow from the elder into the seeker.

Elders have gained lot of knowledge, wisdom and experience by being on this earth. Hence, as elders walk on the earth, they leave behind a wealth of knowledge hidden in every particle of dust their feet raise. This culture of touching the feet is a way of expressing gratitude to them as: “Bless us to walk in your foot steps to gain positive knowledge and experiences just the way you achieved!”

Touching the feet is more than tradition—it’s a spiritual technology, bridging generations with love, energy, and inner elevation.

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Written by Yogacharya and Mudra Specialist:
Shri D. Prakash Rao 📞 +91 98490 66765
Translated and Edited by:
Deepthi D. – Yoga Teacher & Mudra Researcher 📞 +91 89788 01247