MUDRAS FROM AGNI PURANA

The following is taken from chapter 26 of the Agnipurana, an ancient text of Indian origin comprising stories and rituals associated with the god Vishnu.
  1. I now describe the characteristics of mudras which bring the worshiper nearer (to Vishnu). Añjali (folding of the hands) is the first mudra. (The second) is the Vandanî (fingers interlocked) to be placed near the heart.

    2. Note: Añjali resembles the gesture of folded hands usually associated with prayer
  2. With the left fist folded and the thumb erect, the right thumb interwoven with the erect left thumb is said to be the third.
  3. (These are) the three common formations. The ones that follow are not common. By the unyolking of the smallest and other fingers eight positions (are created) in order.
  4. The first eight basic syllables are repeated in order. One has to bend the three fingers commencing with the little finger together with the thumb.
  5. One has to raise up the hand to the face for the ninth mystic syllable. Then the left hand is raised and slowly bent in half.
  6. These are the mudras of the limbs of Varâha (the boar avatar of Vishnu) in order. Then the left fist having been kept closed releases the fingers one by one.
  7. The same position is held by the right hand also and the previous position is bent downward. The left fist is held with the thumb erect. This results in the accomplishment of the mudra.

    8. Note: If the two palms are placed together so a cavity is formed between them, they form the Varahâmudrâ.