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Vishnu Mudra

विष्णु मुद्रा

Also known as: Nadi Shodhana Hand Position, Pranayama Mudra

Meditation/SpiritualFire

Etymology

Vishnu (विष्णु) - the preserver aspect of the divine trinity in Hinduism

Finger Position

Index and middle fingers folded into palm, thumb, ring, and little fingers extended

Duration

10-20 minutes during pranayama

Difficulty

Intermediate

Associated Chakras

Ajna(Third Eye)

Sahasrara(Crown)

Bija Mantra: OM NARAYANA

Highlighted fingers indicate active contact points

MGN Notation

HAND(RIGHT)
  PALM(UP)
  WRIST(STRAIGHT)
  T: STRAIGHT
  1: BENT, TOUCH(PALM)
  2: BENT, TOUCH(PALM)
  3: STRAIGHT
  4: STRAIGHT
  FINGERS(TOGETHER)

# Used for alternate nostril breathing - thumb on right nostril, ring finger on left

Instructions

This pranayama support gesture enhances respiratory control through strategic finger positioning. Research on bilateral breathing shows improved autonomic balance and enhanced interhemispheric brain communication by 20-30% (Telles et al., 2013). Formation: Fold index and middle fingers to palm, extend thumb, ring, and little fingers. Use thumb for right nostril, ring finger for left nostril closure during alternate breathing. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Not suitable during severe nasal congestion, devi...

Quick Start Checklist

1Sit upright; rest right hand on knee with palm up
2Fold middle and ring fingers to palm with thumb
3Keep index and little fingers extended naturally
4Use for alternate nostril breathing or meditation
5Practice 5-10 minutes; maintain gentle
6relaxed positioning
7Focus on balance and protection energy

Benefits

Physical

•Balances nervous system
•improves respiratory function
•synchronizes brain hemispheres

Mental

•Enhances focus during pranayama
•balances logical and intuitive thinking
•promotes mental clarity

Spiritual

Traditional texts describe this as "connecting with Vishnu's preserving energy" and "maintaining cosmic balance" — their terms for how this divine preservation gesture activates the parasympathetic nervous system's stability and harmony functions. Ancient practitioners observed that this specific nostril-closing formation creates what they called "preservation consciousness" — the naturally balanc

Precautions

!Maintain gentle pressure on nostrils
!switch hands if fatigue occurs

Clinical Applications

Guided Practice

Fold your index and middle fingers into your palm, while extending your thumb, ring finger, and little finger. Use your thumb to close your right nostril and your ring finger to close your left nostril for alternate nostril breathing. This precise hand formation balances the nervous system through controlled breathing. Notice how alternating nostrils creates immediate mental equilibrium and calm

Symbolism

Traditional Vedic texts describe Vishnu as the divine preserver who maintains cosmic order and protects dharma across all cycles of time. Ancient practitioners believed this hand gesture represented what they called 'preservation consciousness' - the capacity to maintain stability, protect what is s