Prithvi Mudra Method, Benefits

The ring finger represents the earth element. It represents stability, firmness, sturdiness. Earth is called Prithvi. Hence the hand gesture made with ring finger is called Prithvi Mudra. 

Mahabhuta involved

agni (fire) and prithvi (earth) in the balanced state as the tips are joined.

Procedure

Sit in any comfortable posture with relaxed body and mind. Join the tips of thumb and ring finger of both the hands. Straighten the other three fingers of both the hands so that they are slightly apart and relaxed. Place the hands on the knees. Concentrate on breathing pattern.

Benefits

• Regular practice of this mudra helps to improve the body strength.
• It keeps the body stable.
• Improves self confidence, gets rid of confusion, anxiety, fearfulness, fickle mindedness.
• Makes the body and mind more stable and concentrated.
• It is famously known for improving weight and hair growth.
• Read related: Chin Mudra – Psychic Gesture Of Consciousness: Method, Benefits

Functional factors

• BELIEF – Have faith. It is a complimentary therapy and can be used side by side with any therapy.
• MIND – Before practicing mudra, take a few deep breaths, till the breathing is rhythmic and the mind is relaxed.
• DHYANA (Meditation) – Increases the efficacy of Mudras.
• BODY – Keep the body relaxed and at ease.

Posture of Pruthvi Mudra

• Pruthvi Mudra should be practiced with both hands.
• There should be mild pressure between the touching fingers.
• Keep unused fingers reasonably straight but not rigid; as far as possible do not move the fingers or arms while practicing mudras
• Read related: Mudra – The Science Of Gesture: Benefits, Types, How To Practice

Variations of Prithvi Mudra

There is a debate whether the index and middle fingers should be together or slightly away from each other.
As shown in the picture above, it is best to keep these two fingers together during meditation. These fingers should be straight but not rigid.
During meditation, focus should be there to keep the ring finger tip touching the thumb tip. But as you progress with meditation, as the mind starts concentrating inward, the body-consciousness goes away and your focus from the mudra may go away, which is very fine. At that deep stage of meditation, your body might relax and index and middle fingers may get slightly curved and have a gap between them. This is fine.

At the beginning of meditation focus on keeping the Mudra correctly. But once your mind starts travelling inward and upward, the position of Mudra does not matter much. At that stage,  what would matter is how inward and upward your mind can travel. Gap between the worldly things and your mind is more important than the gap between your index and middle fingers 🙂

Time

• The best time for the Sadhana is in the morning.
• Mudras should not be practiced for half to one hour after the meals
• Mudras can be safely practiced in 15-20 minutes sittings, 2-3 times a day or single sittings of 30 – 45 minutes.
• Read related: Tips To Enhance Effect Of Mudra, 5 Mudra Groups, Rules Of Hasta Mudra

Author:
Dr. Smitha Bhat
Alva’s Ayurveda Medical College,
Moodabidri, Karnataka
E mail: drsmithapbhat@gmail.com