Varada Mudra - Gesture of Offering
Jack UtermoehlVarada Mudra is the “gesture of offering,” symbolizing compassion, charity, and the granting of boons. The Sanskrit word varada (वरद) means “giver of blessings” or “grantor of wishes,” and this mudra reflects the open-handed generosity of the divine.
It is a gesture of grace, extended from a heart aligned with dharma (purpose) and directed toward the wellbeing of others. Unlike most mudras which are performed with both hands or focused inward, Varada Mudra is offered outward a literal extension of compassion into the world.
It is typically depicted with the left hand extended downward, palm open and facing forward, with relaxed fingers. It is often paired with Abhaya Mudra (right hand raised in protection), symbolizing both fearlessness and beneficence together.
Commonly seen in sacred images of Green Tara, the Buddha, Avalokiteśvara, and goddess Lakshmi, this mudra embodies unconditional giving without attachment. It is a visual expression of the yogic ideal of service: an open hand extended with sincerity, asking nothing in return.
Sanskrit Name: Varada Mudrā – वरद मुद्रा
English Translation: Gesture of Blessing and Offering
Phonetic Spelling: vuh-rah-duh moo-drah
Energetically, Varada Mudra activates the heart and root chakras, grounding generosity in stability and allowing compassion to flow freely.
It reminds us that giving is always in circulation and there is no lack, always abundance. Through this mudra, we embody the flow of abundance rather than grasping for it.
Instructions to Perform Varada Mudra
Varada Mudra is performed with a single hand, typically the left. The gesture can be practiced while seated or standing, as long as the spine remains upright and the energy grounded.
Hand Position: Extend your left hand downward with the palm open and facing outward. Allow the fingers to relax naturally. Avoid stiff or forceful extension and let the gesture remain soft, receptive, and sincere.
Placement: Let the arm extend loosely from the shoulder or rest gently against the thigh or knee. The hand may be slightly in front of the body, hovering just above knee level.
Breathing Technique: Inhale slowly into the heart space. As you exhale, imagine compassion and benevolence flowing outward from your palm. Feel into the energy of giving rather than thinking about what to give.
Duration: Practice for 5 minutes in meditation, prayer, or in reflection. You may also hold this mudra as part of a devotional practice or visualization.
Benefits of Varada Mudra
Varada Mudra is a gesture of embodiment, it trains the heart to remain open even while grounded. It helps redirect the practitioner’s awareness from lack toward giving, transforming inner abundance into outer service.
Physical Benefits: Encourages relaxed posture and grounded breath. Brings ease to the left shoulder and arm through mindful placement.
Mental Benefits: Cultivates generosity, softens mental rigidity, and invites grace over control.
Emotional Benefits: Opens the practitioner to empathy, gratitude, and the joy of offering without expectation.
Spiritual Benefits: Symbolizes divine giving and unconditional love. Encourages the practice of karma yoga, selfless service aligned with dharma.
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Symbolism and Meaning of Varada Mudra
The open palm of Varada Mudra faces outward and downward. This mudra tells a story of energy flowing from heart to hand, a transmission of inner abundance into tangible presence. It is the hand of a bodhisattva, a saint, or a teacher ready to give without agenda.
The fact that the gesture is performed with the left hand also holds symbolic meaning. In yogic symbolism, the left side is often associated with the lunar, receptive, and nourishing qualities of being. To give from the left hand is to offer from stillness, and from presence.
Varada Mudra reminds us that the path of yoga isn’t only inward. Realization must be lived and offered. This gesture affirms that wisdom doesn’t isolate us; it includes, embraces, and blesses.
When to Practice Varada Mudra
Practice Varada Mudra when you want to soften the heart, expand your field of giving, or remind yourself that you are a channel of abundance in circulation.
- In meditation or devotional practice focused on compassion or generosity
- During reflection on your dharma, purpose, or offering to the world
- As part of a dual mudra practice with Abhaya Mudra (right hand raised in protection)
- Before teaching, serving, or caregiving
Suggested practice duration: 5 minutes, or simply incorporate into seated meditation or prayer posture.
Contraindications for Varada Mudra
This is a gentle, accessible mudra with no known contraindications. Practitioners with limited shoulder or arm mobility may wish to rest the arm or support it on a cushion.
Additional Insights on Varada Mudra
Affirmations: “I offer from fullness, not lack.” / “My presence is my gift.”
Visualization: Envision soft golden light pouring from the open palm of your hand, touching the space around you with kindness and healing. Let it flow without direction or agenda, simply offering presence.
Associated Chakras: Anahata (heart) for compassion and generosity, Muladhara (root) for grounded service and steadiness.
Paired Asanas: Seated poses such as padmasana, vajrasana, or sukhasana. Works well when held as part of a devotional or japa practice.
Related Pranayama: Gentle nadi shodhana or full yogic breath, anchoring awareness in the heart.
Meditation Techniques: Metta (loving-kindness) meditation, seva-inspired visualization, or mantra repetition focused on compassion and giving.
Variations and Modifications
Alternative Hand Positions: In formal iconography, the mudra is traditionally performed with the left hand. However, practitioners may choose either hand to explore its energetic effect. The arm may be fully extended or resting with support.
Adaptations for Beginners: If the arm becomes fatigued, rest it on a bolster or knee. Let the gesture remain light and effortless.
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Personal Insights
I was first introduced to Varada Mudra when I learned who Lakshmi is, the goddess of abundance, wealth, and sri (luminosity). She held a coin falling from her left hand and Abhaya Mudra in the other hand I received the message "have no fear, all the abundance you require is flowing your way".
Although I rarely practice holding this mudra, I symbolically see it every day when I greet and pass by Lakshmi in my yoga studio. She's always there offering that flow of abundance and wealth.
The material abundance you see, is always in circulation, which is why it must flow through us like a current.... currency. But abundance goes beyond the material of money and resources and into the etheric.
We also desire abundance of connection, love, acceptance, and value.
Varada mudra demonstrates all this is coming to us. Hold it and feel the power of uncorking the tap and letting abundance flow through you.
It worked for me, will it work for you?
Oh, one last note, Kubera Mudra pairs well when you're working towards accumulating wealth and money. Put your focus not just on the obtaining, but also the flow of where that currency flows. You are a conduit, not dam.
