Garuda Mudra (Eagle Gesture): Steps, Benefits & More

The Garuda mudra is the symbol of God Vishnu. God Vishnu rides on the Garuda, the king of the birds eagle. Eagle is known for its discipline and freedom and represents the wind.

The word Garuda means “Eagle” in Sanskrit and mudra means, hand gesture. Garuda Mudra (Eagle Seal) is a yogic hand gesture with the thumbs in an interlock while the rest of the fingers extended, and the palms open.  This hand gesture can be observed while practicing garudasana (eagle pose). 

To better understand garuda mudra, its meaning, precautions, and benefits continue reading further.

Garuda Mudra (Eagle Gesture)

The Garuda Mudra is a hand gesture used in yoga and meditation, but it is not specifically named after the eagle or the king of birds. The Garuda Mudra is named after Garuda, a mythical bird creature in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions.

Garuda is often depicted as a large eagle or bird, and in Hindu mythology, it is considered the mount of Lord Vishnu. The Garuda Mudra is associated with the qualities of courage, strength, and divine energy. Practicing this mudra is believed to help balance the energy in the body and promote a sense of fearlessness and freedom.

While eagles are known for their discipline and freedom, the Garuda Mudra is more directly linked to the symbolic representation of Garuda in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

Additionally, Garuda mudra helps maintain the balance of the Vata (air) element, which keeps your body energetic.

Steps To Do Garuda Mudra (Eagle Gesture)

Garuda Mudra’s hand gesture is associated with the Air that performing together with deep breathing, Pranayama, and meditation asanas. It is a yogic hand gesture that is performed by both hands. It can practice anytime and anywhere.

Here are some simple steps that will explain how to do this Garuda Hasta Mudra.

• First of all, sit in any comfortable seating posture and place the hands with palm pointing upwards on the thighs or the knees.
• Meditation postures like Padmasana,Siddhasana, Swastikasana, etc. are ideal for the practice of mudras.
• Close your eyes and take some deep breaths with the awareness of the breathing process.
• Now put the right-hand wrist, top on the left-hand wrist. Place the wrist in such a way that the fingers of the two hands do not cover each other
• After that interlock both thumbs. Palms facing upwards.
• The pose should look like a bird’s wings.
• Removing all thoughts from the mind has to focus the mind only on OM.
• In addition, it should be practicing with both hands simultaneously.
• Do not decrease or increase the speed of breath from your side.
• Perform this pose for 15 minutes at a stretch every day or for 5 minutes three times a day.

You can practice this Mudra by standing in Tadasana Yoga (Mountain pose), otherwise sitting on a chair.

The mudra is beneficial for the body in many ways, it helps in curing various types of diseases, let us know the benefits of Garuda mudra in detail.

Benefits of Garuda Mudra

• Garuda Mudra is useful in balancing the Vayu element in the body.
• Garuda Mudra helps in bringing peace by healing stress and anxiety by stimulating the release of Apana Vayu.
• It eliminates any stagnant fluids in the body by stimulating the Agni elements, which smoothes and warms the dry air in your body.
• It is also believed that Garuda Mudra helps the yogi to reach higher meditative states.
• Practicing Garuda Mudra is also beneficial for the digestive system as it also increases Agni energy to digest food easily, which can benefit in better functioning of the digestive system.
• This mudra increases blood flow and circulation.
• It balances the energy in the body. Whether in the pelvic or chest area.

Best Time and Duration

Of course, all the mudras are very effective when you do them between 4-6 am in the morning, because at this time you can get a silent and calm environment, which is most essential for any mudra and yoga.

If you practice this daily in winter or when the weather changes, then 30 minutes will give you good results. Practicing this mudra in the morning and evening is more fruitful. Garuda Hasta Asana can be practiced in the morning and evening for 10-12 minutes.

It can be done on an empty stomach or after eating food but for better results it should be practiced on an empty stomach.

For excellent, best and efficient results, make sure you practice regularly for two months.

Precautions 

Applying pressure on the fingers during mudra may indicate a restless and unstable mind. Performing mudras without applying pressure is beneficial without any side effects.

Yoga and mudras are practices that can have various effects on individuals, and their benefits can vary.

Yoga mudras are hand gestures that are believed to have physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Many people find them helpful for relaxation, concentration, and overall well-being. The emphasis on not applying pressure may be related to maintaining a calm and focused mind during the practice.

While many people find yoga and mudras beneficial, it’s always best to practice mindfulness and listen to your body to avoid strain or discomfort. If you experience any pain or discomfort, it’s recommended to stop the practice and seek a qualified professional.

Conclusion

Garuda Mudra known as the “Eagle Gesture”. It is believed to balance the air or Vata dosha within the body. Benefits may include build strong immunity, and courage, strength, and divine energy.