Supriya uses Shankha hasta in a puja ritual in which a conch is filled with water and tipped to pour it out. Photo: V. Sudershan
Kuchipudi dancer Abhinaya Nagajothy demonstrates Shakata hasta, the 11th in Nandikeswara's list. Hold the hands with all fingers straight, the thumb at right angles to the palm. Then fold the index finger down so that the nail rests on the base of the thumb. Keep the middle, ring and small finger straight (not allowing them to bend at the joints) and separate from each other. These three fingers are positioned so that the little finger points straight upwards, the ring finger is at a 45-degree angle, and the middle finger is at 180 degrees, parallel to the thumb. Photo: V. Sudershan
Abhinaya indicates a moustache by using Shakata hasta. Photo: V. Sudershan
Using Shakata, Abhinaya indicates horns of a stag. Photo: V. Sudershan
Abhinaya shows that held near the eyes Shakata epitomises the demon's evil glare. Photo: V. Sudershan
Odissi dancer Supriya Nayakholds the 12th double-hand gesture listed by Nandikeswara: Shankha hasta. Hold the left hand so that all fingers are straight, with no gaps between them. Then hold the thumb away from the palm. With the right hand, take hold of the left thumb. Wrap the four fingers of the right hand around the left thumb, then place the right thumb in the middle of the left middle finger. This creates a conch shape. Photo: V. Sudershan
The conch itself being an important element of nature and of India's traditional culture, there are a number of ways in which Shankha hasta can be used in enacting a story. Here Supriya mimes blowing the conch. Photo: V. Sudershan
Supriya demonstrates how Shankha hasta can be used to mime Lord Vishnu, who carries a conch, a discus and a mace among other accoutrements. Photo: V. Sudershan