añjala

 In Sanskrit, “añjala” (अञ्जल) refers primarily to a gesture of reverence or salutation involving joined palms, and it can also denote a measure or offering using the hands.

Gesture and Cultural Significance

Añjala is most widely recognized as the act of placing the palms together

in front of the chest, head, or face as a gesture of respect, greeting, worship, 

or salutation 

Wisdom Library+1

. It is used across Hindu and classical

Indian traditions:

• In Hinduism, “añjala” is used in worship, greeting gurus, gods, or elders, 
• and as a position in ritual hand gestures (mudrās). It is part of the
• añjalī-mudrā, held on the chest for friends, near the mouth for teachers, 
• or on the head for deities 

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• In classical Indian performing arts (Nāṭyaśāstra), the term describes 
• one of the combined-hand gestures (saṃyukta-hasta) used to convey 
• various emotions or states on stage 

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Meaning in Measurement and Offerings

In addition to the gesture, añjala may also indicate a measure sufficient 

to fill both hands, commonly referenced in Ayurveda and ritual offerings. 

For example, it may represent two handfuls of liquid or grains, often used 

during libations or devotional acts 

Linguistic Notes

• Añjala may appear in compounds or end of words in Sanskrit texts, 
• especially as a substitute of añjali

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• It originates from the root añj, encompassing notions of pressing, joining, 
• or combining, reflecting both the physical act of joining hands and the 
• symbolic offering of devotion or respect 

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In essence, añjala embodies reverence, salutation, and offering, whether 

expressed through hand gestures, devotional acts, or ritual measurements.

Its use spans religious, cultural, and artistic contexts across Indian 

traditions.