"Añjali" in Sanskrit primarily denotes a gesture of reverence or salutation, performed by joining the palms of the hands together, and also refers to a unit of measure equivalent to the amount held in both hands.
Literal and Symbolic Meaning
is widely used in religious, cultural, and social contexts throughout
India and other parts of Asia.
Use as a Gesture (Añjali Mudrā)
- Deities – hands raised above the head
- Teachers or elders – hands at the face level
- Friends or equals – hands at chest level
Other Traditional Meanings
Unit of Measure: In Āyurvedic and Pāñcarātra texts, añjali is also a measure
of corn or grains, approximately equivalent to 192 grams, i.e., the quantity
that fills both hands placed side by side
Cultural References: Ancient epics and performing arts texts (Nāṭyaśāstra,
Purāṇas, Śilpaśāstras) mention añjali for ritual, dance, and worship,
showing its significance in spiritual and aesthetic expressions
Summary
- As a gesture: Joining palms together to express respect, salutation,
- or devotion.
- As a term of measurement: A quantity measure equal to the capacity
- of two joined hands.
- 3 Sources
In essence, añjali embodies both practical (measure) and symbolic
(gesture of respect) meanings, reflecting the deep intertwining of
spirituality, social etiquette, and daily life in Indian tradition.
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