In Hasthalakshanadeepika, the classic treatise on dance, there are mentioned twenty-four basic mudras or hand signs. These Mudras are used in the classical dance dramas of Kerala, like Kathakali, Kutiyattam, Nangiarkoothu, Mohiniyattam and Ottanthullal.

In Kataka Mudra the index finger and the thumb touch as in Mudrakhya with the middle finger bent forward touching the bottom of the thumb. The little finger is held straight and the ring finger slightly tilted forward.

Kataka mudra using both palms indicates:
Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, Balabhadra, arrow, gold, silver, demoness, sleep, matron, Goddess Lakshmi, the musical instrument Veena, stars, garland, blue lotus, goblin, crown, a mace, news, chariot and together.

Kataka mudra using one palm indicates:
Flower, mirror, woman, invocation, sweat, little, nothing else, quiver and fragrance.