In Hasthalakshanadeepika, the classic text 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.

The tips of the index finger and the thumb curved to touch each other, with the other fingers held straight is Mudrakhya.

Mudrakhya using both palms indicates: Growth, movement, heaven, ocean, dense, forgetfulness, all, inform, objects, death, meditation, sacred thread worn by Brahmins and denoting a straight line.

A single palm showing Mudrakhya represents the mind, contemplation, desire, you, remembering, knowledge, creation, life, animosity, future, negative and also, being thus.