Hasthalakshanadeepika is a detailed treatise on various mudras or hand signs used in dances. There are 24 basic Mudras. These Mudras are used in the classical dance dramas of Kerala, like Kathakali, Kutiyattam, Nangiarkoothu, Mohiniyattam and Ottanthullal.

The tip of the index finger touching the middle of the thumb and the other three fingers curved with their tips touching the side of the other fingers is Vardhamaanaka.

Some signs shown in the Vardhamaanaka mode using both palms indicate : Ear ornaments of women, a garland of diamonds, the knee, a saint, a big drum and a mahout.

One palm indicates : Curved movement, navel and a water-well.