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Significance of Anjali

Anjali is a significant gesture with various interpretations across different contexts. In Shilpashastra and Natyashastra, it is a combined hand gesture symbolizing salutation and respect, often used in prayers and rituals. Vaishnavism emphasizes Anjali as a sign of reverence. In Ayurveda, Anjali serves as a unit of measurement equivalent to four Palas or handfuls. Historically, it also signifies respect and prayer in Indian culture, embodying the idea of reverence by bringing hands together.1
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In Dutch: Anjali; In German: Anjali; In Finnish: Anjali; In Spanish: Anjali

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Anjali'

Hinduism Books

Anjali in Hinduism encompasses both a measurement unit and a significant hand gesture. It symbolizes salutation and respect through folded palms, serving as a primary Mudra for prayer, greeting, and honoring deities and elders.

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

From: Natyashastra (English)

(1) A gesture of greeting or respect involving putting together two hands, typically used in reverence.[1]

From: Abhinaya-darpana (English)

(1) A gesture where two Pataka hands are joined palm to palm, used for saluting deities, elders, or Brahmanas, with specific placements for each.[2]

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)

(1) A unit equivalent to four Palas, known also as an Anjali or Kudava.[3]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Garuda Purana

(1) The folding of palms, considered a primary Mudra that helps secure the favor of the deity.[4]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Mangala

(1) The gesture of folded hands often used in prayers, indicating respect and reverence.[5]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu�).

The concept of Anjali in local and regional sources

History Books

Anjali symbolizes a gesture of reverence in Oj culture, representing prayer and respect. It involves bringing hands together, akin to worship, reflecting deep respect and spiritual connection as described in the text.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A gesture of reverence in which the hands are brought together as if in prayer, often depicted in worshipping figures.[6]

From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages

(1) Anjali, in the context of Oj, represents doa or hormat, and also prayer or respect, indicating a gesture of reverence, as the text suggests.[7]