नाट्यशास्त्रम् (प्रथम भाग - अभिनवभारती एवं हिन्दी टीका सहित)

172 THE NATYASASTRA [ IX. 26.

(Uses) : To represent an administration of blows, scorching heat, urging, attainment of happiness and arrogant reference of one’s ownself¹ this hand is to be raised on a level with the forehead. To represent the glare of heat, torrential rain and shower of flowers two Patāka hands with the fingers separated and moving, are to be joined together. A shallow pool of water, present of flowers, grass and any design [lit. object] made on the ground are to be represented by two such hands separated from the Svastika position. The same Patāka hands with their fingers pointing downwards are to be used to represent anything closed, made open, protected, covered, dense or private (concealable). This very hand with its fingers pointing downwards and moving up and down, is to express the speedy movement of wind and [ocean] waves, [ocean waves] breaking against the shore, and flood. The Recaka of this hand should be used to represent encouragement, many [in number], a great crowd of men, height, beating of drums, and flight of birds upwards. And anything washed, pressed, cleansed, pounded, or holding up a hill or uprooting it, should be represented by the palms of two such hands rubbing each other. This is also the manner of representing man and woman².

26-32. Tripatāka (flag with three fingers)—the third finger of the Patākahand to be bent.

(Uses) : It is to be used in representing invocation, descent, bidding goodbye, prohibition, entrance, raising up [anything]¹, bowing [in salutation], comparing², suggesting alternatives, touching [the head with] auspicious objects or putting them on the head, putting on a turban or crown and covering the mouth or the ears. This very hand with its fingers pointing downwards and moving up and down is to be used in representing flight of small birds, stream, snake, bees and the like. And with the third finger of the

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¹ In saying ‘I too,’ ‘of me too’, ‘by me too’, in me too’ and the like (Ag).

² Ag. gives detailed rules about the use of the patāka hand in all the cases mentioned above.

26-32 (B.G. 26b-32) ¹ Ag. thinks that this relates to objects like one’s chin.

² nidarśanam upamānopameyabhāvam (Ag.).