Gada mudra is the body markings worn by Lord Vishnu
devotees. The body markings are applied with gopichandana or a ball of yellow
clay. The clay is rubbed on the palm of the left hand with water to form a
watery paste and then applied. The paste is applied curved or straight lines
moving upwards (rarely downwards).
Gada mudra is worn one on the left side of the stomach, one
on the left side of the chest, one on the left shoulder, one on the left side
of the neck, one on the forehead.
In total five mudras are associated with Gada mudra. The
benefit of wearing it is that it enables a person to destroy ignorance.
Adopting mudra is not mere convention. These markings ward
off sins and make a the devotee pure for subsequent rituals and meditations.
The religious significance of mudras are explained in Krishnamrita Maharnava,
Sadachara Smriti and Tantrasara (samagraha) of Madhvacharya.
Some mudras are only followed by the Madhwa school –
followers of Madhvacharya.