Narayana 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).
There are a total of forty two mudras in Narayana Mudra.
They are worn on the stomach, five in the center and two on
the right side. On the chest, three in the center and three on the right side.
On the shoulder, three on the right and one on the left. On the neck, one in
the center of the neck, one on the right side of the neck, and one near the
right eye.
Two on the left side of the stomach, three on the left
chest, one on the left neck, one close to the left eye, two on the left
shoulder and on one on the right shoulder.
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.
One on the right side of the stomach, two at the center of
the chest, on the right side of the chest, two on the right shoulder.
An equal number of Narayana
mudras are required to be marked on the body. In addition to this, one on the back
and one at the center of the head are to be marked.
In total, forty two mudras help one reach Vishnuloka, from
which no one returns to life.