The raised or threatening forefinger (Sanskrit: Tarjani Mudra) is not actually classified as a mudra, as it is performed by the forefinger alone.  As a gesture of wrath or threat the index finger is raised from the clenched or loosely held fist like a hook, or a pointing finger.  Many wrathful deities perform this gesture, particularly when they hold the subjugating attribute of a noose or a hook in their hands, or release a blazing ball of wisdom-fire.  The raised index finger symbolizes the wrathful nature of Akshobya’s syllable Hum, which threatens all demonic enemies.  The raised finger may also be known as the gesture of the ‘hook’ (Sanskrit: ankusha).  Its threatening power is perhaps most vividly expressed in the iconography of Black Hayagriva.  This deity is described as wielding a blazing iron hook in his left hand, with a black iron scorpion poised to sting upon the tip of his raised index finger.  The combination of the raised and curved index finger, the hook, and the scorpion’s tail reveal the wrathful malice replicated within this forceful gesture.

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