Varada Mudra : Giving Blessings, Gifts

Symbolizing Charity.
The hand lowered with the palm facing outward is the gesture of bestowing blessings or of giving charity. The hand is extended downward, palm out. Mostly on standing Buddha images, but sometimes also represented in the sitting position.

Blessing
(with sitting or standing posture)
The right hand is pending in vada mudra. When standing the left hand will clasp the edge of the monastic robe.
No particular story attached. It denotes the altruistic quality of the Buddha.

Varada Mudra, Standing Buddha, Gupta Style, Bangkok

Gupta style Buddha image.
Original found in Nakhon Pathom.
Presently a National Museum Bangkok.

Standing Buddha image.
Indian (Gupta) style.
Found at Sarnath, Varanasi, India.
Original now in the National Museum, Bangkok.

Characteristics and Postures of the Buddha
Sitting Buddhas
Reclining Buddhas
Seven Days of the Buddha

Hand Gestures :

The Six Main Mudras
Dhyana Mudra
Bhumisparsha Mudra
Abhaya Mudra
Vitarka Mudra
Varada Mudra

Historical Periods :

Dvaravati
Khmer-Lopburi
Chiang Saen - Lanna
Sukhothai
U Thong
Ayutthaya

Historical Notes :

Dvaravati
Sukhothai
Ayutthaya

Resources

Temples in Thailand :

Overview
Wat Pho
Wat Benchamabophit

Buddha Images at :

Buddha Images at Wat Phra Pathom Chedi

Introduction to Buddhism in Thailand

The 10 Jatakas (lives of the Buddha) as depicted in Thai mural Temple paintings