Vitarka Mudra - Teaching, Instruction

Teaching, Giving Instruction, Reason.
The hand is held closer to the chest than in the Abhaya Mudra. The palm is facing outward. A circle is made with the index finger and the thumb. The other three fingers point upward. Initially made with the right hand, later on the gesture is often portrayed with both hands.
Common gesture in Dvaravati Buddha images.
Sometimes also substituted for the Dharmachakra Mudra (see below).
The Vitarka Mudra can be made while in sitting or standing position.

Buddha, wearing the attributes of Royalty, in the Khmer style of the Lopburi period.
With the gesture (see right hand) of preaching. Cast and enlarged from an old model.
Image present in the cloister of the Ubosoth at Wat Benchamabophit, Bangkok.

Sitting Buddha, Dvaravati Style, Vitarka Mudra

Stone carving of scene from the Buddha's life. Dvaravati art 7th-11th century A.D. The Lord Buddha is seated in so-called 'European' fashion.
Phra Pathom Chedi National Museum (Nakhon Pathom)
Original found at Wat Sai, Nakhon Pathom.

Standing Buddha, Dvaravati Art, Vitarka Mudra

Dharavati art - Standing Buddha with two hands displaying Vitarka Mudra. 7- 9 th century A.D.
Found at Si Mahosot.
Now present at National Museum, Prachinburi.

Buddha, preaching the First Sermon (Deer Park)

Preaching the First Sermon
The Buddha went to the Deer Park at Isipatana near Benares and preached his first sermon to a group of Five Disciples.
Buddha image at Phra Pathom Chedi.

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