Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 4
Chapter 242 — पुरुषलक्षणं
Purusha-Lakshana): Marks of a Man (Physiognomy
पुरुषः स्यात्सुलक्षण्यो विपुलश् च तथा त्रिषु चतुर्लेखस् तथा यश् च तथैव च चतुःसमः
puruṣaḥ syātsulakṣaṇyo vipulaś ca tathā triṣu caturlekhas tathā yaś ca tathaiva ca catuḥsamaḥ
A man should be well-marked with auspicious signs, broad-built, and—on the three (lines/regions)—possessing four lines; he should also be renowned, and likewise ‘fourfold-even’, that is, with four parts proportionate and balanced.
Lord Agni (traditionally narrating Agni Purana teachings to sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Samanya","secondary_vidya":"Jyotisha","practical_application":"Physiognomic checklist for identifying an auspicious, socially/royally fit man—used in selection of officials, marriage considerations, and omen-reading.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Puruṣa-śubha-lakṣaṇa: sulakṣaṇya, vipulatva, catur-lekhā, catuḥ-samatā","lookup_keywords":["purusha-lakshana","sulakshanya","caturlekha","catussama","vipula"],"quick_summary":"Defines desirable male marks: overall auspiciousness, broad build, specific line-mark patterns, fame/renown, and balanced proportional symmetry."}
Concept: Śubha-lakṣaṇa as a dhārmic ideal of harmony: bodily balance mirrors inner order and social fitness.
Application: Prefer balanced, well-proportioned candidates for roles requiring steadiness and public trust.
Khanda Section: Samudrika-shastra (Physiognomy & auspicious bodily marks)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A measured assessment scene: a learned examiner indicates auspicious lines and proportional symmetry on a standing man with broad shoulders; a chart of ‘four lines’ and ‘fourfold balance’ is shown.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: stylized standing male figure with highlighted line-marks; a guru points with a stylus; background includes geometric measurement bands; strong outlines and flat colors.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: dignified standing figure with ornate border; gold-highlighted lines on body indicating lekhā; small inset of a balance scale symbolizing catuḥ-samatā; rich reds and gold.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: instructional plate-like composition—front-facing figure with annotated lines and proportional divisions; delicate shading and clear diagrammatic labels.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: court physician/astrologer-like scholar examining a nobleman; album-page aesthetic with marginal notes and a small proportional grid; refined textiles and realistic anatomy."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: syātsulakṣaṇyo = syāt su-lakṣaṇyaḥ; vipulaś = vipulaḥ; caturlekhas = catur-lekhaḥ; yaś = yaḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana samudrika subsections detailing specific lekhā (lines) and limb proportions (following verses)
FAQs
It imparts Samudrika-śāstra criteria for identifying an auspicious man—broad build, specific line/crease patterns (caturlekha), good reputation, and balanced fourfold bodily proportion.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana catalogs applied knowledge like physiognomy—using bodily markers and proportions as a traditional diagnostic for character and fortune.
Auspicious marks and balanced proportions are presented as outward indicators of accumulated merit (puṇya) and orderly dharmic disposition, suggesting a life inclined toward good repute and stability.