Shloka 6
Roganidāna: Definitions, Fivefold Diagnostic Method, and Doṣa-wise Causes
तदेव व्यक्ततां यातं रूपमित्यभिधीयते / संस्थानां व्यञ्जनं लिङ्गं लक्षणं चिह्नमाकृतिः
tadeva vyaktatāṃ yātaṃ rūpamityabhidhīyate / saṃsthānāṃ vyañjanaṃ liṅgaṃ lakṣaṇaṃ cihnamākṛtiḥ
That very entity, when it becomes manifest, is called “form” (rūpa). Its configuration is the outward expression—mark, characteristic, sign, and shape.
Lord Viṣṇu (in dialogue with Garuḍa/Vinatā-putra)
Concept: Rūpa as vyaktatā (manifestness) and its grasp through liṅga/lakṣaṇa/cihna/ākṛti—how the unmanifest is known via marks and configuration.
Vedantic Theme: Nāma-rūpa and lakṣaṇa as epistemic handles; distinction between essence and manifest attributes (vyavahāra).
Application: Use clear defining marks (lakṣaṇa) to avoid confusion in diagnosis, discourse, and self-inquiry—separate the thing from its indicators.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.146 (context: definitions used for medical/diagnostic exposition)
FAQs
This verse clarifies that “form” is what becomes manifest and knowable through identifiable signs—useful for precise understanding of philosophical terms used throughout the Purāṇa.
Indirectly, it supports Garuḍa Purāṇa’s technical vocabulary: subtle realities are recognized through liṅga (indicators). This helps frame later discussions where subtle states are inferred from signs and characteristics.
Use clear lakṣaṇas (defining characteristics) before drawing conclusions—whether in spiritual practice, ethics, or ritual learning—so understanding rests on discernible indicators rather than assumption.