Shloka 23
Madātyaya Nidāna and Lakṣaṇa: Liquor’s Qualities, Tridoṣa Presentations, and Fainting Signs
पित्तलिङ्गत्वमाद्येन विकृतेहा स्वराज्ञता / विसत्कम्पोतिनिद्रा च सर्वेभ्यो ऽभ्यधिकं श्रमः
pittaliṅgatvamādyena vikṛtehā svarājñatā / visatkampotinidrā ca sarvebhyo 'bhyadhikaṃ śramaḥ
First appears the state marked by pitta (bile); then the will and conduct become distorted and self-willed. There arise trembling, disturbed sleep, and an exhaustion greater than all others.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Dosha: Pitta
Concept: Recognizing early bodily and mental signs as diagnostic indicators of humoral disturbance; mind and conduct are affected by bodily imbalance.
Vedantic Theme: Deha–manas sambandha (interdependence of body and mind) and the need for viveka (discernment) regarding changing states.
Application: Observe early warning signs (heat, tremor, insomnia, extreme fatigue, irritability/self-will) and seek balancing regimen before deterioration.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.155.24-27 (dosha-specific fainting signs); Garuda Purana medical/ayurveda sections describing tridosha symptomatology
FAQs
This verse lists characteristic disturbances—pitta dominance, distorted will, trembling, insomnia, and extreme fatigue—used in the Preta Kanda to indicate the body-mind destabilization that can accompany the approach of death and the transition toward the preta state.
By describing the breakdown of normal bodily and mental regulation (sleep, steadiness, and intention), it points to the loosening of the jīva’s connection with the gross body—an early stage in the transition that later texts describe more fully as the soul moves under Yama’s order.
Treat such signs as cues for calm support, dharmic conduct, and timely spiritual preparation—prayer, remembrance of Vishnu, and arranging appropriate last rites—rather than panic or harsh judgment of the person’s behavior.