Shloka 4
Udara-roga Nidāna: Causes, Doṣa-Types, Spleen/Liver Enlargement, and Udakodara
पृथग्दोषैः समस्तौश्च प्लीहवङ्क्षक्षतोदकैः / तेनार्ताः शुष्कताल्वोष्ठाः सर्वपादकरोदराः
pṛthagdoṣaiḥ samastauśca plīhavaṅkṣakṣatodakaiḥ / tenārtāḥ śuṣkatālvoṣṭhāḥ sarvapādakarodarāḥ
Afflicted by the doṣas—each separately or all together—and by conditions such as disease of the spleen, pain in the flanks, and wasting with abnormal loss of fluids, they are sorely distressed. Their palate and lips grow dry, and their feet, hands, and abdomen are all afflicted (swollen or strained).
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda/Vainateya)
Concept: Disease can be dosha-specific or tridoshic; organ involvement (spleen/flanks) and fluid derangement manifest as dryness and generalized swelling—observe systemic signs, not isolated symptoms.
Vedantic Theme: Interdependence (paraspara-sambandha) of parts within the body; holistic seeing as right knowledge.
Application: When dryness of lips/palate and swelling of extremities accompany abdominal issues, treat as systemic pathology; evaluate fluid balance, organ enlargement, and multi-dosha involvement promptly.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.161.1-3 (mandagni → mala-sanchaya → vayu dushti → udararoga classification)
FAQs
This verse lists specific physical deteriorations (dry palate/lips, systemic affliction and swelling-like symptoms) used as traditional indicators that life-force is failing, prompting timely dharmic preparations and rites.
It frames a cluster of debilitating symptoms as preta-like markers, implying the person’s vitality is collapsing toward the transitional condition discussed in the Garuda Purana’s after-death narrative.
Use it as a reminder for timely spiritual and family duties—settling obligations, remembering dharma, and arranging last rites—rather than delaying until the final crisis.