Shloka 21
Visarpa Nidāna-Lakṣaṇa
Causes, Types, and Prognosis of Rapidly Spreading Eruptive Disorders
पक्ववच्छीर्णमांसश्च स्पष्टस्नायुशिरागणः / सर्वगो लक्षणैः सर्वेः सर्वगत्वक्समर्पणः / शवगन्धी च वीसर्पः कर्दमाख्यमुशन्ति तम्
pakvavacchīrṇamāṃsaśca spaṣṭasnāyuśirāgaṇaḥ / sarvago lakṣaṇaiḥ sarveḥ sarvagatvaksamarpaṇaḥ / śavagandhī ca vīsarpaḥ kardamākhyamuśanti tam
The flesh appears as if cooked and is sloughing away, with the tendons and clusters of veins clearly visible. Spreading everywhere with all these signs, consuming the skin throughout, it emits a corpse-like stench; this spreading affliction is called the disease known as “Kardama.”
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Nāma-rūpa identification: precise naming (kardama) based on defining signs; clarity prevents confusion in treatment and prognosis.
Vedantic Theme: Dukkha of embodied existence (śarīra-dharma) as a field of decay; dispassion through seeing impermanence.
Application: Recognize red-flag signs—cooked-like sloughing, exposed sinews/veins, whole-skin involvement, cadaveric odor—as urgent severity requiring immediate care and isolation/hygiene.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.163.20-24: progressive description, doṣa causation, treatability vs incurability; ‘kardama’ as a named vīsarpa variant
FAQs
They exemplify extreme, spreading decay—used as a vivid instruction on how destructive causes can ripen into overwhelming suffering and impurity.
By emphasizing bodily dissolution and foulness, it supports the Purana’s broader contemplation on mortality and karma, preparing the listener for teachings on death, rites, and afterlife consequences.
Cultivate purity in action and diet, avoid harm and neglect, and remember impermanence—using awareness of decay to strengthen dharma and compassionate conduct.