Shloka 17
Vashikarana–Stambhana Prayogas and Garbha-Sambhava Yogas
ओष्ठे नेत्रे ललाटे च मूर्ध्नि चन्द्रकलाः स्थिताः / स्त्रीणां पक्षे सिते कृष्णे ऊर्ध्वाधः संस्थिता नृणाम्
oṣṭhe netre lalāṭe ca mūrdhni candrakalāḥ sthitāḥ / strīṇāṃ pakṣe site kṛṣṇe ūrdhvādhaḥ saṃsthitā nṛṇām
The lunar phases are said to be stationed upon the lip, the eyes, the forehead, and the crown of the head. In women they are arranged through the bright and dark fortnights in one order, while in men they are arranged in the reverse—above and below.
Lord Viṣṇu (teaching Garuḍa/Vinatā-putra)
Concept: Microcosm-macrocosm correspondence: lunar phases (kalāḥ) are stationed in bodily loci; gendered ordering differs (women: śukla/krishna sequence; men: reverse).
Vedantic Theme: Kala (time) as a cosmic principle reflected in the embodied mind-sense complex; experiential reality structured by cosmic rhythms.
Application: Use the mapping of tithis/kalas to interpret auspiciousness, bodily signs, or timing/placement in related prayogas; note gender-specific inversion (ūrdhva-adhaḥ arrangement).
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: microcosmic locus
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.178.16 (body loci list preceding this lunar mapping)
FAQs
This verse links the moon’s phases with specific bodily locations, implying that lunar time (śukla/kṛṣṇa pakṣa) is not only calendrical but also reflected symbolically in the human constitution, supporting ritual and vrata timing.
It states that the arrangement of the lunar fortnights is described as one order for women and reversed (ūrdhva-adhaḥ) for men, presenting a traditional symbolic mapping used in interpreting observances and bodily indicators.
Use it as a reminder to align disciplined practices—fasts, prayer, and ethical vows—with the lunar calendar (bright/dark fortnights), while treating the body as a sacred instrument for dharma rather than mere superstition.