Shloka 43
Purusha-Strī-Lakṣaṇa (Samudrika-śāstra): Marks of Kingship, Wealth, Longevity, and Conduct
प्रोत्तानक रदातारो विषमैर्विषमा नराः / करैः करतलैश्चैव लाक्षाभैरीश्वरास्तलैः
prottānaka radātāro viṣamairviṣamā narāḥ / karaiḥ karatalaiścaiva lākṣābhairīśvarāstalaiḥ
Some men, warped by uneven and hostile conditions, become misshapen, as though giving with limbs held rigid and outstretched. Their hands and palms are afflicted, and their soles appear as if smeared with red lac (lākṣā), by the fruit of their own deeds.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda/Vainateya)
Dosha: Vata
Concept: Karma leaves somatic traces: unevenness, affliction, and discoloration are read as results of deeds and hostile conditions.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-vipaka and dukha as samsaric markers; impetus toward vairagya (dispassion).
Application: Reflect on actions and their downstream effects; adopt ethical conduct and restorative practices; avoid blaming the afflicted—use the teaching for self-scrutiny.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.65 (karmic reading of bodily marks)
FAQs
This verse illustrates that actions leave tangible consequences, described as visible afflictions on limbs, hands, palms, and soles—serving as a moral warning about karmic retribution.
Within the Preta Kanda’s framework, the soul’s post-death experience includes undergoing results of past deeds; the text depicts these results as specific sufferings and deformities, reinforcing the inevitability of karmic justice.
Cultivate ethical conduct and avoid harmful actions, recognizing that choices have consequences; live with restraint, honesty, and compassion to reduce suffering caused by one’s own karma.