Adhyaya 37

Verse 1

स्कंद उवाच । सदा गृही सुखं भुंक्ते स्त्री लक्षणवती यदि । अतः सुखसमृद्ध्यर्थमादौ लक्षणमीक्षयेत्

Skanda said: If a wife possesses auspicious characteristics, a householder enjoys happiness always. Therefore, for the sake of happiness and prosperity, one should examine the marks at the outset.

Verse 2

वपुरावर्तगंधाश्चच्छाया सत्वं स्वरो गतिः । वर्णश्चेत्यष्टधा प्रोक्ता बुधैर्लक्षणभूमिका

Form, hair-whorls, fragrance, the lustre of complexion, temperament, voice, gait, and bodily color—these eight, the wise declare, are the foundations for discerning characteristics.

Verse 3

आपादतलमारभ्य यावन्मौलिरुहं क्रमात् । शुभाशुभानि वक्ष्यामि लक्षणानि मुने शृणु

Beginning from the soles of the feet and proceeding in order up to the hair upon the crown, I shall declare the auspicious and inauspicious bodily marks. O sage, listen.

Verse 4

आदौ पादतलं रेखास्ततोंगुष्ठांगुली नखाः । पृष्ठगुल्फद्वयं पार्ष्णी जंघे रोमाणि जानुनी

First consider the sole of the foot and its lines; then the great toe, the other toes, and the nails; then the upper part of the foot, the pair of ankles, the heel, the calves, the hair thereon, and the knees.

Verse 5

ऊरू कटी नितंबस्फिग्भगो जघन बस्तिके । नाभिः कुक्षिद्वयं पार्श्वोदरमध्य वलित्रयम्

Then consider the thighs, the waist, the hips and buttocks, the pudendum, the loins and the pelvic region; the navel, the pair of flanks, the sides, the middle of the abdomen, and the three abdominal folds.

Verse 6

रोमाली हृदयं वक्षो वक्षोजद्वयचूचुकम् । जत्रुस्कंधां सकक्षादोर्मणिबंध करद्वयम्

Then consider the line of hair, the heart-region, the chest, the pair of breasts with their nipples; the collarbone region and shoulders, together with the armpits, the arms, the wrists, and the two hands.

Verse 7

पाणिपृष्ठं पाणितलं रेखांगुष्ठांगुली नखाः । पृष्ठिः कृकाटिका कंठे चिबुकं च हनुद्वयम्

Next, contemplate the back of the hand, the palm and its lines, the thumb, the fingers, and the nails; also the back of the neck, the nape, the throat, the chin, and the two jaws.

Verse 8

कपोलौ वक्त्रमधरोत्तरोष्ठौ द्विजजिह्विकाः । घंटिका तालुहसितं नासिकाक्षुतमक्षिणी

Contemplate the two cheeks, the face, the lower and upper lips, the teeth and the tongue; the uvula, the palate and the smile; the nose and the sneeze, and the eyes.

Verse 9

पक्ष्म भ्रूकर्णभालानि मौलि सीमंतमौलिजाः । षष्टिः षडुत्तरायोषिदंगलक्षणसत्खनिः

Contemplate the eyelashes, the eyebrows, the ears, and the forehead; the crown of the head, the parting of the hair, and the hairs upon the crown. These are the sixty-six excellent bodily marks of a woman.

Verse 10

स्त्रीणां पादतलं स्निग्धं मांसलं मृदुलं समम् । अस्वेदमुष्णमरुणं बहुभोगोचितं स्मृतम्

A woman’s sole is said to be auspicious when it is glossy, fleshy, soft, and even; free from excessive sweat, warm, and reddish—fit for abundant enjoyments and prosperity.

Verse 11

रूक्षं विवर्णं परुषं खंडितप्रतिबिंबकम् । शूर्पाकारं विशुष्कं च दुःखदौर्भाग्यसूचकम्

But a sole that is rough, discolored, harsh, with broken or fragmented markings, shaped like a winnowing basket, and overly dry—this is said to indicate sorrow and misfortune.

Verse 12

चक्र स्वस्तिक शंखाब्ज ध्वजमीनातपत्रवत् । यस्याः पादतले रेखा सा भवेत्क्षितिपांगना

She whose sole bears lines like a discus (cakra), svastika, conch, lotus, banner, fish, or parasol—such a woman becomes a king’s consort, a royal lady.

Verse 13

भवेदखंडभोगायोर्द्ध्वामध्यांगुलिसंगता । रेखाखु सर्पकाकाभा दुःखदारिद्र्यसूचिका

If a line on the foot runs unbroken and meets the middle toe, it is said to signify unceasing enjoyment; but a line shaped like a rat, a serpent, or a crow is declared a sign foretelling sorrow and poverty.

Verse 14

उन्नतो मांसलोंगुष्ठो वर्तुलोतुलभोगदः । वक्रो ह्रस्वश्च चिपिटः सुखसौभाग्यभंजकः

A raised, fleshy big toe, rounded in form, is said to bestow incomparable enjoyments; but if it is crooked, short, or flattened, it is described as one that breaks happiness and good fortune.

Verse 15

विधवा विपुलेन स्याद्दीर्घांगुष्ठेन दुर्भगा । मृदवोंगुलयः शस्ता घनावृत्ताः समुन्नताः

With an overly broad big toe, she is said to become a widow; with an excessively long big toe, she is called unfortunate. Soft toes are praised—especially those that are compact, well-rounded, and slightly raised.

Verse 16

दीर्घांगुलीभिः कुलटा कृशाभिरतिनिर्धना । ह्रस्वायुष्या च ह्रस्वाभिर्भुग्नाभिर्भुग्नवर्तिनी

With very long toes she is described as unchaste; with thin, bony toes, extremely poor. With short toes she is said to be short-lived; and with bent toes, her course of life is described as troubled and distorted.

Verse 17

चिपिटाभिर्भवेद्दासी विरलाभिर्दरिद्रिणी । परस्परं समारूढाः पादांगुल्यो भवंति हि

With flattened toes she is said to become a servant; with widely spaced toes, a poor woman. Indeed, the toes of the feet may also be found overlapping one another.

Verse 18

हत्वा बहूनपि पतीन्परप्रेष्या तदा भवेत् । यस्याः पथि समायांत्या रजोभूमेः समुच्छलेत्

Having caused the death of many husbands, she then becomes one sent about at others’ command. She is the kind of woman for whom, as she comes along the road, dust rises up from the ground in her path.

Verse 19

सा पांसुला प्रजायेत कुलत्रयविनाशिनी । यस्याः कनिष्ठिका भूमिं न गच्छंत्याः परिस्पृशेत्

She is born as ‘Pāṃsulā’, a destroyer of three generations of the family—she whose little toe, even while she walks, does not properly touch the ground.

Verse 20

सा निहत्य पतिं योषा द्वितीयं कुरुते पतिम् । अनामिका च मध्या च यस्या भूमिं न संस्पृशेत्

That woman, having caused the death of her husband, takes a second husband—she whose ring toe and middle toe do not touch the ground.

Verse 21

पतिद्वयं निहंत्याद्या द्वितीया च पतित्रयम् । पतिहीनत्वकारिण्यौ हीने ते द्वे इमे यदि

The first sign causes the death of two husbands; the second, of three. These two—if defective—are said to bring about husbandlessness (loss of the husband).

Verse 22

प्रदेशिनी भवेद्यस्या अंगुष्ठाव्यतिरेकिणी । कन्यैव कुलटा सा स्यादेष एव विनिश्चयः

If a woman’s second toe extends beyond the great toe, she is called Pradeśinī. Even while still a maiden, she is said to be unchaste—this is the settled conclusion.

Verse 23

स्निग्धाः समुन्नतास्ताम्रा वृत्ताः पादनखाः शुभाः

Toenails that are smooth, slightly raised, copper-reddish, and rounded are regarded as auspicious marks.

Verse 24

राज्ञीत्वसूचकं स्त्रीणां पादपृष्ठं समुन्नतम् । अस्वेदमशिराढ्यं च मसृणं मृदुमांसलम्

For women, an elevated instep is said to indicate queenly fortune; likewise, a foot that is not sweaty, not prominent with veins, smooth, soft, and fleshy is praised as a sign of prosperity.

Verse 25

दरिद्रा मध्यनम्रेण शिरालेन सदाध्वगा । रोमाढ्येन भवेद्दासी निर्मांसेन च दुर्भगा

If the foot is depressed in the middle, she is said to be poor; if it is veiny, she is said to be ever-wandering. If it is overly hairy, she is said to become a servant; and if it lacks flesh, she is regarded as unfortunate.

Verse 26

गूढौ गुल्फौ शिवायोक्तावशिरालौ सुवर्तुलौ । स्थपुटौ शिथिलौ दृश्यौ स्यातां दौर्भाग्यसूचकौ

Hidden, well-set ankles, as taught by Śivā, that are not veiny and are nicely rounded are praised; but if the ankles appear thick and loose, they are said to indicate misfortune.

Verse 27

समपार्ष्णिः शुभा नारी पृथुपार्ष्णिश्च दुर्भगा । कुलटोन्नतपार्ष्णि स्याद्दीर्घपार्ष्णिश्च दुःखभाक्

A woman whose heels are even is auspicious; one with broad heels is unfortunate. One whose heels are raised is said to be wanton, and one with long heels is a bearer of sorrow.

Verse 28

रोमहीने समे स्निग्धे यज्जंघे क्रमवर्तुले । सा राजपत्नी भवति विशिरेसुमनोहरे

If a woman’s shanks are hairless, even, smooth, and gradually rounded in shape—beautiful to behold—she becomes a king’s wife.

Verse 29

एकरोमा राजपत्नी द्विरोमा च सुखावहा । त्रिरोमा रोमकूपेषु भवेद्वैधव्यदुःखभाक्

If there is one hair in each hair-pore, she is a king’s wife; if there are two, she is a bringer of happiness. But if there are three hairs in the pores, she becomes a sufferer of the sorrow of widowhood.

Verse 30

वृत्तं पिशितसंलग्नं जानुयुग्मं प्रशस्यते । निर्मांसं स्वैरचारिण्या दरिद्रा याश्च विश्लथम्

A pair of knees that is rounded and well-fleshed is praised. But knees that are fleshless indicate a woman of loose conduct; and those that are slack and unstable are said to mark poverty.

Verse 31

विशिरैः करभाकारैरूरुभिर्मसृणैर्घनैः । सुवृत्तैरोमरहितैर्भवेयुर्भूपवल्लभाः

Women with broad, well-formed thighs shaped like an elephant’s trunk—smooth, firm, nicely rounded, and free from hair—become beloved of kings.

Verse 32

वैधव्यं रोमशैरुक्तं दौर्भाग्यं चिपिटैरपि । मध्यच्छिद्रैर्महादुःखं दारिद्र्यं कठिनत्वचैः

The sages declare: widowhood is marked by rough, bristling hair, and misfortune also by flattened features. A hollow in the middle signifies great sorrow, and hardened skin signifies poverty.

Verse 33

चतुर्भिरंगुलैः शस्ता कटिर्विंशतिसंयुतैः । समुन्नतनितंबाढ्या चतुरस्रा मृगीदृशाम्

A waist of twenty finger-breadths is praised. She whose hips are well-filled, with uplifted buttocks, and whose form is four-sided and well-proportioned—such are the doe-eyed women described.

Verse 34

विनता चिपिटा दीर्घा निर्मांसासंकटाकटिः । ह्रस्वा रोमयुता नार्या दुःखवैधव्यसूचिका

A woman who is bent and flat in form, long-limbed, with a lean and constricted waist; short in stature and hairy—such traits are said to indicate sorrow and widowhood.

Verse 35

नितंबबिंबो नारीणामुन्नतो मांसलः पृथुः । महाभोगाय संप्रोक्तस्तदन्योऽशर्मणे मतः

Among women, buttocks that are high, fleshy, and broad are declared to conduce to great enjoyment; any other kind is considered to lead to discomfort.

Verse 36

कपित्थफलवद्वृत्तौ मृदुलौ मांसलौ घनौ । स्फिचौ वलिविनिर्मुक्तौ रतिसौख्यविवर्धनौ

Buttocks that are round like the kapittha (wood-apple) fruit—soft, fleshy, and firm, and free from folds—are said to increase the pleasures of love.

Verse 37

शुभः कमठपृष्ठाभो गजस्कंधोपमो भगः । वामोन्नतस्तु कन्याजः पुत्रजो दक्षिणोन्नतः

An auspicious and fortunate yoni is said to resemble a tortoise’s back or an elephant’s shoulder. If it rises more on the left, it is said to bestow daughters; if it rises more on the right, it is said to bestow sons.

Verse 38

आखुरोमा गूढमणिः सुश्लिष्टः संहतः पृथुः । तुंगः कमलपर्णाभः शुभोश्वत्थदलाकृतिः

With mouse-like hair and the jewel (clitoris) well concealed; closely joined, compact, and broad; raised like a lotus petal—this is auspicious, having the form of an aśvattha leaf.

Verse 39

कुरंगखुररूपोयश्चुल्लिकोदरसन्निभः । रोमशो विवृतास्यश्च दृश्यनासोतिदुर्भगः

That which is shaped like a deer’s hoof, resembling the belly of a small pot; excessively hairy, with an overly open ‘mouth’ and a conspicuous ‘nose’—is described as very inauspicious.

Verse 40

शंखावर्तो भगो यस्याः सा गर्भमिह नेच्छति । चिपिटः खर्पराकारः किंकरी पददो भगः

She whose yoni is spiraled like a conch (śaṅkha) is said not to desire pregnancy in this world. A flat one, shaped like a bowl, is said to make her a ‘servant’; and a foot-shaped yoni is described likewise as inauspicious.

Verse 41

वंशवेतसपत्राभो गजरोमोच्चनासिकः । विकटः कुटिलाकारो लंबगल्लस्तथाऽशुभः

That which resembles the leaf of bamboo or cane, with elephant-like hair and a prominent ‘nose’; grotesque, crooked in form, and with hanging ‘cheeks’—this too is described as inauspicious.

Verse 42

भगस्य भालं जघनं विस्तीर्णं तुंगमांसलम् । मृदुलं मृदुलोमाढ्यं दक्षिणावर्तमीडितम्

The “forehead” and the posterior region of the yoni—broad, elevated, and fleshy; soft, adorned with fine hair, and right-turning—are praised.

Verse 43

वामावर्तं च निर्मांसं भुग्नवैधव्यसूचकम् । संकटस्थपुटं रूक्षं जघनं दुःखदं सदा

A left-turning formation, lacking flesh and marked by deformity, is said to indicate widowhood; and a cramped, rough, constricted hip-region is always declared a source of sorrow.

Verse 44

बस्तिः प्रशस्ता विपुला मृद्वीस्तोकसमुन्नता । रोमशा च शिराला च रेखांका नैव शोभना

The lower abdomen/waist-region is praised when it is broad, soft, and only slightly raised; but when it is overly hairy, veiny, or marked with conspicuous lines and streaks, it is said to be not beautiful (inauspicious).

Verse 45

गंभीरा दक्षिणावर्ता नाभी स्यात्सुखसंपदे । वामावर्ता समुत्ताना व्यक्तग्रंथिर्न शोभना

A deep navel that turns to the right is said to bring happiness and prosperity; but a left-turning navel, protruding and with a clearly visible knot, is not considered auspicious.

Verse 46

सूते सुतान्बहून्नारी पृथुकुक्षिः सुखास्पदम् । क्षितीशं जनयेत्पुत्रं मंडूकाभेन कुक्षिणा

A woman with a broad belly—an abode of comfort—is said to bear many children; and with a belly shaped like a frog, she is said to give birth to a son who becomes a ruler of the earth.

Verse 47

उन्नतेन वलीभाजा सावर्तेनापि कुक्षिणा । वंध्या प्रव्रजिता दासी क्रमाद्योषा भवेदिह

But if the belly is raised, laden with folds, and marked by an inauspicious turn, that woman here is said, step by step, to become barren, then to leave the household, and then to become a maidservant.

Verse 48

समैः समांसैर्मृदुभिर्योषिन्मग्नास्थिभिः शुभैः । पार्श्वेः सौभाग्यसुखयोर्निधानं स्यादसंशयम्

A woman whose sides are even, well-fleshed, soft, and auspicious—whose bones are not prominent but well-set—is, without doubt, a treasury of good fortune and happiness.

Verse 49

यस्यादृश्य शिरे पार्श्वे उन्नते रोमसंयुते । निरपत्या च दुःशीला सा भवेद्दुःखशेवधिः

But if the sides are raised, covered with hair, and the bones are visibly prominent, she is said to be childless and ill-natured—becoming a storehouse of sorrow.

Verse 50

उदरेणातितुच्छेन विशिरेण मृदुत्वचा । योषिद्भवति भोगाढ्या नित्यं मिष्टान्नसेविनी

With a very small belly, with prominent bones, and with soft skin, a woman is said to be rich in enjoyments and one who constantly partakes of sweet foods.

Verse 51

कुंभाकारं दरिद्राया जठरं च मृदंगवत् । कूष्मांडाभं यवाभं च दुष्पूरं जायते स्त्रियाः

A pot-shaped belly is said to belong to a poor woman; and a belly like a drum—like a gourd or like barley—becomes, in a woman, hard to satisfy, ever-demanding.

Verse 52

सुविशालोदरी नारी निरपत्या च दुर्भगा । प्रलंबजठरा हंति श्वशुरं चापि देवरम्

A woman with an excessively large belly is said to be childless and unfortunate; and one whose abdomen hangs pendulous is said to bring ruin even upon her father-in-law and her husband’s brother.

Verse 53

मध्यक्षामा च सुभगा भोगाढ्या सवलित्रया । ऋज्वी तन्वी च रोमाली यस्याः सा शर्मनर्मभूः

A woman whose hair-line is of moderate slenderness, auspicious, endowed with enjoyments, gently rippled, straight, delicate, and softly downy—such a one becomes a source of comfort and delight to her household.

Verse 54

कपिला कुटिला स्थूला विच्छिन्ना रोमराजिका । चौर वैधव्य दौर्भाग्यं विदध्यादिह योषिताम्

If a woman’s hair-line is tawny, crooked, thick, or broken, it is said to bring about—here in this world—association with thieves, widowhood, and misfortune for women.

Verse 55

निर्लोमहृदयं यस्याः समं निम्नत्व वर्जितम् । ऐश्वर्यं चाप्यवैधव्यं प्रियप्रेम च सा लभेत्

A woman whose chest is smooth (without hair), even, and free from hollowness is said to attain prosperity, freedom from widowhood, and the affectionate love of her beloved.

Verse 56

विस्तीर्णहृदया योषा पुंश्चली निर्दया तथा । उद्भिन्नरोमहृदया पतिं हंति विनिश्चितम्

A woman with an overly broad chest is said to be fickle and pitiless; and one whose chest has bristling hair is declared—certainly—to destroy her husband.

Verse 57

अष्टादशांगुलततमुरः पीवरमुन्नतम् । सुखाय दुःखाय भवेद्रोमशं विषमं पृथु

A chest measuring eighteen aṅgulas, full and uplifted, may lead to happiness or to sorrow—according as the body-hair is even or uneven, and spread widely.

Verse 58

घनौ वृत्तौ दृढौ पीनौ समौ शस्तौ पयोधरौ । स्थूलाग्रौ विरलौ शुष्कौ वामोरूणां न शर्मदौ

Breasts that are dense, rounded, firm, full, even, and well-formed are praised; but if their tips are thick, or they are sparse or dry, then for fair-thighed women they are said not to give comfort.

Verse 59

दक्षिणोन्नत वक्षोजा पुत्रिणी त्वग्रणीर्मता । वामोन्नतकुचा सूते कन्यां सौभाग्यसुंदरीम्

A woman whose right breast is higher is regarded as a foremost mother of sons; but one whose left breast is higher gives birth to a daughter—beautiful and endowed with good fortune.

Verse 60

अरघट्टघटीतुल्यौ कुचौ दौःशील्यसूचकौ । पीवरास्यौ सांतरालौ पृथूपांतौ न शोभनौ

Breasts resembling the pots of a water-wheel (araghaṭṭa) are held to indicate bad character. Heavy in front, with a wide gap between them and broad sides, they are said to be not pleasing.

Verse 61

मूले स्थूलौ क्रमकृशावग्रे तीक्ष्णौ पयोधरौ । सुखदौ पूर्वकाले तु पश्चादत्यंत दुःखदौ

Breasts thick at the base, gradually tapering and sharp at the tip, give comfort in the earlier time; but later they become exceedingly painful.

Verse 62

सुदृढं चूचुकयुगं शस्तं श्यामं सुवर्तुलम् । अंतर्मग्नं च दीर्घं च कृशं क्लेशाय जायते

A pair of nipples that is very firm, commendable, dark, and well rounded is praised; but if it is sunken inward, long, and thin, it tends to bring distress.

Verse 63

पीवराभ्यां च जत्रुभ्यां धनधान्यनिधिर्वधूः । श्लथास्थिभ्यां च निम्नाभ्यां विषमाभ्यां दरिद्रिणी

A bride whose collarbone region is full and well formed becomes a treasure-house of wealth and grain; but one whose bones are loose, whose features are sunken, and whose form is uneven is said to bear the mark of poverty.

Verse 64

अबद्धावनतौ स्कंधावदीर्घावकृशौ शुभौ । वक्रौ स्थूलौ च रोमाढ्यौ प्रेष्य वैधव्यसूचकौ

If the shoulders are relaxed and gently sloping—neither constrained nor raised—long and slender, they are auspicious; but if they are crooked, thick, and overly hairy, they indicate servitude and are regarded as signs pointing toward widowhood.

Verse 65

निगूढसंधी स्रस्ताग्रौ शुभावंसौ सुसंहतौ । वैधव्यदौ समुच्चाग्रौ निर्मांसावतिदुःखदौ

When the joints are well concealed and the ends gently drooping, and when the shoulders are auspicious and compact, they are praised; but shoulders whose tips are excessively raised, or that are fleshless, are said to bestow widowhood and great suffering.

Verse 66

कक्षेसु सूक्ष्मरोमे तु तुंगे स्निग्धे च मांसले । शस्तेन शस्ते गंभीरे शिराले स्वेदमेदुरे

If the armpits have fine hair and are slightly elevated, smooth, and fleshy, they are deemed excellent—deep, well shaped, and veined, with healthy perspiration and softness.

Verse 67

स्यातां दोषौ सुनिर्दोषौ गूढास्थि ग्रंथिकोमलौ । विशिरौ च विरोमाणौ सरलौ हरिणीदृशाम्

The armpits should be faultless—truly without defect—bones hidden, with soft little knots of flesh; with no prominent veins and little hair; straight and well-formed—such are praised in doe-eyed women.

Verse 68

वैधव्यं स्थूलरोमाणौ ह्रस्वौ दौर्भाग्यसूचकौ । परिक्लेशाय नारीणां परिदृश्यशिरौ भुजौ

Arms that are short and covered with coarse hair are said to indicate widowhood and misfortune. Arms whose ends or joints are conspicuously visible are declared to bring hardship to women.

Verse 69

अंभोज मुकुलाकारमंगुष्ठांगुलिसंमुखम् । हस्तद्वयं मृगाक्षीणां बहुभोगाय जायते

For doe-eyed women, hands shaped like a lotus-bud—well-formed in thumb and fingers—are said to be bestowed for abundant enjoyment and prosperity in life.

Verse 70

मृदुमध्योन्नतं रक्तं तलं पाण्योररंध्रकम् । प्रशस्तं शस्तरेखाढ्यमल्परेखं शुभश्रियम्

A palm that is soft, slightly raised in the middle, reddish, and without fissures is praised. When it bears fine auspicious lines—yet not too many—it is held to confer good fortune and auspicious prosperity.

Verse 71

विधवा बहुरेखेण विरेखेण दरिद्रिणी । भिक्षुकी सुशिराढ्येन नारी करतलेन वै

A woman is said to become a widow if her palm has too many lines, and to be poor if it is marked by broken or discordant lines. If the palm is filled with holes or prominent veins, she is described as destined to live by begging.

Verse 72

विरोम विशिरं शस्तं पाणिपृष्ठंसमुन्नतम् । वैधव्यहेतुरोमाढ्यं निर्मांसं स्नायुमत्त्यजेत्

A hand that is hairless and without prominent veins is praised; and the back of the hand, gently raised, is deemed auspicious. But one should reject a hand that is excessively hairy—held to be a cause of widowhood—or one that is fleshless and sinewy.

Verse 73

रक्ता व्यक्ता गभीरा च स्निग्धा पूर्णा च वर्तुला । कररेखांगना याः स्याच्छुभा भाग्यानुसारतः

A woman whose lines upon the hand are reddish, clearly marked, deep, smooth, full, and rounded is deemed auspicious, yielding results in accordance with her good fortune.

Verse 74

मत्स्येन सुभगा नारी स्वस्तिकेन वसुप्रदा । पद्मेन भूपतेः पत्नी जनयेद्भूपतिं सुतम्

If the fish-mark is seen, the woman is fortunate; with a svastika-mark (卍), she becomes a giver of wealth. With a lotus-mark, she becomes the wife of a king and gives birth to a kingly son.

Verse 75

चक्रवर्तिस्त्रियाः पाणौ नंद्यावर्तः प्रदक्षिणः । शंखातपत्रक मठा नृपमातृत्वसूचकाः

In the palm of a chakravartin’s (universal monarch’s) wife, a right-turning nandyāvarta appears; and marks resembling a conch, a royal parasol, or a pavilion are signs indicating that she will be the mother of a king.

Verse 76

तुलामानाकृतीरेखे वणिक्पत्नीत्वहेतुके । गजवाजिवृषाकाराः करे वामे मृगीदृशाम्

Lines shaped like a balance or a measuring-rod are causes for becoming a merchant’s wife. And shapes like an elephant, horse, or bull on the left hand of a doe-eyed woman are likewise regarded as significant signs.

Verse 77

रेखा प्रासादवज्राभा ब्रूयुस्तीर्थकरं सुतम् । कृषीवलस्य पत्नी स्याच्छकटेन युगेन वा

A line resembling a palace or a thunderbolt is said to foretell a son who establishes tīrthas, a benefactor of pilgrims. With marks like a cart or a yoke, she becomes the wife of a cultivator.

Verse 78

चामरांकुशकोदंडै राजपत्नी भवेद्ध्रुवम् । अंगुष्ठमूलान्निर्गत्य रेखा याति कनिष्ठिकाम्

With marks resembling a chāmara (ritual fly-whisk), an elephant-goad, or a bow, she surely becomes a king’s wife. A line that emerges from the base of the thumb and runs toward the little finger is also described.

Verse 79

यदि सा पतिहंत्री स्याद्दूरतस्तां त्यजेत्सुधीः । त्रिशूलासिगदाशक्ति दुंदुभ्याकृति रेखया । नितंबिनी कीर्तिमती त्यागेन पृथिवीतले

If she is one who brings destruction to her husband, the wise should abandon her from afar. By lines shaped like a trident, sword, mace, spear, or drum, that full-hipped woman becomes renowned upon the earth through renunciation (or separation).

Verse 80

कंक जंबूक मंडूक वृक वृश्चिक भोगिनः । रासभोष्ट्र बिडालाः स्युः करस्था दुःखदाः स्त्रियाः

If marks resembling a heron, jackal, frog, wolf, scorpion, serpent, donkey, camel, or cat are found on the hand, such women are said to bring sorrow.

Verse 81

शुभदः सरलोंगुष्ठो वृत्तो वृत्तनखो मृदुः

An auspicious thumb is straight, rounded, has a rounded nail, and is soft.

Verse 82

अंगुल्यश्च सुपर्वाणो दीर्घावृत्ताः क्रमात्कृशाः । चिपिटाःस्थपुटा रूक्षाः पृष्ठरोमयुजोऽशुभाः

Fingers whose joints are well formed, long and rounded, and that gradually taper slender are auspicious; but fingers that are flat, thick-set, rough, and hairy on the back are inauspicious.

Verse 83

अतिह्रस्वाः कृशा वक्रा विरला रोगहेतुकाः । दुःखायांगुलयः स्त्रीणां बहुपर्वसमन्विताः

For women, fingers that are exceedingly short, thin, crooked, sparse, and marked by many joints are said to cause illness and bring sorrow.

Verse 84

अरुणाः सशिखास्तुंगाः करजाः सुदृशांशुभाः । निम्ना विवर्णाः शुक्त्याभाः पीता दारिद्र्यदायकाः

Nails that are reddish, crested at the tip and slightly raised are deemed auspicious and pleasing to behold; but nails that are sunken, discolored, shell-pale in luster, or yellow are said to bring poverty.

Verse 85

नखेषु बिंदवः श्वेताः प्रायः स्युः स्वैरिणी स्त्रियाः । पुरुषा अपि जायंते दुःखिनः पुष्पितैर्नखैः

White spots upon the nails are generally said to mark a wayward woman; and even men, when their nails are ‘flowered’ with speckles, are said to be born into sorrow.

Verse 86

अंतर्निमग्नवंशास्थिः पृष्ठिः स्यान्मांसला शुभा । पृष्ठेन रोमयुक्तेन वैधव्यं लभते ध्रुवम्

A back in which the spinal bone does not protrude, seeming set inward, and which is well-fleshed is considered auspicious; but a back that is hairy is said surely to lead to widowhood.

Verse 87

भुग्नेन विनतेनापि सशिरेणापि दुःखिता । ऋज्वी कृकाटिका श्रेष्ठा समांसा च समुन्नता

If the nape at the neck-junction is bent, drooping, or bearing a lump, she is said to be unhappy. The best nape is straight, evenly fleshed, and gently raised.

Verse 88

शुष्का शिराला रोमाढ्या विशाला कुटिलाशुभा । मांसलो वर्तुलः कंठः प्रशस्तश्चतुरंगुलः

A throat that is dry, veiny, hairy, broad, or crooked is inauspicious. A throat that is fleshy and round—measuring about four finger-breadths—is praised as auspicious.

Verse 89

शस्ता ग्रीवा त्रिरेखांका त्वव्यक्तास्थिः सुसंहता । निर्मांसा चिपिटा दीर्घास्थपुटा न शुभप्रदा

A commendable neck bears three lines, has bones not standing out, and is well-knit. But a neck that is fleshless, flat, and long-boned is not a giver of good fortune.

Verse 90

स्थूलग्रीवा च विधवा वक्रग्रीवा च किंकरी । वंध्या द्विचिपिटग्रीवा ह्रस्वग्रीवा च निःसुता

A thick-necked woman is said to become a widow; a crooked-necked woman, a servant. One with a neck that is doubly flat is said to be barren; and one with a short neck is said to be without children.

Verse 91

चिबुकंद्वयंगुलं शस्तं वृत्तं पीनं सुकोमलम् । स्थूलं द्विधा संविभक्तमायतं रोमशं त्यजेत्

A chin measuring two finger-breadths, round, full, and very soft is praised. But a chin that is overly large, split into two, elongated, or hairy should be rejected.

Verse 92

हनुश्चिबुकसंलग्ना निर्लोमा सुघनाशुभा । वक्रा स्थूला कृशा ह्रस्वा रोमशा न शुभप्रदा

A jaw well joined to the chin—hairless, firm, and compact—is auspicious. But a jaw that is crooked, overly thick, too thin, too short, or hairy is not a giver of good fortune.

Verse 93

शस्तौ कपोलौ वामाक्ष्याः पीनौ वृत्तौ समुन्नतौ । रोमशौ परुषौ निम्नौ निर्मांसौ परिवर्जयेत्

In a woman of auspicious signs, cheeks are praised when they are full, rounded, and gently raised. But cheeks that are hairy, rough, sunken, or lacking flesh should be avoided as inauspicious.

Verse 94

समं समांसं सुस्निग्धं स्वामोदं वर्तुलं मुखम् । जनेतृवदनच्छायं धन्यानामिह जायते

A face that is symmetrical, well-fleshed, smooth and lustrous, naturally fragrant, and rounded—bearing the gentle radiance of a mother’s face—arises here as the mark of the fortunate.

Verse 95

पाटलो वर्तुलः स्निग्धो लेखाभूषितमध्यभूः । सीमंतिनी नामधरो धराजानि प्रियो भवेत्

One whose sign is lotus-pink, rounded, and glossy, with the middle region adorned by lines, becomes dear to women; such a person is called “sīmaṃtinī-nāma-dhara,” bearer of the sign named sīmaṃtinī.

Verse 96

कृशः प्रलंबः स्फुटितो रूक्षो दौर्भाग्यसूचकः । श्यावः स्थूलोऽधरोष्ठः स्याद्वैधव्य कलहप्रदः

If the (lip) is thin, overly long, cracked, and dry, it is said to indicate misfortune. A dark and thick lower lip is said to bring widowhood and to cause quarrels.

Verse 97

मसृणो मत्तकाशिन्याश्चोत्तरोष्ठः सुभोगदः । किंचिन्मध्योन्नतोऽरोमा विपरीतो विरुद्धकृत्

A smooth upper lip, radiant with lively sheen, bestows wholesome enjoyment and ease. But if it is slightly raised in the middle, hairless, and misshapen (contrary in form), it is said to bring opposition and wrongful deeds.

Verse 98

गोक्षीरसन्निभाः स्निग्धा द्वात्रिंशद्दशनाः शुभाः । अधस्तादुपरिष्टाच्च समाः स्तोकसमुन्नताः

Teeth that are like cow’s milk in hue, glossy, and thirty-two in number are auspicious. Those that are even above and below, and only slightly raised, are regarded as favorable.

Verse 99

पीताः श्यावाश्च दशनाः स्थूलादीर्घाद्विपंक्तयः । शुक्त्याकाराश्च विरला दुःखदौर्भाग्यकारणम्

Teeth that are yellow or dark, thick and overlong, set in two irregular rows, shell-shaped, and sparse—these are said to be causes of suffering and misfortune.

Verse 100

अधस्तादधिकैर्दंतैर्मातरं भक्षयेत्स्फुटम् । पतिहीना च विकटैः कुलटा विरलैर्भवेत्

If the teeth of the lower jaw are excessive, it is said plainly that one ‘devours the mother’, bringing harm to the mother. And if the teeth are grotesque and widely spaced, a woman is said to be husbandless and of unchaste conduct.

Verse 110

गोक्षीरवर्णविशदे सुस्निग्धे कृष्णपक्ष्मणी । उन्नताक्षी न दीर्घायुर्वृत्ताक्षी कुलटा भवेत्

Eyes that are clear like the hue of cow’s milk, richly lustrous, and graced with black eyelashes are praised. But one with overly protruding eyes is said not to be long-lived; one with overly round eyes is said to become unchaste.

Verse 120

रोमशेन शिरालेन प्रांशुना रोगिणी मता

A woman who is hairy, with prominent veins, and excessively tall is regarded as sickly.

Verse 130

कृष्णः स एव भर्तृघ्न्याः पुंश्चल्याश्च प्रकीर्तितः । नाभेरधस्तात्तिलकं मशको लांछनं शुभम्

That very dark mark is described as a sign of a husband-slayer and of a woman given to unchastity. But a tilaka-like mark below the navel—and an auspicious mole shaped like a mosquito—are counted as favorable signs.

Verse 140

सा पतिं हंति वर्षेण यस्या मध्ये कृकाटिकम् । प्रदक्षिणो वा वामो वा रोम्णामावर्त्तकः स्त्रियाः

A woman who has a ‘kṛkāṭikā’ mark in the middle is said to slay her husband within a year. Likewise, whether the whirl of hair on a woman turns to the right or to the left is treated as a significant omen.

Verse 150

अतः सुलक्षणा योषा परिणेया विचक्षणैः । लक्षणानि परीक्ष्यादौ हित्वा दुर्लक्षणान्यपि

Therefore, a woman of good signs should be married by the discerning, after first examining the marks—and rejecting even those with inauspicious indications.

Verse 151

लक्षणानि मयोक्तानि सुखाय गृहमेधिनाम् । विवाहानपि वक्ष्यामि तन्निबोध घटोद्भव

These signs have been spoken by me for the happiness of householders. Now I shall also explain the kinds of marriage—listen attentively, O Ghaṭodbhava (Agastya).