Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 4
Chapter 242 — पुरुषलक्षणं
Purusha-Lakshana): Marks of a Man (Physiognomy
पुरुषः स्यात्सुलक्षण्यो विपुलश् च तथा त्रिषु चतुर्लेखस् तथा यश् च तथैव च चतुःसमः
puruṣaḥ syātsulakṣaṇyo vipulaś ca tathā triṣu caturlekhas tathā yaś ca tathaiva ca catuḥsamaḥ
Un hombre debe estar bien señalado por signos favorables, ser de complexión amplia y—en los tres (trazos/regiones)—poseer cuatro líneas; debe además ser de buena fama, y asimismo ‘cuádruplemente parejo’, esto es, con cuatro partes proporcionadas y equilibradas.
Lord Agni (traditionally narrating Agni Purana teachings to sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Samanya","secondary_vidya":"Jyotisha","practical_application":"Physiognomic checklist for identifying an auspicious, socially/royally fit man—used in selection of officials, marriage considerations, and omen-reading.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Description","entry_title":"Puruṣa-śubha-lakṣaṇa: sulakṣaṇya, vipulatva, catur-lekhā, catuḥ-samatā","lookup_keywords":["purusha-lakshana","sulakshanya","caturlekha","catussama","vipula"],"quick_summary":"Defines desirable male marks: overall auspiciousness, broad build, specific line-mark patterns, fame/renown, and balanced proportional symmetry."}
Concept: Śubha-lakṣaṇa as a dhārmic ideal of harmony: bodily balance mirrors inner order and social fitness.
Application: Prefer balanced, well-proportioned candidates for roles requiring steadiness and public trust.
Khanda Section: Samudrika-shastra (Physiognomy & auspicious bodily marks)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A measured assessment scene: a learned examiner indicates auspicious lines and proportional symmetry on a standing man with broad shoulders; a chart of ‘four lines’ and ‘fourfold balance’ is shown.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: stylized standing male figure with highlighted line-marks; a guru points with a stylus; background includes geometric measurement bands; strong outlines and flat colors.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: dignified standing figure with ornate border; gold-highlighted lines on body indicating lekhā; small inset of a balance scale symbolizing catuḥ-samatā; rich reds and gold.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: instructional plate-like composition—front-facing figure with annotated lines and proportional divisions; delicate shading and clear diagrammatic labels.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: court physician/astrologer-like scholar examining a nobleman; album-page aesthetic with marginal notes and a small proportional grid; refined textiles and realistic anatomy."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: syātsulakṣaṇyo = syāt su-lakṣaṇyaḥ; vipulaś = vipulaḥ; caturlekhas = catur-lekhaḥ; yaś = yaḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana samudrika subsections detailing specific lekhā (lines) and limb proportions (following verses)
FAQs
It imparts Samudrika-śāstra criteria for identifying an auspicious man—broad build, specific line/crease patterns (caturlekha), good reputation, and balanced fourfold bodily proportion.
Beyond theology, the Agni Purana catalogs applied knowledge like physiognomy—using bodily markers and proportions as a traditional diagnostic for character and fortune.
Auspicious marks and balanced proportions are presented as outward indicators of accumulated merit (puṇya) and orderly dharmic disposition, suggesting a life inclined toward good repute and stability.