Shloka 166
Means to Slay Tāraka: Girijā’s Birth, Kāma’s Burning, and Umā’s Austerities
लक्षणं हस्तपादाभ्यां लक्षणं विहितं किल । सेयमुत्तानहस्तेति त्वयोक्ता मुनिपुंगव
lakṣaṇaṃ hastapādābhyāṃ lakṣaṇaṃ vihitaṃ kila | seyamuttānahasteti tvayoktā munipuṃgava
«Un signo distintivo —se dice— está en verdad prescrito por las manos y los pies. Este signo se llama “la mano de palma abierta”; así lo has declarado, oh el mejor de los sabios.»
Unspecified in the provided excerpt (a listener addressing a sage)
Concept: Lakṣaṇas (marks) on hands and feet are treated as prescribed indicators of character and fate; knowledge is transmitted through guru-śiṣya questioning.
Application: Cultivate discernment: ask clarifying questions of qualified teachers; treat ‘signs’ as prompts for ethical living, not fatalism.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A venerable sage raises a palm in demonstration while the attentive disciple points to the lines of the hand and the shape of the feet, as if reading a sacred manuscript. The air is studious and reverent, with palm-leaf manuscripts and ritual implements nearby, suggesting that destiny and dharma are studied, not guessed.","primary_figures":["muni-puṅgava (best of sages)","inquisitive disciple/listener"],"setting":"forest āśrama study space with kusa grass seat, palm-leaf manuscripts, and a small fire altar","lighting_mood":"forest dappled","color_palette":["warm ochre","leaf green","sandalwood beige","ink black","sunlit gold"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: the sage with gold-leaf halo holds up an open palm (uttāna-hasta) with stylized auspicious lines; disciple kneels with añjali; ornate manuscript stand, tiny homa-kuṇḍa; rich reds/greens, gold embossing on borders and jewelry.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate teaching scene under a tree, fine brushwork showing hand gesture and manuscript details; cool greens and browns, gentle faces, lyrical calm, distant hills and a stream hinted softly.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines emphasizing the open palm gesture, stylized manuscripts and altar; earthy pigments, temple-wall composition, large expressive eyes conveying inquiry and authority.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central teaching vignette framed by lotus creepers; decorative border with manuscript motifs and auspicious symbols; deep indigo ground with gold and white linework highlighting the open palm."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Bhupali","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["rustling leaves","soft birdsong","gentle tanpura drone","crackle of small sacred fire"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: seyam = sā iyam; seyamuttānahasteti = sā iyam uttānahastā iti; tvayoktā = tvayā uktā.
FAQs
It refers to traditional lakṣaṇa-teachings where auspicious or identifying characteristics are read from bodily features—especially the hands and feet—as part of a codified system.
It is the name of a particular sign/mark associated with the hand—literally “open/upturned palm”—mentioned as a recognized lakṣaṇa.
The verse models respectful inquiry and confirmation in a teacher–student dialogue: the listener repeats the teaching back to the sage to ensure accurate understanding.