Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 20
Chapter 242 — पुरुषलक्षणं
Purusha-Lakshana): Marks of a Man (Physiognomy
जिह्वोष्ठे तालुनेत्रे तु हस्तपादौ नखास् तथा शिश्नाग्रवक्त्रं शस्यन्ते पद्माभा दश देहिनां
jihvoṣṭhe tālunetre tu hastapādau nakhās tathā śiśnāgravaktraṃ śasyante padmābhā daśa dehināṃ
देहधारियों के लिए दस अंग पद्म-सम (कमल-सदृश) प्रशंसित हैं—जिह्वा, ओष्ठ, तालु, नेत्र, हस्त, पाद, नख, शिश्नाग्र और मुख।
Lord Agni (narrating a compendium of marks/characteristics)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Ayurveda","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Auspicious-mark assessment: identifying ‘padma-abha’ (lotus-like) features used for evaluating health, beauty, and favorable constitution.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Padmabha-dasha—ten lotus-like features of the body","lookup_keywords":["padmabha","dasha-lakshana","jिह्वा-oshtha","hasta-pada","mukha"],"quick_summary":"Lists ten praised features described as lotus-like—tongue, lips, palate, eyes, hands, feet, nails, tip of the penis, and the face—indicating auspiciousness and refined bodily quality."}
Alamkara Type: Upama
Concept: Auspiciousness is read through embodied signs; purity and refinement are symbolized by the lotus.
Application: Provides a culturally standardized rubric for describing ideal bodily qualities in medicine and aesthetics.
Khanda Section: Ayurveda (Deha-lakshana / Samudrika-lakshana: bodily marks and auspicious signs)
Primary Rasa: shringara
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A serene figure with highlighted ten ‘lotus-like’ parts—eyes, face, tongue/lips/palate, hands/feet, nails, and the tip of the penis—shown symbolically with lotus motifs overlaying each feature.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, calm standing figure, lotus motifs placed over eyes, mouth region, hands, feet, and nails; restrained palette, devotional-aesthetic mood, ornamental lotus border.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting with gold leaf: figure with lotus medallions marking the ten features, gold highlights on eyes and hands/feet, rich maroon/green background, ornate frame.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style didactic illustration: labeled lotus icons pointing to tongue, lips, palate, eyes, hands, feet, nails, mukha, and shishnagra; soft colors, precise linework.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature allegorical study: figure seated in a garden with lotuses; subtle lotus overlays near eyes and hands/feet; fine detailing, pastel wash, calligraphic labels."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Khamaj","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: जिह्वोष्ठे → जिह्वा + ओष्ठे (द्वन्द्व-समासपद); तालुनेत्रे → तालु + नेत्रे; शिश्नाग्रवक्त्रं → शिश्नाग्रवक्त्रम्.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 242 (Deha-lakshana/Samudrika continuation)
FAQs
It conveys deha-lakṣaṇa/sāmudrika-style criteria: ten body features that are considered auspicious when they appear “lotus-like,” used for assessing favorable characteristics.
Beyond mythology, it preserves a practical catalog of traditional physiognomy (marks and signs), showing the text’s coverage of applied knowledge alongside ritual, dharma, and other sciences.
Such auspicious markers are traditionally read as signs of accumulated merit (puṇya) and favorable destiny, indicating a body suited for prosperity, virtue, and successful life aims.