Shloka 40
Kāraṇānvēṣaṇam: The 32 Marks of Hari, Defects (Doṣas), Death-Omens, and Hari’s Omnipresence in Social & Household Life
ललाटे त्रीणि दीर्घे तु समे द्वौ संप्रकीर्तितौ / सर्पाकारस्तु यो मत्स्यस्तस्य शिश्रे प्रकीर्तितः
lalāṭe trīṇi dīrghe tu same dvau saṃprakīrtitau / sarpākārastu yo matsyastasya śiśre prakīrtitaḥ
Di dahi, tiga garis yang panjang disebut membawa keberkahan; dua garis dipuji bila sama rata. Tanda berbentuk ikan menyerupai ular dinyatakan berada pada alat kelaminya.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Bodily marks (rekha/cihna) are read as indicators of disposition and destiny, implying prior karmic imprint.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-samskara shaping embodied experience (deha as upadhi).
Application: Use as a traditional diagnostic/character-reading rubric; temper with ethical restraint and avoid deterministic harm.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.22 (anga-lakshana section, surrounding verses on bodily marks)
FAQs
This verse shows that the Purana treats certain physical lines/marks as interpretable signs—distinguishing ‘praised’ features (like long or even forehead lines) and noting specific identifying marks on the body.
Indirectly: by linking embodied signs with a person’s qualities and fate, it reflects the Garuda Purana’s broader theme that one’s embodied condition and destiny are shaped and readable through karmic patterns.
Use it as a reminder to focus on ethical living and self-discipline rather than obsession over omens—seeing the body as a field influenced by karma, while prioritizing dharma and right conduct.