Shloka 15
Kāraṇānvēṣaṇam: The 32 Marks of Hari, Defects (Doṣas), Death-Omens, and Hari’s Omnipresence in Social & Household Life
विस्तीर्णोरश्चैकविंशं तदाहुः सिंहास्कन्धं द्व्युत्तरं विंशमाहुः / त्रयोविंशं सूक्ष्ममास्यं तदाहुश्चतुर्विशं सुप्रसन्ने च दृष्टी
vistīrṇoraścaikaviṃśaṃ tadāhuḥ siṃhāskandhaṃ dvyuttaraṃ viṃśamāhuḥ / trayoviṃśaṃ sūkṣmamāsyaṃ tadāhuścaturviśaṃ suprasanne ca dṛṣṭī
एकविसावे शुभलक्षण विस्तीर्ण वक्ष असे म्हणतात; विसावे सिंहासारखे स्कंध. तेवीसावे सुबक, सूक्ष्म मुख; आणि चोवीसावे अतिप्रसन्न, शांत-दीप्त दृष्टी होय.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Contemplation of auspicious marks (lakṣaṇa) as a support for reverent recognition of divinity and inner serenity reflected outwardly.
Vedantic Theme: Sattva-pradhāna śarīra as a sign of inner purity; form as an upāsanā-aṅga (aid to meditation).
Application: Use the described marks as a dhyāna-ālambana while visualizing Viṣṇu; cultivate calm gaze and gentle demeanor as ethical-spiritual discipline.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.22 (context: enumeration of mahāpuruṣa-lakṣaṇas/auspicious marks)
FAQs
This verse treats physical features—broad chest, lion-like shoulders, refined face, serene gaze—as outward indicators traditionally associated with inner virtue, strength, and sattvic composure.
Indirectly: the Preta Kanda often links one’s inner qualities and karmic refinement with subtle-body conditions and experiences after death; here, serenity and noble bearing are presented as marks of cultivated dharma.
Cultivate calmness, clarity, and ethical strength—serenity in the eyes and steadiness in demeanor are framed as visible outcomes of disciplined, dharmic living.