Shloka 121
Purusha-Strī-Lakṣaṇa (Samudrika-śāstra): Marks of Kingship, Wealth, Longevity, and Conduct
स्त्रीषु दोषा विरूपासु पत्राकारो गुणास्ततः / नरस्त्रीलक्षणं प्रोक्तं वक्ष्ये तज्ज्ञानदायकम्
strīṣu doṣā virūpāsu patrākāro guṇāstataḥ / narastrīlakṣaṇaṃ proktaṃ vakṣye tajjñānadāyakam
Pada wanita, kecacatan dikatakan tampak apabila bentuknya tidak elok; sedangkan kebajikan ditandai oleh rupa yang seimbang dan simetri. Setelah menyatakan tanda-tanda lelaki dan perempuan demikian, aku akan menerangkannya lagi—pengetahuan yang mengurniakan daya pertimbangan.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Lakṣaṇas (signs) are taught as a means of viveka—discerning faults and virtues through observed characteristics.
Vedantic Theme: Viveka (discrimination) as a supportive faculty for dharmic living (though not ultimate Brahma-jnana here).
Application: Use discernment without cruelty: evaluate character through conduct and speech, not merely appearance; apply knowledge ethically.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: continuation into Strī-nara-lakṣaṇa adhyāya (chapter 66); Garuda Purana: physiognomy passages linking guṇa/doṣa with observable signs
FAQs
This verse frames lakṣaṇa as a tool for discernment—distinguishing doṣa (blemish) and guṇa (virtue) through observable characteristics, presented as practical knowledge in the text’s instructional dialogue.
It does not directly discuss the soul’s post-death journey here; instead, it shifts to human-characteristics teaching, indicating the Purana’s broader aim of guiding ethical and practical discernment alongside afterlife topics.
Use it as a reminder to cultivate discernment and self-improvement—treating “guṇa” as qualities to develop—while avoiding harsh judgment of others based solely on appearance.