Shloka 31
Yama-mārga (Adhvan) and the Courts of Yama: Vaivasvatī and Chitragupta
मध्यपीठोत्तरे ज्ञेयो तथा चान्या विषचिका / ऐशन्यां वै शिरो ऽर्तिश्च आग्नेय्याञ्चैव मृकता
madhyapīṭhottare jñeyo tathā cānyā viṣacikā / aiśanyāṃ vai śiro 'rtiśca āgneyyāñcaiva mṛkatā
Jika sakit pada bahagian atas tengah belakang, ketahuilah itu penyakit bernama viṣacikā, yang bersifat racun seperti kolera. Demikian juga, sakit di arah timur laut menandakan derita pada kepala, dan di arah tenggara menandakan penyakit susut/kemerosotan (mṛkatā).
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Naraka
Dosha: Pitta
Concept: Specific pains/signs correspond to specific afflictions; suffering is classified and knowable, implying ordered karmic fruition.
Vedantic Theme: The phenomenal body as a field where karma ripens in determinate patterns; knowledge of patterns fosters detachment and ethical vigilance.
Application: Observe causes and effects carefully; treat early signs (physical or moral) as prompts for correction and restraint.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: dik-mandala and body-map (deha-lakṣaṇa)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.33.29–32: the surrounding afflictions of Citragupta’s station; this verse continues the catalog with directional specificity
FAQs
This verse treats bodily pain and its directional/locational occurrence as a diagnostic omen, linking specific regions (north-east, south-east, upper middle-back) to particular ailments.
In the Preta Kanda, illness-signs are often presented as warnings that prompt timely dharmic preparation—medical care, purification, and rites—before a person enters the post-death journey.
Use it as a traditional indicator to take symptoms seriously: seek treatment early, reduce harmful habits, and maintain spiritual preparedness through prayer, charity, and appropriate family rites.