Shloka 39
Purusha-Strī-Lakṣaṇa (Samudrika-śāstra): Marks of Kingship, Wealth, Longevity, and Conduct
हस्ताङ्गुलय एव स्युवायुद्वारयुताः शुभाः / मेधाविनां च सूक्ष्माः स्युर्भृत्यानां चिपिटाः स्मृताः
hastāṅgulaya eva syuvāyudvārayutāḥ śubhāḥ / medhāvināṃ ca sūkṣmāḥ syurbhṛtyānāṃ cipiṭāḥ smṛtāḥ
हस्ताङ्गुलयः प्राणवायुद्वारसमन्विताः सन्ति चेत् शुभाः स्मृताः। मेधाविनां सूक्ष्माः स्युः, भृत्यानां तु चिपिटाः (स्थूल-समतलाः) इति कथ्यते॥
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Dosha: Vata
Concept: Lakshana-shastra: bodily features are read as indicators of guna, capacity, and social function.
Vedantic Theme: Prakriti-guna and karma shaping embodied traits (deha as karma-kshetra).
Application: Use as a cautionary, non-absolute guide in assessing aptitude/temperament; cultivate buddhi and refinement rather than judging solely by birth or appearance.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.65 (lakshana/anga-pariksha context)
FAQs
This verse treats bodily features as auspicious when they support the proper movement of vāyu (vital force), implying harmony of life-energy as a sign of well-being and good fortune.
Indirectly: by linking physical traits to vāyu (a key subtle-life principle), it reflects the Garuda Purana’s broader view that subtle forces (like vāyu) connect body, vitality, and the individual’s condition across life and death.
Use it as a reminder to value balanced vitality and disciplined living—supporting health, breath, and steadiness of mind—rather than as a rigid basis for judging a person’s worth.