Shloka 14
Kāraṇānvēṣaṇam: The 32 Marks of Hari, Defects (Doṣas), Death-Omens, and Hari’s Omnipresence in Social & Household Life
निम्नौ च गुल्फौ सप्तदशं तदाहुर्ग्री वारूपं प्राहुरष्टादशं च / एकोनविंशं त्वक्षिपद्मं सुरक्तं प्राहुर्बाहुं जानु विंशं तथैव
nimnau ca gulphau saptadaśaṃ tadāhurgrī vārūpaṃ prāhuraṣṭādaśaṃ ca / ekonaviṃśaṃ tvakṣipadmaṃ suraktaṃ prāhurbāhuṃ jānu viṃśaṃ tathaiva
தாழ்ந்து நன்கு அமைந்த கணுக்கால்கள் (குல்பம்) பதினேழாம் இலக்கணம் எனக் கூறுவர்; கழுத்தும் தோற்ற அழகும் பதினெட்டாம் இலக்கணம் என உரைப்பர். செந்தாமரை போன்ற செம்மை நிறைந்த கண் பதினொன்றாம் அல்ல, பதினொன்பதாம் இலக்கணம்; மேலும் புயமும் முழங்காலும் இருபதாம் இலக்கணம் எனச் சொல்வர்।
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda/Vinata-putra in the Preta Kanda dialogue)
Concept: Lotus-like eyes (padmākṣa) evoke the divine archetype; contemplation of auspicious features becomes a gateway to devotional remembrance of the Lord’s form.
Vedantic Theme: Saguṇa-upāsanā supporting inner purification; form-meditation as a step toward śānti and clarity.
Application: Use iconographic contemplation (dhyāna) to steady the mind; cultivate compassionate ‘lotus-eyed’ gaze—non-harming attention in daily life.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.22 (marks 17–20; padmākṣa motif)
FAQs
This verse continues a numbered listing of bodily markers/parts used in the Preta Kanda’s technical description of the post-death condition, helping frame how the preta is described in a structured, count-based way.
In the Garuda Purana’s narrative, understanding the preta’s described form supports the broader teaching on what the departed experiences and why rites (like śrāddha and piṇḍa-dāna) are prescribed to aid the journey.
Use it as a reminder to approach death-rites and remembrance practices with seriousness and clarity—performing prescribed rites responsibly and cultivating ethical living (dharma) to avoid fearful post-death states.