Shloka 51
Kāraṇānvēṣaṇam: The 32 Marks of Hari, Defects (Doṣas), Death-Omens, and Hari’s Omnipresence in Social & Household Life
कर्णे कुक्षौ नासिकाकेशपाशे गुल्फे भगे किञ्चिदाधिक्यमस्ति / इन्द्रो युक्तः पञ्चविंशत्या खगेन्द्र सदा हीनो लक्षणैः सप्तसंख्यैः
karṇe kukṣau nāsikākeśapāśe gulphe bhage kiñcidādhikyamasti / indro yuktaḥ pañcaviṃśatyā khagendra sadā hīno lakṣaṇaiḥ saptasaṃkhyaiḥ
காது, வயிறு, மூக்கு, கூந்தல் முடிச்சு, கணுக்கால் (குல்ஃபம்), மற்றும் பகம் ஆகியவற்றில் சிறிது அதிகம் காணப்படும். ஓ ககேந்திரா! ‘இந்திரன்’ இருபத்தைந்து இலக்கணங்களுடன் கூடியவனாயினும், எப்போதும் ஏழு இலக்கணங்களில் குறைவுடையவன் எனக் கூறப்படுகிறது।
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Quantified assessment of bodily measures/marks (slight excess in specified parts) and typological classification (Indra-type with 25 features yet 7 deficiencies).
Vedantic Theme: Embodiment as a field of observable patterns (vyavahāra); distinction between descriptive signs and ultimate reality (paramārtha) implied by the genre’s limits.
Application: For traditional practitioners: focus on consistent measurement points; record both strengths (present marks) and deficits (missing marks) to avoid one-sided judgment.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 3.22.50-54 (continuing lakṣaṇa lists and comparative typologies)
FAQs
This verse treats lakṣaṇas as measurable indicators located at specific bodily points, used to classify or assess a being’s condition and qualities within the Purana’s subtle-body framework.
By emphasizing specific “marks” and their counts, it supports the Garuda Purana’s broader idea that the post-death state involves a subtle form with definable features, which can reflect one’s status and karmic condition during the journey.
It encourages careful study of scriptural categories and a focus on ethical living (dharma), since the tradition links one’s post-death condition to qualities cultivated through conduct and observance.