Om! Salutations to the Illustrious Ganesha

Having first bowed to the Primal Deity, the all-knowing and all-seeing, I shall declare the Science of Body Marks original: "Samudrika" (सामुद्रिक) concerning the auspicious physical features of men and women. (1)

First, one should examine the lifespan original: "Ayus" (आयुः); only afterwards should the physical characteristics be interpreted. For if a man or woman lacks a long life, what is the purpose of interpreting their marks? (2)

The left side of the body should be examined for women, and the right side for men. This is the instruction for their characteristics as found in the teachings of Samudra. original: "Samudra-vachane" (सामुद्रवचने). The science is named after the sage Samudra, to whom the knowledge of physiognomy is traditionally attributed. (3)

One who has five "low" or diminished parts suffers sorrow. Those features which are raised in four, seven, or six places, even, reddish, broad in three places, and deep in three places are praised. (4)

The arms, the space between the eyes, and the knees—these seven are mentioned; among them, five "long" features are praised. (5)

The neck, the genitals, the lips, and the shanks are honored when they are short. A man whose [features] are short in this manner also obtains progeny. (6)

Those whose skin, body hair, head hair, teeth, and eyes are fine and delicate in form are men who will live long lives. (7)

The shape of the arts, the nature of the skillful, the shoulders and the forehead... indicated among all living beings...