The Science of Body Signs

original: "Sāmudrikam." This is the traditional science of interpreting body marks, often referred to as "Indian Physiognomy."

|| Salutations to the Goddess of Fortune || 6 I shall describe the unfathomable science of Physiognomy; listen to me. It contains all the various physical signs, specifically regarding men. || 1 ||
Wherever a mark may be found, there a corresponding result is recorded in tradition. In some instances, it may not yield a result, just as is proclaimed here. || 2 ||

Physiognomy

In this study, a wise person should first examine the soles of the feet.
SO. No. 1169 This likely refers to a secondary cataloging or archival number written between the lines.
A foot that is reddish, smooth, level, and slightly elevated is indeed auspicious. || 3 ||
Rough soles of the feet belong to those who are poor.
Those whose feet are excessively long or excessively short are devoid of wealth and grain. || 4 ||
If a man's big toe does not touch the ground even when he runs, it signifies destruction for men and the ruin of the family lineage for women. || 5 ||
Indeed, one whose big toe is shorter than the other toes at the front of the foot is short-lived and passes away at midnight; of this there is no doubt. || 6 ||
If a man is endowed with marks resembling a fish, a bamboo, or a flag,
He attains kingship and becomes the most eminent member of his family. || 7 ||

Samudrika (Physiognomy): The science of predicting character and destiny from physical features.
Laksana (Signs): Auspicious or inauspicious marks found on the body.
Jyotisha (Astrology): The broader field of Vedic science that includes astronomy, horoscopy, and physiognomy.