The Science of Body Signs

Sā • Hrī • These are "Bija" or seed-syllables used in Tantric invocations to focus spiritual energy. Om! Salutations to the holy Ganesha. original: "Śrī-Gaṇeśāya namaḥ." Ganesha is the elephant-headed deity invoked at the start of Hindu texts to remove obstacles. Having first bowed to the Primal Deity,

1 the Omniscient and All-Seeing, I shall declare the auspicious science of Physiognomy original: "Sāmudrikaṃ." This refers to the study of body marks to determine character or destiny. for both men and women. || 1 ||

One should first examine the lifespan; only afterwards should the physical marks be interpreted. For a man or woman devoid of a long life, what is the purpose of analyzing their marks? || 2 || The author argues that auspicious signs are meaningless if the subject is destined for a short life.

The specified marks for women are on the left side, and for men on the right; such is the tradition according to the words of Samudra. || 3 || Samudra is the legendary sage or deity of the ocean to whom this science is traditionally attributed.

Five parts long, four parts short, four parts subtle, six elevated, seven reddish, three broad, and three deep—these are the features praised [in a person]. || 4 ||

The arms, the distance between the eyes, the knees, the nose, and the distance between the breasts—these five parts being "long" is considered praiseworthy. || 5 ||

The neck, the male organ, the hips, and the shanks—the man whose these four parts are "short" attains honor and worship. || 6 ||

The joints of the fingers and the hair [should be] subtle... The text breaks off here mid-sentence, transitioning into the qualities of "subtlety" or fineness in physical features.