History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c89.281

v7.c89.281

In Bṛhadyogayātrā (chap. XIII. 1–10), Matsyapurāṇa (chap 241. 1–14) and in Vasantarāja (chap. VI. 4. 1–14 pp. 87–92) a good deal is said about prognostications derived from the throbbing (*spandana* or *sphuraṇa*) of the several parts of a man's body. All the three often closely agree in words and ideas as the notes below will clearly show. There is hardly any doubt that Vasantarāja's treatment is based on the other two works. It is difficult to decide whether Varāhamihira borrows from the Matsya or *vice versa* or whether both borrow from a common source. It is not unlikely that Varāhamihira might have followed the Matsya. They all agree that throbbing¹²⁹⁷ of the right side of the body is auspicious and of the left inauspicious in the case of males, while the reverse is true in the case of women. They all set out the consequences indicated by the throbbing of the several parts and limbs of the body from the top of the head to the soles of the feet. To set out all these in detail would occupy much space. A few are mentioned by way of illustration. The fruit indicated by the throbbing of the top of the¹²⁹⁸ head is the acquisition of land (or earth), of the forehead, the prosperity of the position already occupied; of the region between the eyebrows and nose, union with persons dear to one; of the region of the eye, death, of the portion near the eye the acquisition of wealth, of the upper arm, union with friends; of the hand, the acquisition of wealth; of the back, defeat; of the chest, success; of the upper part of the foot, the securing of a position; of the soles, journey with gain therein. The Matsya-purāṇa¹²⁹⁹ prescribes that when inauspicious indications (by throbbing) occur, brāhmaṇas should be placated with the gift of gold.