32 marks of a great man
A Buddhist list of the marks of a great man, among them the urna between the brows, the ushnisha on the crown, 40 teeth and a voice like Brahma's.
- Samudrika Shastra
- हिंदी: महापुरुष के 32 लक्षण
What is the rule behind 32 marks of a great man?
The texts praise long, even brows that do not meet; some verses call joined brows unlucky. Buddhist lists of the 32 marks of a great man include the urna, a tuft of hair between the brows.
Source: Brihat Samhita; Lakkhana Sutta
The texts praise a head shaped like a parasol (chhatra). The Buddhist 32 marks include the ushnisha, the rounded crown of Buddha images.
Source: Brihat Samhita; Lakkhana Sutta
The texts liken praised lips to the red bimba fruit and praise even, close, white teeth; several count the teeth and praise a full set of 32. The Buddhist 32 marks give a great man 40 teeth and a long, broad tongue.
Source: Brihat Samhita; Garuda Purana; Lakkhana Sutta
The texts praise a deep, resonant voice likened to a rain cloud or a drum, and find a harsh or broken voice less fortunate. The Buddhist 32 marks include a voice like Brahma's.
Source: Brihat Samhita; Lakkhana Sutta
Where can you learn about 32 marks of a great man?
32 marks of a great man is taught in RishiSetu’s Samudrika Shastra course, inside the app, one idea at a time with practice after each.
Related terms
- UrnaA tuft of hair between the brows, one of the Buddhist 32 marks of a great man.
- Lalata rekha (forehead lines)The lines across the forehead, which the texts count and link to fortune. They deepen with age and expression, and lifespan is never read from them.
- SaraIn Charaka Samhita, the tissue or quality best developed in a person, of eight kinds from skin to mind (sattva). It belongs to a physician's examination; a Samudrika reader only names it.
- UshnishaThe rounded crown of Buddha images, one of the Buddhist 32 marks. The Hindu texts praise a head shaped like a parasol (chhatra).
- Chhaya (lustre)The lustre or presence a person gives off, of five kinds named after the five elements. It is a reader's impression and never skin colour.
- BimbaA red fruit to which the texts liken praised lips.
Guruji, your guide
The short answer
Inside the app, you can ask Guruji about any lesson, in your own language.
What does 32 marks of a great man mean in Samudrika Shastra?
A Buddhist list of the marks of a great man, among them the urna between the brows, the ushnisha on the crown, 40 teeth and a voice like Brahma's. The texts praise long, even brows that do not meet; some verses call joined brows unlucky. Buddhist lists of the 32 marks of a great man include the urna, a tuft of hair between the brows.
Your first lesson takes about five minutes
Sign in with your email, choose your language, and start at the beginning. RishiSetu keeps your place.
