Agni Purana — Veda-vidhana & Vamsha, Shloka 26
अध्याय १ — यजुर्विधानम्
Agni Purana, Chapter 259: Yajur-vidhāna
अजाविकानामश्वानां कुञ्जराणां तथा गवां मनुष्याणान्नरेन्द्राणां बालानां योषितामपि
ajāvikānāmaśvānāṃ kuñjarāṇāṃ tathā gavāṃ manuṣyāṇānnarendrāṇāṃ bālānāṃ yoṣitāmapi
ছাগল ও ভেড়া, ঘোড়া, হাতি এবং গবাদি পশুর; মানুষের, রাজাদের, শিশুদের ও নারীদেরও (নিম্নলিখিত লক্ষণ/ফল) বুঝতে হবে।
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha, traditional Agni Purana frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Jyotisha","practical_application":"Use nimitta/śakuna observations across livestock, war-elephants, horses, and human social strata (including rulers) to guide administrative decisions, public policy, and risk management.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Scope of Nimitta-śāstra: omens for animals and social classes","lookup_keywords":["śakuna","nimitta","goat sheep omens","horse elephant omens","rājadharma prognostics"],"quick_summary":"The verse enumerates the domains for which omens are to be interpreted—ranging from domestic animals to kings and vulnerable groups—indicating a governance-oriented prognostic framework."}
Concept: Reading patterns in the world (nimitta) as a pragmatic tool for governance and social welfare.
Application: Institutionalize observation protocols (stable, elephant corps, public health/safety) and respond with preventive measures rather than fatalism.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma & Shakuna/Nimitta-shastra (Omens and prognostics applied to governance and society)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A royal court and stable-yard where attendants observe the behavior and marks of goats, sheep, horses, elephants, and cattle; scribes record signs while the king consults advisors about implications for the realm.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: panoramic register showing elephant stable, horse stable, cattle pen; advisors pointing to auspicious/inauspicious signs; king seated under canopy; bold flat colors and stylized animals.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: king on throne with gold-worked canopy; foreground animals (horse, elephant, cow) rendered iconically; astrologer/omen-reader presenting palm-leaf notes; ornate gold borders.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: semi-diagrammatic court scene with clear depiction of each animal category and observers; fine lines, gentle shading, emphasis on didactic clarity.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature: detailed menagerie-like stable scene; naturalistic horse and elephant; court scholars with manuscripts; architectural depth and patterned textiles."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: अजाविकानामश्वानां = अजाविकानाम् + अश्वानाम्; मनुष्याणान्नरेन्द्राणां = मनुष्याणाम् + नरेन्द्राणाम्; योषितामपि = योषिताम् + अपि.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 259 (Rājadharma & Nimitta/Śakuna context)
FAQs
It frames the scope of nimitta/shakuna interpretation—omens are to be read for multiple classes of beings (livestock, war-animals like horses and elephants, and humans including rulers), preparing the reader for practical prognostic rules.
By cataloging omens across animals and social categories (including kings), it shows the text’s applied knowledge tradition—linking everyday husbandry and royal policy with nimitta-shastra, a recognized auxiliary discipline within dharma and statecraft contexts.
Recognizing omens is presented as a dharmic tool for timely, prudent action—helping avert harm and support righteous governance, thereby aligning conduct with cosmic order (dharma) and reducing negative outcomes.