Agni Purana — Ayurveda, Shloka 25
Mantra-paribhāṣā (मन्त्रपरिभाषा) — Colophon/Closure
दंशो ऽशुभः शुभो दूतः पुष्पहस्तः सुवाक् सुधीः लिङ्गवर्णसमानश् च शुक्लवस्त्रो ऽमलः शुचिः
daṃśo 'śubhaḥ śubho dūtaḥ puṣpahastaḥ suvāk sudhīḥ liṅgavarṇasamānaś ca śuklavastro 'malaḥ śuciḥ
Ein Bote, der ein Biss- (oder Stich-)Mal trägt, ist unheilvoll. Heilvoll hingegen ist der Bote, der Blumen in der Hand hält, gut spricht, verständig ist, dessen Körperzeichen und Teint normal und stimmig sind, der weiße Gewänder trägt, makellos und rein.
Lord Agni (instructional narration in the Agni Purana’s omens section)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Jyotisha","secondary_vidya":"Arthashastra","practical_application":"Nimitta-reading for decision-making: assessing the auspiciousness of a messenger (dūta) before undertaking travel, trade, royal action, or ritual.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Dūta-nimitta: śubha/āśubha lakṣaṇa of the messenger","lookup_keywords":["duta-nimitta","shakuna","white-garment","pushpa-hasta","ashubha-damsha"],"quick_summary":"A messenger with a bite/sting mark is inauspicious; auspicious is one who carries flowers, speaks well, is intelligent, has normal marks/complexion, and wears clean white garments."}
Concept: Nimitta is read through external signs (dūta-lakṣaṇa) to align action with perceived cosmic order.
Application: Before initiating an important act, observe the first messenger’s condition, speech, and cleanliness; treat negative signs as a cue to delay, purify, or seek confirmation via other omens.
Khanda Section: Jyotisha (Nimitta-śāstra / Dream-omens and messenger-omens)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Two messengers contrasted: one with a visible bite/sting mark (inauspicious), another holding flowers, wearing clean white clothes, speaking calmly and intelligently (auspicious).","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, split-panel composition: left messenger with dark mark on skin, uneasy posture; right messenger in white with flower garland, serene face; bold outlines and traditional palette.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, auspicious messenger centered with gold halo-like ornament, white garments, lotus/flowers in hand; smaller side vignette of inauspicious messenger with bite mark; rich gold work.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, didactic comparison chart: labeled śubha dūta vs aśubha dūta; emphasis on facial expression, speech gesture, clothing cleanliness, and the bite mark.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, court doorway scene: messenger presenting flowers to an official; another messenger in background with a bandaged/marked arm; fine detailing of textiles and expressions."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":null,"pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: दंशो ऽशुभः = दंशः + अशुभः; समानश् च = समानः + च; वस्त्रो ऽमलः = वस्त्रः + अमलः.
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Nimitta-śāstra/dūta-śakuna passages in the same chapter sequence
FAQs
It teaches dūta-nimitta—how to judge auspiciousness or inauspiciousness for an undertaking by observing the messenger’s bodily signs, cleanliness, dress, and manner of speech.
Beyond theology, it preserves applied jyotiṣa/nimitta practice used in daily decision-making—evaluating omens before negotiations, petitions, travel, or initiating actions—showing the Purana’s wide, practical scope.
It links purity, auspicious conduct, and harmonious bodily signs with favorable outcomes, implying that śauca (cleanliness/purity) and sattvic presentation support success and reduce obstructive karma in new undertakings.