Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 14
Chapter 230: शकुनानि (Śakunāni) — Omens
गोकर्णशिखिचक्राह्वखरहारीतवायसाः कुलाहकुक्कुभश्येनफेरुखञ्जनवानराः
gokarṇaśikhicakrāhvakharahārītavāyasāḥ kulāhakukkubhaśyenapherukhañjanavānarāḥ
Gokarṇa, Pfau, cakrāhva (Rostgans), Esel, grüner Papagei und Krähe; ebenso der Kulāha-Vogel, der Hahn, der Falke, die Eule, die Bachstelze und der Affe—diese zählen zu den Wesen, die bei der Deutung von Vorzeichen berücksichtigt werden.
Lord Agni (in dialogue, instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Jyotisha","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Nimitta/śakuna practice: identifying the relevant birds/animals whose appearance, calls, direction, and behavior are read as omens for travel, undertakings, and royal/public decisions.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Śakuna-Nimitta Creatures (Birds/Animals) for Augury","lookup_keywords":["śakuna","nimitta","vāyasa","śyena","ulūka"],"quick_summary":"A roster of creatures considered significant for omen-reading; the practitioner focuses on their sightings and behaviors to infer auspicious/inauspicious outcomes."}
Concept: Nimitta-jñāna: interpreting external signs as correlates for human action and timing.
Application: Before journeys/rituals/enterprises, observe listed creatures’ direction, vocalization, and proximity to decide proceed/avoid/propitiate.
Khanda Section: Śakuna-śāstra (Omens from birds and animals) / Nimitta-vidyā (Augury) within the encyclopedic vidyā-sections
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An augur stands at a crossroads noting the appearance of peacock, ruddy goose, donkey, parrot, crow, hawk, owl, wagtail, and monkey, recording directions and calls.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural with a nimitta-vid sage holding a stylus and palm-leaf; birds arranged around him in a circular mandala of signs; stylized trees and a path-crossing; strong outlines and flat colors.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central augur figure with gold embellishments; surrounding medallions each containing one creature (peacock, crow, hawk, owl, etc.); ornate frame and Sanskrit labels.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style instructional chart; grid of creatures with small arrows indicating directionality; the augur points with a staff; subdued palette and clear captions.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature scene at a roadside garden; naturalistic birds perched and in flight; an astrologer-augur writes observations; fine detailing of feathers and landscape."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kafi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: समाहार-शैली: श्लोके बहूनि नामानि सन्धिना एकत्र लिखितानि; पदच्छेदः सूची-रूपेण कृतः (…वायसाः | कुलाहा…).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 230 (śakuna-prakaraṇa continuation: subsequent bird lists and day/night classifications)
FAQs
It provides śakuna-vidyā material by listing specific birds/animals whose appearances, calls, or movements are to be observed for interpreting omens.
Beyond theology, it preserves practical divinatory science (nimitta/augury), cataloguing omen-creatures as part of applied knowledge used in travel, statecraft, and daily decision-making.
Reading omens is treated as aligning human action with dharma and cosmic order; correct attention to signs is said to reduce avoidable harm and support auspicious, merit-bearing choices.