Agni Purana — Vastu-Pratishtha & Isana-kalpa, Shloka 9
Chapter 65 — सभास्थापनकथनं
Account of Establishing an Assembly-hall
ध्वजो धूम्रस् तथा सिंहः श्वा वृषस्तु खरो गजः तथा ध्वाङ्क्षस्तु पूर्वादावुद्भवन्ति विकल्पयेत्
dhvajo dhūmras tathā siṃhaḥ śvā vṛṣastu kharo gajaḥ tathā dhvāṅkṣastu pūrvādāvudbhavanti vikalpayet
Bannière, fumée, lion, chien, taureau, âne, éléphant, et aussi corbeau : lorsque ces signes apparaissent en commençant par l’est et ainsi de suite, il faut les interpréter selon les variantes propres aux directions.
Lord Agni (narrating to sage Vashistha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Samanya","secondary_vidya":"Jyotisha","practical_application":"Directional omen-reading for travel, construction, or undertaking decisions: interpret sightings (banner, smoke, lion, dog, bull, donkey, elephant, crow) based on the direction of appearance (east onward).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Śakuna-vidyā: Directional Omens (Dhvaja–Dhūma–Siṃha–Śvādi)","lookup_keywords":["shakuna","nimitta","dhvaja","dhuma","dhvanksa"],"quick_summary":"A catalog of omens to be read by direction: when these signs appear from the east and other quarters, their meanings vary accordingly and must be interpreted by the directional scheme."}
Concept: Nimitta-jñāna as prudential dharma: reading signs to time actions appropriately and avoid harm.
Application: Before commencing a journey/build/ritual, note the sign and its direction; consult the established directional alternatives to decide proceed/pause/propitiate.
Khanda Section: Shakuna-vidya (Omens and Augury / Nimitta-shastra)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A traveler or householder observes omens arising from the eastern direction: a fluttering banner, a plume of smoke, and animals (lion, dog, bull, donkey, elephant, crow) appearing in sequence, with a pundit indicating directional meanings.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, stylized compass directions, east highlighted, banner and smoke motifs, animals rendered iconically, a learned interpreter pointing to a directional wheel, temple-ritual atmosphere.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-embellished directional mandala, auspicious/in-auspicious omens arranged around, central figure consulting a śāstra palm-leaf, rich ornamentation.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, clear didactic panel: east-to-other-directions arrow, each omen drawn with labels, interpreter explaining alternatives, calm palette and fine lines.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, roadside scene with detailed fauna and a standard (dhvaja), smoke rising from afar, scholar with attendants consulting a small chart of directions, naturalistic rendering."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"oracular","suggested_raga":"Bhairav","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: dhūmras → dhūmraḥ; vṛṣastu → vṛṣaḥ tu; dhvāṅkṣastu → dhvāṅkṣaḥ tu; pūrvādāvudbhavanti → pūrvādau udbhavanti.
Related Themes: Agni Purana sections on nimitta/śakuna and dik-lakṣaṇa; vāstu chapters where omens affect commencement (ārambha)
FAQs
It teaches shakuna/nimitta procedure: specific signs (banner, smoke, and certain animals/birds) should be read in relation to the direction of appearance (east onward), implying direction-based omen rules for decisions.
Beyond theology, it preserves applied divinatory knowledge (nimitta-shastra) used for travel, warfare, rites, and governance—showing the Purana’s practical cataloging of omen-science alongside other disciplines.
Interpreting omens correctly is presented as a dharmic safeguard—aligning actions with auspicious timing and avoiding harmful undertakings, thereby reducing negative outcomes and supporting righteous conduct.