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
दंश (काटने/डंक) का चिह्न वाला दूत अशुभ है। शुभ दूत वह है जिसके हाथ में पुष्प हों, जो मधुर वाणी बोले, बुद्धिमान हो, जिसके अंग-लक्षण और वर्ण सम्यक् व समान हों, जो श्वेत वस्त्र धारण करे, निर्मल और शुद्ध हो।
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.