Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 31
Chapter 231 — शकुनानि (Śakunāni) | Omens in Governance, Travel, and War
यात्राविघातमाचष्टे वामपार्श्वं तथा स्पृशन् हेषमाणः शत्रुयोधं पादस्पर्शी जयावहः
yātrāvighātamācaṣṭe vāmapārśvaṃ tathā spṛśan heṣamāṇaḥ śatruyodhaṃ pādasparśī jayāvahaḥ
Jika kuda menyentuh sisi kirinya, itu menandakan halangan dalam perjalanan. Jika ia meringkik dan menyentuh dengan kuku, itu pertanda pertempuran dengan musuh; kuda yang menyentuh dengan kuku dianggap pembawa kemenangan.
Lord Agni (in instruction to Sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Dhanurveda","secondary_vidya":"Jyotisha","practical_application":"Assessing travel and battle readiness by interpreting equine omens (aśva-śakuna) before marching, scouting, or engaging the enemy.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Aśva-śakuna: left-flank touch, neighing, and hoof-touch as omens","lookup_keywords":["aśva-lakṣaṇa","śakuna","yātrā-vighāta","śatru-yuddha","jaya-āvaha"],"quick_summary":"A horse touching its left flank signals travel obstruction; neighing with hoof-touch signals enemy combat; a hoof-touching horse is read as victory-bringing."}
Concept: Nimitta-jñāna (reading signs) as a pragmatic aid to royal and military decision-making.
Application: Use observed signs as risk indicators (delay travel on vighāta-omen; prepare for contact on yuddha-omen; boost morale on jaya-omen).
Khanda Section: Dhanurveda / Ashva-lakshana (Omens from horses for war and travel)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A war-horse beside a departing royal retinue touches its left flank; in another moment it neighs and stamps/hoof-touches, while scouts interpret the sign as impending enemy combat and victory.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, flat rich colors, stylized war-horse with ornate harness, royal scouts gesturing to the horse touching left flank and then neighing with hoof-touch, palm-leaf manuscript feel, minimal background, traditional borders","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-leaf highlights on horse ornaments and royal parasol, horse in profile touching left flank, attendant pointing, second vignette of hoof-touch and neighing, jewel tones, embossed detailing","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, delicate linework, instructional panel composition with labeled gestures (left-flank touch, hoof-touch), calm courtly setting with soldiers preparing to march","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed camp scene, horse behavior captured mid-gesture, officers consulting, fine textiles and tack, landscape with distant enemy scouts hinted, crisp outlines and naturalistic shading"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: यात्राविघातम् = यात्रा + विघातम्; वामपार्श्वम् = वाम + पार्श्वम्; शत्रुयोधम् = शत्रु + योधम्; जयावहः = जय + आवहः
Related Themes: Agni Purana 231 (Aśva-lakṣaṇa / śakuna sections)
FAQs
It gives Ashva-lakṣaṇa (horse-omen) rules used in Dhanurveda and expedition planning: left-flank touching signals travel obstruction; neighing with hoof-touching signals imminent enemy engagement and (in this sign) victory.
Beyond theology, it preserves practical prognostics used in statecraft and warfare—how to read animal behavior (horse signs) to decide timing and preparedness for journeys and battles.
By heeding omens and acting with caution, a ruler/warrior avoids reckless harm and aligns action with dharma—minimizing adverse outcomes and supporting righteous victory.