Shloka 31
Dhvaja–Dhūmra–Paśu-Ākṛti Śakuna: Interpreting Banner, Smoke, and Animal-Form Omens by Stations
गजस्थाने गजं दृष्ट्वा क्षेत्रधान्यसुखादिकम् / गजस्थानेस्थिते ध्वाङ्क्षे धनधान्यसमागमः
gajasthāne gajaṃ dṛṣṭvā kṣetradhānyasukhādikam / gajasthānesthite dhvāṅkṣe dhanadhānyasamāgamaḥ
象の位において象を見れば、田地・穀物・安楽などの福が得られる。さらに象の位に烏がとまっていれば、財と食糧が集まり備えが整う。
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda)
Concept: Nimitta-śāstra: reading signs to anticipate outcomes and act prudently.
Vedantic Theme: Prārabdha and karma-phala manifest through observable nimittas; cultivate viveka without attachment.
Application: Treat repeated auspicious signs as a cue to consolidate resources (fields, grain), practice gratitude and charity, and avoid rash ventures.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: omen-locus/household-or-village precinct
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.199 (nimitta/śakuna section: animal-place correspondences and results)
FAQs
This verse treats sightings and placements of animals as nimitta (omens) that indicate likely outcomes—here, prosperity such as land, grain, and comforts—used for practical decision-making and ritual timing.
It does not directly describe the soul’s post-death journey; instead, it belongs to an omens-and-results style teaching, reflecting how karma’s fruits are read through signs in the living world.
Treat it as a traditional indicator of auspiciousness: when seeking stability (land, food security, prosperity), cultivate dharma—charity, honesty, and right livelihood—rather than relying only on signs.