Shloka 32
Dhvaja–Dhūmra–Paśu-Ākṛti Śakuna: Interpreting Banner, Smoke, and Animal-Form Omens by Stations
ध्वाङ्क्षस्थाने ध्वजं दृष्ट्वा कार्यनाशो भविष्यति / ध्वाङ्क्षस्थाने स्थिते धूम्रे कलिदुः खं गमिष्यति
dhvāṅkṣasthāne dhvajaṃ dṛṣṭvā kāryanāśo bhaviṣyati / dhvāṅkṣasthāne sthite dhūmre kaliduḥ khaṃ gamiṣyati
烏の位に旗が立てられているのを見れば、その企ては破れる。さらにその位に煙のような灰色の烏が鎮まっていれば、カリの憂い――カリ・ユガの災難――に落ちる。
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra, in the omens section)
Concept: Anomalous nimittas warn of impending obstacles; heed signs to avoid futile undertakings.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-phala ripens as duḥkha when rajas/tamas dominate; cultivate equanimity and corrective action.
Application: Postpone major ventures when repeated adverse signs appear; perform remedial charity, reconciliation, and careful review of plans.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Type: omen-locus/threshold-rooftop-tree-perch zone
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.199 (continued śakuna results: mismatched objects/animals in loci)
FAQs
This verse shows that the Garuda Purana treats certain visible signs—like unusual placement of objects or specific bird appearances—as indicators of success or obstruction in worldly undertakings.
By linking a “dhūmra” (grey/smoke-colored) crow with “kali-duḥkha,” the verse frames particular inauspicious signs as signals of the distress and disorder associated with Kali Yuga.
Before beginning important work, cultivate alertness and discretion: if circumstances feel unusually adverse or chaotic, pause, reassess timing and preparation, and proceed with greater care rather than force outcomes.