Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 14
Chapter 230: शकुनानि (Śakunāni) — Omens
गोकर्णशिखिचक्राह्वखरहारीतवायसाः कुलाहकुक्कुभश्येनफेरुखञ्जनवानराः
gokarṇaśikhicakrāhvakharahārītavāyasāḥ kulāhakukkubhaśyenapherukhañjanavānarāḥ
गोकर्ण, मोर, चक्राह्व (लाल हंस), गाढव, हिरवा पोपट व कावळा; तसेच कुलाह-पक्षी, कोंबडा, बाज, घुबड, खंजन (वॅगटेल) व माकड—हे शकुन-विचारात गणले जातात।
Lord Agni (in dialogue, instructing the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Jyotisha","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Nimitta/śakuna practice: identifying the relevant birds/animals whose appearance, calls, direction, and behavior are read as omens for travel, undertakings, and royal/public decisions.","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Śakuna-Nimitta Creatures (Birds/Animals) for Augury","lookup_keywords":["śakuna","nimitta","vāyasa","śyena","ulūka"],"quick_summary":"A roster of creatures considered significant for omen-reading; the practitioner focuses on their sightings and behaviors to infer auspicious/inauspicious outcomes."}
Concept: Nimitta-jñāna: interpreting external signs as correlates for human action and timing.
Application: Before journeys/rituals/enterprises, observe listed creatures’ direction, vocalization, and proximity to decide proceed/avoid/propitiate.
Khanda Section: Śakuna-śāstra (Omens from birds and animals) / Nimitta-vidyā (Augury) within the encyclopedic vidyā-sections
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An augur stands at a crossroads noting the appearance of peacock, ruddy goose, donkey, parrot, crow, hawk, owl, wagtail, and monkey, recording directions and calls.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural with a nimitta-vid sage holding a stylus and palm-leaf; birds arranged around him in a circular mandala of signs; stylized trees and a path-crossing; strong outlines and flat colors.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, central augur figure with gold embellishments; surrounding medallions each containing one creature (peacock, crow, hawk, owl, etc.); ornate frame and Sanskrit labels.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style instructional chart; grid of creatures with small arrows indicating directionality; the augur points with a staff; subdued palette and clear captions.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature scene at a roadside garden; naturalistic birds perched and in flight; an astrologer-augur writes observations; fine detailing of feathers and landscape."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kafi","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: समाहार-शैली: श्लोके बहूनि नामानि सन्धिना एकत्र लिखितानि; पदच्छेदः सूची-रूपेण कृतः (…वायसाः | कुलाहा…).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 230 (śakuna-prakaraṇa continuation: subsequent bird lists and day/night classifications)
FAQs
It provides śakuna-vidyā material by listing specific birds/animals whose appearances, calls, or movements are to be observed for interpreting omens.
Beyond theology, it preserves practical divinatory science (nimitta/augury), cataloguing omen-creatures as part of applied knowledge used in travel, statecraft, and daily decision-making.
Reading omens is treated as aligning human action with dharma and cosmic order; correct attention to signs is said to reduce avoidable harm and support auspicious, merit-bearing choices.