Shloka 27
Dhvaja–Dhūmra–Paśu-Ākṛti Śakuna: Interpreting Banner, Smoke, and Animal-Form Omens by Stations
खरस्थाने गजं दृष्ट्वा सुखपुत्त्रादिकं भवेत् / खरस्थाने स्थिते ध्वाङ्क्षे कलहो व्याधिरेव च
kharasthāne gajaṃ dṛṣṭvā sukhaputtrādikaṃ bhavet / kharasthāne sthite dhvāṅkṣe kalaho vyādhireva ca
खरस्थाने गजं दृष्ट्वा सुखपुत्रादिकं भवेत्। खरस्थाने स्थिते ध्वाङ्क्षे कलहो व्याधिरेव च॥
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Mixed karmic ripening: auspicious substitution (gaja) yields sukha and progeny; inauspicious bird (dhvāṅkṣa) yields conflict and disease.
Vedantic Theme: Worldly fruits (putra, sukha) are contingent and impermanent; prudent action and inner steadiness are advised.
Application: On favorable signs, proceed with confidence and gratitude; on unfavorable signs, avoid escalation, seek reconciliation, and take protective/health measures.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: omenic positional locus (kharasthāna)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.199.26-30 (series of animal/bird omens by ‘place’)
FAQs
This verse shows that the Garuda Purana uses nimitta—observable signs like animals appearing in specific places—to indicate likely outcomes such as prosperity (elephant) or trouble like illness and conflict (crow).
It does not directly describe the post-death journey; instead, it belongs to the Garuda Purana’s nimitta section, which guides householders in reading auspicious or inauspicious signs affecting worldly life and wellbeing.
Treat such signs as prompts for self-correction: if indications point to discord or illness, prioritize reconciliation, health precautions, prayer/charity, and disciplined conduct rather than panic or superstition.