Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 27
Chapter 230: शकुनानि (Śakunāni) — Omens
वाञ्छितार्थकरा ज्ञेया दक्षिणाद्वामतो गताः शिवा श्यामाननाच्छूच्छूः पिङ्गला गृहगोधिका
vāñchitārthakarā jñeyā dakṣiṇādvāmato gatāḥ śivā śyāmānanācchūcchūḥ piṅgalā gṛhagodhikā
வலப்புறத்திலிருந்து இடப்புறம் செல்லும்போது இவை வேண்டிய பயனை அளிப்பவையாக அறியப்படுகின்றன—சிவா, ச்யாமானனா, ‘சூச்சூ’ என ஒலி எழுப்புவாள், பிங்கலா, மற்றும் வீட்டுக் கோதிகா (பல்லி)।
Lord Agni (traditionally narrating to Sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Jyotisha","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Śakuna-reading for travel/undertakings by noting directionality (right-to-left) and specific creatures/sounds as success-indicators.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Dakṣiṇād-vāmato-gati: siddhi-śakuna (right-to-left auspicious movers)","lookup_keywords":["śakuna","dakṣiṇād vāmataḥ","gṛha-godhikā","piṅgalā","śivā"],"quick_summary":"If certain beings/sounds move from the right toward the left, the undertaking is read as likely to succeed. Use as a quick go/no-go augury at departure."}
Concept: Nimitta (observable signs) are used as pragmatic indicators for timing and confidence in action.
Application: Cultivate attentiveness to environment at the start of tasks; proceed when signs are favorable, postpone when contrary.
Khanda Section: Śakuna-śāstra (Omens and augury within Jyotiṣa/Daivajña traditions)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A traveler at the threshold watches a house-lizard and other small creatures/sounds moving from his right to left, interpreted as success-omens.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala temple mural style, earthy reds and greens, a doorway scene with a traveler holding a staff, a gṛha-godhikā on the wall moving right-to-left, small auspicious creatures indicated with stylized motion lines, traditional flat perspective, ornate border.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold-leaf highlights on the doorway and auspicious symbols, a traveler in silk dhoti, a house-lizard on the wall, labeled auspicious creatures (śivā, piṅgalā) in small medallions, rich jewel tones.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting style, delicate linework, instructional composition: right side and left side clearly marked, creatures moving right-to-left, minimal background, soft pastel palette.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed courtyard at departure, naturalistic lizard on plaster wall, attendants pointing, fine foliage and textiles, caption cartouche indicating right-to-left auspicious motion."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Punnagavarali","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: vāñchitārthakarā = vāñchita-artha-karāḥ; dakṣiṇādvāmato = dakṣiṇāt vāmataḥ; śyāmānanācchūcchūḥ = śyāma-ānanāt śūcchūḥ.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 230 (Śakuna-śāstra section: directional omens, animal/bird signs)
FAQs
It teaches śakuna-nimitta rules: certain creatures/sounds, when observed moving from right to left, are read as favorable omens for accomplishing one’s intended objective.
Beyond theology, it preserves applied predictive lore (nimitta/śakuna) used for practical decisions—travel, rites, and undertakings—showing the text’s coverage of Jyotiṣa and popular divination traditions.
It frames everyday observation as dharmically meaningful: aligning actions with auspicious signs is presented as supporting success and reducing obstacles in one’s undertakings.