Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 3
Chapter 230: शकुनानि (Śakunāni) — Omens
षट्प्रकारा विनिर्दिष्टा शकुनानाञ्च दीप्तयः वेलादिग्देशकरणरुतजातिविभेदतः
ṣaṭprakārā vinirdiṣṭā śakunānāñca dīptayaḥ velādigdeśakaraṇarutajātivibhedataḥ
சகுனங்களின் தீப்திகள் (வெளிப்படும் குறியீடுகள்) ஆறு வகை என கூறப்பட்டுள்ளன—காலம், திசை, தேசம்/இடம், (ஜோதிட) கரணம், ருத/ஒலி, மற்றும் ஜாதி வேறுபாடு ஆகியவற்றினால்.
Lord Agni (in discourse to Sage Vasiṣṭha, Agni Purāṇa’s usual frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Jyotisha","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Systematically record and interpret omens by six diagnostic axes (time, direction, place, karaṇa, sound, species) to standardize augury.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Ṣaḍvidha Śakuna-dīpti-bheda (Sixfold Omen Manifestation Criteria)","lookup_keywords":["ṣaṭ-prakāra","śakuna","vela","dik","karaṇa"],"quick_summary":"Omen indications are classified by six differentiators: time, direction, place, karaṇa (astronomical half-tithi unit), cry/sound, and species. This creates a checklist for consistent omen assessment."}
Concept: Pramāṇa-by-observation: meaning is inferred by correlating multiple contextual variables rather than a single sign.
Application: When an omen occurs, log all six parameters; interpret only after cross-checking (e.g., same bird-cry differs by direction/time/karaṇa).
Khanda Section: Jyotisha & Shakuna-shastra (Omens and augury)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"An augur demonstrates a six-part checklist while various birds/animals appear at different directions and times; a small astronomical panel shows karaṇa/tithi markers.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, circular mandala-like layout with six labeled segments: time, direction, place, karaṇa, sound, species; stylized birds and animals in each segment; bold outlines, warm pigments.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, ornate framed ‘sixfold śakuna’ chart with gold borders; central sage/daivajña holding palm-leaf; surrounding vignettes of directional birds and time-of-day bands; rich reds and greens.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, didactic chart-board scene: astrologer points to six headings; small icons for compass directions, a village/forest place marker, karaṇa wheel, sound waves, and species silhouettes; fine linework.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, naturalistic landscape with augur and attendants; birds flying from specific directions, animals at distinct locations; inset panel of karaṇa calendar; detailed flora and architecture."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: ṣaṭprakārā → ṣaṭ-prakārāḥ; śakunānāñca → śakunānām ca; velādig... → velā-ādi-dik-deśa-karaṇa-ruta-jāti-vibheda-taḥ (tasil -taḥ).
Related Themes: Agni Purana Jyotiṣa khanda: sections defining karaṇa, tithi, vāra and their use in muhūrta; Agni Purana Nimitta/Śakuna subsections listing bird/animal omens and their phala
FAQs
It gives a technical taxonomy for interpreting omens: evaluate an omen by six parameters—time (velā), direction (dik), place (deśa), karaṇa (astronomical timing factor), sound/cry (ruta), and species (jāti).
By incorporating Śakuna-śāstra and Jyotiṣa-style timing (karaṇa) into a Purāṇic text, it shows the Agni Purāṇa’s scope beyond theology—preserving applied decision-sciences used for travel, rituals, and daily undertakings.
Reading omens with proper criteria is presented as a way to align actions with auspicious timing and avoid inauspicious undertakings, thereby reducing avoidable harm and supporting dharmic, orderly conduct.