Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 30
Chapter 231 — शकुनानि (Śakunāni) | Omens in Governance, Travel, and War
भयाय स्यात् सकृन्मूत्री तथा निद्राविलाननः सपर्यार्हस्येति साधुः विनाशकृदिति ज , ट च आरोहणं न चेद्दद्यात् प्रतीपं वा गृहं व्रजेत्
bhayāya syāt sakṛnmūtrī tathā nidrāvilānanaḥ saparyārhasyeti sādhuḥ vināśakṛditi ja , ṭa ca ārohaṇaṃ na ceddadyāt pratīpaṃ vā gṛhaṃ vrajet
தொடக்கத்தில் ஒருமுறை மட்டும் சிறுநீர் கழித்தல், மேலும் உறக்கத்தால் முகம் மந்தமாக இருப்பது—இவை அச்சத்தின் குறிகள். அந்நேரம் யாரேனும் “இவர் சேவை/மரியாதைக்கு உரியவர்” என்று சொன்னால் அது சுபம்; ஆனால் ‘ஜ’ மற்றும் ‘ட’ என்ற எழுத்துகள் அழிவை உண்டாக்கும் எனக் கூறப்படுகிறது. புறப்படுவதற்கான வாகனம்/ஏற்றம் வழங்கப்படாவிட்டால் அல்லது எதிர்மறை நிகழ்ந்தால், திரும்பி வீட்டிற்குச் செல்ல வேண்டும்.
Lord Agni (in instruction to the sage Vasiṣṭha, within the Agni Purana’s didactic narration)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Jyotisha","practical_application":"Rajadharma/travel-omens: deciding whether to proceed with departure based on bodily signs, spoken syllables heard, and logistical readiness (mount/vehicle).","sutra_style":false}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Shakuna for departure: fear-signs, auspicious speech, inauspicious syllables, and turning back","lookup_keywords":["rajadharma","yatra-shakuna","nimitta","ja-ta-shabda","pratipa"],"quick_summary":"At the moment of setting out, certain signs (bodily and auditory) guide action: fear-omens counsel caution; auspicious words encourage; destructive syllables and adverse events advise returning home."}
Dosha: Kapha
Concept: Prudence in action: heed warning signs and ensure proper preparedness; auspicious speech supports resolve, adverse signs counsel retreat.
Application: For journeys/operations: check readiness (mount/vehicle), assess alertness, and if multiple adverse indicators occur, postpone and return rather than force progress.
Khanda Section: Rajadharma / Shakuna-Nimitta (Omens and portents for travel and conduct)
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A traveler/official prepares to depart; signs appear—single urination, drowsy face; bystanders utter auspicious praise or inauspicious syllables; if the mount is not provided or adverse signs occur, he turns back home.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, palace gate scene with attendants and a waiting mount, the traveler with heavy-lidded face, speech-bubbles implied by gestures (praise vs ominous utterance), turning-back motion, rich borders.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, gold on palace arch and harness, central figure at threshold, attendants offering or withholding the mount, contrasting auspicious blessing gesture vs ominous warning, dramatic but formal composition.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear procedural narrative: departure readiness check, drowsy-face sign, auditory omen indicated by speaking figures, final panel of returning home; fine lines and calm didactic tone.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, detailed city gate and courtyard, horse/elephant conveyance, courtiers speaking, traveler hesitating then turning back, intricate textiles and architecture."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Shankarabharanam","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: saparyārhasyeti → saparyā-arhasya iti; vināśakṛditi → vināśa-kṛt iti; ceddadyāt → cet dadyāt. The sequence 'ja , ṭa' appears to be a corrupt/variant reading marker in the provided text; treated as indeclinable textual tokens.
Related Themes: Agni Purana 231 (Shakuna-nimitta for conduct/travel)
FAQs
It teaches nimitta-vidyā (omenology): bodily signs (sleep-dulled face, urinating once) and heard syllables as portents, plus a practical rule for travel—if departure conditions are unfavorable, return home.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves applied knowledge such as śakuna/nimitta rules—everyday decision-making frameworks used in governance and household life, especially around journeys and auspicious timing.
By avoiding actions undertaken under inauspicious omens and heeding auspicious speech, one minimizes harm and misfortune, aligning conduct with dharma-oriented prudence and protective ritual sensibility.