Shloka 17
Dhvaja–Dhūmra–Paśu-Ākṛti Śakuna: Interpreting Banner, Smoke, and Animal-Form Omens by Stations
शुनः स्थान स्थिते सिंहे कार्यासिद्धिर्भविष्यति / स्थिते शुनि शुनः स्थाने धननाशो भविष्यति
śunaḥ sthāna sthite siṃhe kāryāsiddhirbhaviṣyati / sthite śuni śunaḥ sthāne dhananāśo bhaviṣyati
狮子若居于犬位，则所作诸事难以成就。犬若安于其本位（犬位），则有财物损失之象。
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Incongruent or ominous configurations signal impediments (kāryāsiddhi) and wealth-loss; act with prudence.
Vedantic Theme: Karma’s fruits appear through nimitta; wise action is aligning effort with favorable conditions (yukta-prayatna).
Application: Delay major ventures when signs indicate obstruction; protect assets, avoid speculative spending, and strengthen safeguards.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: domestic/omen-locus (place where animals/signs appear)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.199 (series of śunaḥ-sthāna omens with different animals)
FAQs
This verse treats certain placements as indicators of practical outcomes—failure in efforts or loss of wealth—showing how the text links cosmic order with worldly results.
It does not directly describe the soul’s post-death journey; instead, it gives predictive guidance about success and prosperity, which supports dharmic decision-making during life.
Use it as a cautionary principle: when conditions are unfavorable, avoid risky ventures, strengthen discipline and ethical conduct, and plan conservatively to reduce loss.