Omens and Superstitions of Southern India

MP3 Audio CD. Omens and Superstitions of Southern India

I

OMENS


In seeking for omens, Natives consult the so-called science of omens
or science of the five birds, and are guided by them. Selected omens
are always included in native calendars or panchangams.

To the quivering and throbbing of various parts of the body as omens,
repeated reference is made in the Hindu classics. Thus, in Kalidasa's
Sakuntala, King Dushyanta says: "This hermitage is tranquil, and yet
my arm throbs. Whence can there be any result from this in such a
place? But yet the gates of destiny are everywhere." Again, Sakuntala
says: "Alas! why does my right eye throb?" to which Gautami replies:
"Child, the evil be averted. May the tutelary deities of your husband's
family confer happy prospects!" In the Raghuvamsa, the statement occurs
that "the son of Paulastya, being greatly incensed, drove an arrow
deep into his right arm, which was throbbing, and which, therefore,
prognosticated his union with Sita." A quivering sensation in the
right arm is supposed to indicate marriage with a beautiful woman;
in the right eye some good luck.