Narada Purana (English translation)
by G. V. Tagare | 1950 | 14,468 words | ISBN-10: 8120803477 | ISBN-13: 9788120803473
This page describes Description of Utpata (Portentuous phenomena) which is chapter 56.41 of the English translation of the Narada Purana—an ancient Sanskrit text within Hindu literature categorized as one of the eighteen Mahapuranas. It explores various aspects of cosmology, ethics, and rituals, compiling rich narratives that emphasize devotion to Vishnu and the concepts of Dharma (righteousness) and Bhakti (devotion). The Narada Purana also addresses Tantric practices, philosophical discourses on Yoga and self-realization.
Chapter 56.41 - Description of Utpāta (Portentuous phenomena)
[Full title: Natural Astrology (41) Utpāta (Portentuous phenomena)]
746. (Portentuous phenomena are said to present themselves) when (idols of) deities (in temples) frequently dance, fall and burn; weep, sing, sweat and laugh;
747. Vomit fire, fumes, oil, blood and water; stand upside down and move from place to place.
748. Such freak occurrences seen in the idols of deities (constitute portentuous phenomena). So also are mansions in the air (gandharva-nagara), asterisms becoming visible during day;
749. The fall of a mighty meteor and the raining of twigs, grass and blood, atmospheric smoke in mansions in the air, and earthquake during day or night;
750. Sparks without fire and flames without fuel, rainbow during night, maṇḍūkaśikhara, and white crow;
751. Sparks of fire emanating from cows, elephants, horses and camels, two-headed and three-headed animals being born from unnatural wombs.
752-53a. Mock-suns in the four directions along with the (real) Sun; jackals inhabiting villages; and the appearance of comets; and agitated flock of crows, in the night and pigeons during the day.
753b-54a. So also trees flowering out of time and seen bearing fruits likewise; they should first be cut down by the wise and then rites for averting the evil foretold should be performed.
754b-55a. Many are such portentuous phenomena which are destructive in the different regions. Some bring about death and some others fear from enemies.
755b-56a. An anthill covered with honey (at the nine places, viz.,) the top (and the eight directions from the east) is indicative, respectively, of fear, fame, death, depletion, reputation, happiness, misery, prosperity and loss of wealth.
756b-57a. O great brahmin! at the occurrence of all such portentuous phenomena (utpāta), (if of an inauspicious nature), rites for averting evil should be performed with care as specified by the ritual texts.
757b-58. O brahmin! Thus has been narrated to you the discipline of Jyotiṣa [i.e., jyautiṣa] in all its aspects. I shall now set out the exquisite science of metrics.