Brihadyatra 28: adhyāyaḥ 28

Chapter 28: Omens Concerning Banners, Parasols, and Other Objects

If a banner, parasol, or weapon falls to the ground upon men setting out on a march,

or if the garment of one rising catches [on something] or falls, that leads to the destruction of the king.

If there should be ringworm, a cold, eczema, diseases of the ear or eye, or the eruption of boils,

commonly in the army, the commander, or the king, know that to be a cause of danger for the king.

Sleeping supine, sitting down, passing wind, spitting, ugly appearances, and coughing

are not desired for the traveler, nor words such as 'come,' 'stop,' 'enter,' and 'stay.'

The matter is to be known from the primary omen; if arising from another, the result is certain on that very day; thus these are to be deliberated upon.

At the time of initiating a journey, or likewise upon entering, a sneeze must be observed; they say it is never auspicious anywhere.

Some say the cry of an omen-bird beyond a krośa is fruitless. / When the first omen is unfavorable there, [the king] should perform five or six

breath-controls; if the second is inauspicious, sixteen;

from that, he should return to his own palace if the third is unfavorable.

Varāhamihira composed this instruction on omens in outline, having properly examined the views of the sages.

Whatever has not been stated due to fear of expanding the text or out of ignorance should also be considered from what others have said.