Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s8.31

v2.c4.s8.31

Śakuni, ‘bird,’ is used practically like Śakuna, but with a much clearer reference to divination. It was smaller than the Śyena or Suparṇa,¹ gave signs,² and foretold ill-luck.³ When it is mentioned⁴ in the list of sacrificial victims at the Aśvamedha (‘horse sacrifice’), a special species must be meant: later the falcon is so called, but the ‘raven’ may be intended; the commentator on the Taittirīya Saṃhitā thinks that it is the ‘crow.’ It is mentioned several times elsewhere.⁵