[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Vedic Index of Names and Subjects](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912) › v2.c4.s8.31 # Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s8.31 Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s8.31 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c4.s8.31](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.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 - [Previous: v2.c4.s8.30](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8.30) - [Next: v2.c4.s8.32](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8.32) - [Up: v2.c4.s8](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8.31](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s8.31) · Pramāṇa