Wild encounters? – Animal omens in three of Varāhamihira’s works

Abstract

Varāhamihira’s Bṛhatsaṃhitā is a well known and valuable source for the investigation of divination. In order to come to a better understanding of animal omens this paper will consult in addition to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā also two of Varāhamihira’s lesser known works. Comparing the Bṛhatsaṃhitā’s, the Bṛhadyātrā’s and the Yogayātrā’schapters on śakuna this paper’s endeavor moves into two directions: Firstly, to shed light on the process of reformulation and re-evaluation, that must have taken place when the author created three chapters in three different works on the same topic. Secondly, to identify those cultural patterns which are particularly relevant for animal omens and to come to a better understanding of this specific form of divination. Analyzing these patterns shows us how the texts aim to standardize the diviner’s perception of their environment by formulating a normative framework.