Haze (Rajas)

This chapter deals with the phenomenon of "Rajas" or Haze/Dust Storms. Note that this Adhyaya is reported to be an interpolation and not originally by Varahamihira.

Omens of Dust & Haze

All quarters screened by dust (darkness)

King will be slain

Mass of smoke appearing/disappearing in a quarter

Danger to that quarter within a week

White mass of dust clouds

Suffering for ministers and subjects, work of weapons, difficult peace restoration

Dust covering sky completely at Sunrise (1-2 days)

Terrible disaster

Dust appearing throughout a night

Death of leading sovereigns (but prosperity to other clever kings)

Effects by Duration

DurationResult
2 Nights SuccessivelyVictim of foreign invasion
3 or 4 NightsDestruction of food-grains and liquid substances
5 NightsMutiny in the forces of kings

Important Exceptions

  • Signifies danger only when independent of Ketus, etc.
  • Effects fully realised only in seasons other than Winter