Signs of an Earthquake

This chapter explores the causes, symptoms, and effects of earthquakes (Bhukampa) according to Vedic tradition. It categorizes earthquakes into four "Circles" (Mandalas) presided over by Wind, Fire, Indra, and Varuna.

The Mythological Origin

In days of yore, the Earth, shaken by winged mountains, complained to the Creator. Indra was ordered to cut the wings of mountains. He then consoled Earth stating that Wind, Fire, Himself (Indra), and Varuna would shake her in four parts of day and night to reveal effects to the world.

Alternative Theories

Some hold it is caused by huge animals in the ocean. Others say it is the elephants of the quarters resting. Others attribute it to colliding atmospheric winds or unseen powers.

The Four Earthquake Circles

Wind Circle (Vayu Mandala)

Range: 200 Yojanas

Time Limit: 2 Months

Asterisms

UttaraHastaChittraSwatiPunarvasuMrigasirasAswini

Symptoms (1 week in advance)

Quarters covered with smoke
Wind blows lashing with dust and breaking trees
Sun does not cast bright rays

Effects

Decay of crops, water, forest and herbs
Outbreak of swellings, asthma, madness, fever, phlegmatic affections
Trouble to trading community

Affected Groups

Concubines, Warriors, Physicians, Women, Poets, Singers, Traders, Artisans, Saurashtras, Kurus, Magadhas, Dasarnas, Mathsyas

Fire Circle (Agni Mandala)

Range: 110 Yojanas

Time Limit: 3 Fortnights

Asterisms

PushyaKrittikaVisakhaBharaniMaghaPurvabhadraPurvaphalguni

Symptoms (1 week in advance)

Sky covered with fall of stars and meteors
Sky illuminated by fire in horizon
Fire with wind rages over land

Effects

Clouds destroyed
Lakes and tanks dry up
Kings at loggerheads
Diseases: herpes, scab, fever, erysipelas, jaundice

Affected Groups

Men of great valour, Hot-tempered persons, Asmakas, Angas, Bahleekas, Tanganas, Kalingas, Vangas, Dravidas, Hill men

Indra Circle

Range: 160 Yojanas

Time Limit: 1 Week

Asterisms

AbhijitSravanaDhanishtaRohiniJyeshtaAshadhaAnuradha

Symptoms (1 week in advance)

Clouds like moving mountains sending loud thunder
Lightning flashes like buffaloes’ horn
Swarm of bees and serpents
Pouring rain

Effects

Ruin of men of celebrated families/castes
Ruin of famous persons, kings, heads of corporations
Diseases: dysentery, swelling of neck, face diseases, violent vomiting
Gives desirable rain

Affected Groups

People of Kasi, Yugangdhara, Pauravas, Kiratas, Kiras, Abhisaras, Halas, Madras, Arbudas, Saurashtrians, Malwas

Varuna Circle

Range: 180 Yojanas

Time Limit: Same Day

Asterisms

RevatiPurvashadhaArdraAsleshaMoolaUttarabhadraSatabhishak

Symptoms (1 week in advance)

Huge clouds resembling blue lily, bees, collyrium
Rumbling softly
Shining with streaks of lightning
Slender lines of rain like sharp sprouts

Effects

Kills those dependent on seas and rivers
Yields excessive rain
People forget mutual hatred

Affected Groups

Gonardas, Chedis, Kukuras, Kiratas, People of Videha

Interactions & Combinations

Combination	Result
Indra <-> Wind	Counteract each other
Varuna <-> Fire	Counteract each other
Fire Circle + Wind Period (or vice versa)	Celebrated king dies/suffers. Famine, pestilence, drought.
Varuna Circle + Indra Period (or vice versa)	Plenty of food, prosperity, rain, contentment. Cows yield milk, kings sink differences.

Subsequent Earthquakes

Great peril to kings if another quake occurs on:

3rd, 4th, 7th day
End of month
End of fortnight/3 fortnights

Other Associated Portents

MeteorsAerial CityDustPortentous ThunderFires in quartersViolent WindsSolar/Lunar EclipsesUnnatural phenomena in starsRain without cloudsSmoke without fireFlames without sparksWild creatures entering villageRainbow at nightFragmentary halosContrary flows in riversMusical instruments sounds in heavens

Note: Garga says that persons in whose Nakshatras earthquakes occur should perform expiatory ceremonies.