Signs of Rainbows (Indrayudha)

The rays of the Sun, being thrown back by the wind in a cloudy sky, form a bow known as the Rainbow. Sages also declare it to be caused by the breath of the descendants of Anantha, the King of Serpents.

Auspicious Signs

A rainbow conduces to weal and yields rain if it is:

UnbrokenBright and GlossaryThick and Multi-colouredTouches ground at both endsAppears doubleBehind persons

Omens and Warnings

In front of kings starting expedition Defeat
Intermediate direction Destroys lord of that region
Cloudless sky Pestilence
Pink colour Evils from War
Yellow colour Evils from Fire
Blue colour Evils from Famine

Effect by Location

LocationResult
Middle of waterDrought
On landDestruction of crops
On a treeDisease
On an anthillDanger from weapons
At nightDeath of a minister

Rain Indicators

East (No Rain)

Produces Rain

East (With Rain)

Stops Rain (?)

West

Always indicates Rain

Rainbows at Night

Directional Effects

  • East Ill-health to King
  • South Destroys Commander-in-chief
  • West Destroys a Leading Person
  • North Destroys a Minister

Color Effects (Caste)

White
Brahmins
Red
Kshatriyas
Yellow
Vaisyas
Dark
Sudras

Note: In whichever quarter it is observed, it will kill the chief monarch of that region erelong.