Ulkas or Meteors
The forms of those who fall down after having enjoyed unalloyed happiness in Heaven are called Ulkas or meteors. They are divided into five kinds. Garga opines they are burning missiles discharged by the protectors of the quarters.
The Five Classifications
Ulka (Meteor)
Broad at top, tiny tail, increases in dimensions as it falls.
len: 3.5 cubits time: 1 Fortnight
Full effect (100%)
Asani (Thunderbolt)
Falls with deafening sound, revolving like a discus, piercing earth.
len: - time: 3 Fortnights
Full effect (100%)
Vidvut (Lightning)
Crooked and extensive, falls suddenly setting things aglow, Tata-tata sound.
len: - time: 6 Days
Full effect (100%)
Dhishnya
Slender, short tail, like burning embers, distinct over 40 cubits.
len: 2 cubits time: 1 Fortnight
50% Effect
Tara (Shooting Star)
Slender like lotus-stalk thread, white or red, dragged across sky.
len: 1 cubit time: 6 Days
25% Effect
Omens by Shape
⚠️ Evil Consequences
Dead bodiesWeaponsAssesCamelsCrocodilesMonkeysBoarsPloughsWild deerLizardsSnakesSmokeTwo-headed forms
🍀 Prosperity & Abundance
BannersFishesMountainsElephantsLotusesThe MoonHorsesMolten silverSwansBilva treesDiamond (Thunderbolt)CouchSwastika design
Specific Movements & Forms
| Movement/Form | Result |
|---|---|
| Backwards | Destroys merchants |
| Crosswise | Destroys king’s wife |
| Head downwards | Destroys kings |
| Head upwards | Destroys Brahmins |
| Peacock’s tail shape | Extirpation of people |
| Creeping like snake | Disastrous to women |
| Circular form | Destroys the town |
| Umbrella form | Destroys royal priest |
| Bamboo-cluster form | Troublesome to kingdom |
| Snake/Boar + Sparks/Noise | Sinful in effect |
Impact on Targets
| Target Struck | Result |
|---|---|
| Images of Gods | Danger to king and country |
| Indra | Danger to kings |
| Houses | Danger to owners |
| Threshing floor | Danger to agriculturists |
| Holy tree | Danger to respectable persons |
| Gate of town | Ruins the town |
| Temple of Brahman | Danger to Brahmins |
Color & Caste Relations
White
Brahmins
Hurt by: Head
Red
Kshatriyas
Hurt by: Central Part
Yellow
Vaisyas
Hurt by: Side
Black
Sudras
Hurt by: Tail
Special Conditions
- Falls in bunches from middle of sky Ruin of king and country
- Whirls frequently in sky Unrest and distress among people
- Touches/issues from Sun/Moon + Earthquake Enemy invasion, danger to king, famine, drought
- Moves to left of Sun/Moon Destroys king in town / on march respectively
- Issues from Sun and falls in front of marching chief Bestows Victory
- Resembles rainbow Ruins the kingdom
- Disappears in the sky itself Ruins the clouds
- Moves against wind (crooked/backwards) Not auspicious