Signs of Swords (Khadgalakshana)
This chapter deals with the characteristics of swords, including their measurement, dents, smells, and the effects they produce. A best type sword measures 50 inches, while the smallest is 25 inches.
Omens from Dents
Shapes: Bilva tree, Vardhamana, Umbrella, Siva’s Emblem, Ear-ring, Lotus, Flag, Weapon, Swastika
→ Auspicious
Shapes: Lizard, Crow, Heron, Carcass-eating bird, Truncated body, Scorpion
→ Inauspicious
General Features & Effects
Sounding by itself Result: Owner’s Death
Not coming out of sheath Result: Defeat
Coming out by itself Result: War
Blazing Result: Victory
Effects by Sword Digits (Angulas)
- Digits 1-5 Death of sons, Wealth, Loss of wealth, Prosperity, Confinement
- Digits 6-13 Birth of sons, Quarrel, Elephants, Death of sons, Wealth, Death, Wives, Mental affliction
- Digits 14-21 Wealth, Loss of money, Women, Death, Wealth/Happiness, Death, Happiness, Loss of money
- Digits 22-30 Money, Death, Wealth, Death, Prosperity, Penury, Lordship, Death, Kingdom
Omens from Smell
| Smell Like | Result |
|---|---|
| Karaveera, Blue-lily, Elephant’s ichor, Ghee, Saffron, Jasmine, Champaka | Prosperity |
| Cow’s urine, Salt, Fat | Evil |
| Tortoise, Marrow, Blood | Danger and Misery |
Tempering Recipes (Drinks for Sword)
Great Wealth
quenched in Blood
Virtuous Son
quenched in Ghee
Inexhaustible Wealth
quenched in Water
Money by sinful means
quenched in Milk of Mare/Camel/Elephant
Cutting Elephant Trunks
quenched in Fish-bile, Deer/Horse/Goat milk + Toddy
Caution
The King should not unsheath the sword without reason, brandish it, see his face in it, mention its price/origin, or touch it without purity.