Gunja-malas

[Guest guest]

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

 

In the course of an unrelated research I have just happened to learn of one

important, albeit rarely known fact about gunja-malas -- those necklaces of

scarlet-and-black or/and white glossy seeds that are widely used in

Govardhana-sila worship as representing Srimati Radharani.

 

Lord Caitanya held such garlands in high esteem, worshiped them and gave one

of them along with a Govardhana-sila to Srila Raghunatha dasa Goswami (refer

to CC Antya 6.307).

 

However, the important fact is that the seeds of gunja (Abrus precatorius,

also known as Jequirity, Crab's Eye, Rosary Pea, Precatory bean, or Indian

Licorice), are extremely poisonous. "Although they are unlikely to harm if

swallowed raw and unbroken, as they have a hard seed coat" (1), but if they

are pierced (as in Deity necklaces), crushed or chewed on, their ingestion

can be fatal, with no known antidote to the toxin abrin contained in them.

 

Suffice it to say that even "jewelry-making with gunja seeds is dangerous,

as there have been cases of death by a finger-prick while boring the seeds

for beadwork". (2)

 

By sending this to the public forum I intent to create a general awareness

among devotees about the potential risk associated with the use of

gunja-malas -- especially as Govardhan-sila and salagram worship, where they

are mainly used, both seem to become increasingly common in ISKCON.

 

Minor children, who are easily attracted by bright and colorful things and

often want to taste them, may be at particular risk if there are gunja-malas

kept within their reach. (3)

 

All the above should not be seen as compromising the sacredness of the

gunja-malas for us as followers of Srila Caitanya Mahaprabhu. However, we

have to keep in mind their extreme toxicity and exercise extra caution

dealing with them on a day-to-day basis.

 

For instance, the idea to swallow broken pieces of such a garland as

maha-prasadam may not be a very good one.

 

However, if swallowed, it is "best managed by vigorous gastric

decontamination with activated charcoal, followed by use of cathartics such

as magnesium citrate". (4,5) Seek medical attention immediately.

 

Your servant,

Madana-mohana das

 

(1) http://www.asanltr.com/newsletter/01-4/articles/Abrin&RicinRev.htm

(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abrus_precatorius

(3) http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/l/liqind33.html

(4) http://www.asanltr.com/newsletter/01-4/articles/Abrin&RicinRev.htm

(5) http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/abrin/erc1393-62-0pr.asp