NUMEROLOGY :ORIGIN OF JEWELS:According the great astrologer Varahmihir

[Guest guest]

jai gurudevPractically, there is no basic difference between a

gem and a jewel. The only difference is between their hues and the

special effects because of them. Some experts say that jewels have

brilliant hues than the gems. But many believe that gems and jewels

belong to the same categories.But since the word jewel has achieved an independent existence, lets learn something more about it.ORIGIN OF JEWELS:

Experts have a difference of opinion regarding the origin of jewels.

Researchers tell that many kinds of jewels are manufactured within the

body of living organisms from the various actions and reactions of

their blood, marrow, flesh etc. Some of the jewels are produced in

nature through the reactions and combinations of different chemical

compounds. Still some jewels are obtained from specific vegetation,

plants and rocks.Like gems, jewels too can be

classified into different categories according to their appearances,

effects and the compounds present within them. But before going through

their physical classification, lets be familiar with the classification

of jewels as has been mentioned in Indian scriptures. Through the

origin of jewels as given in Indian mythology appears more like

fantasies in the present scientific age, but it may have some degree of

truth. Besides, it is relevant here to learn about the origin of jewels

as described in mythology for various reasons. Hymns and other

descriptions of Indian religious scriptures are more cryptic in nature

and need proper deciphering for who knows what is hidden in them.

Gemmology is no exception in this context.According the great astrologer Varahmihir, jewels are of three kinds1) Jewels

of the sky or heaven.2) Jewels of the earth.3) Jewels of the nether world.Thus, in all the three worlds, superior gems are found and the excellent among them are known as jewels.According to mythology, jewels found in heaven are-1) Kaustubh Mani.2) Chinta Mani.3) Syamantak Mani.4) Rudra Mani.1) Kaustubh Mani:

It has a deep blue colour like a blue lotus and a radiance equal to the

sun. It was obtained during the churning of the sea. According to Hindu

mythology, Lord Vishnu wears Kaustubh Mani in a garland on his chest.

This is said to be a powerful jewel and bestows fortune, luxuries as

well as invincibility on to its wearer besides extremely beautiful and

imposing.2) Chinta Mani:

Name of this jewel is self-explicit. The wearer is freed from all the

worries and fretting. It is white in colour and has a brilliant hue. It

gives its wearer all kinds of wealth and comforts.3) Syamantak Mani:

It is a common belief that this jewel adorns the necklace of Lord Surya

(the sun god). It is said to have a brilliant blue hue that

instantaneously blinds the onlooker. If it is taken in darkness, it

fills the ambience with day-like light. There is an interesting tale

related to this jewel.In the Dwapar Yuga, Lord Surya had

presented the Syamantak Mani to his devotee Prasanjit as he was pleased

by his devotion. Prasanjit visited the court of Lord Krishna wearing

the jewel. All the courtiers were amazed by the brilliance of this

jewel and said to Prasanjit that he did not deserve the jewel, so he

should present it to none other than Lord Krishna. But Prasanjit could

present the jewel to Lord Krishna and stealthily left the court. Later

on, Prasanjit went to the forests on a hunting excursion and was killed

by a lion. The lion took the jewel with it but was killed by Jambvant,

the ursine aid of Lord Rama. Jambvant took the jewel to his cave and

gave it to his children.Back

there in the kingdom, when Prasanjit did not return for many days,

suspicious fingers began to point at Lord Krishna. So, Lord Krishna set

out to search Prasanjit. Following the footmarks of Prasanjit, the lion

and Jambvant, Lord Krishna reached the den of Jambvant and saw

Jambvant's children playing with the jewel. As soon as Lord Krishna

took the jewel in this possession, Jambvant also arrived there and a

fierce duel followed between them. At last Jambvant recognized Lord and

presented Him with his daughter Jambvati and also the jewel. Thus

recovering the jewel Syamantak, Lord Krishna returned to Dwarka and

washed the blemish. It is believed now that Lord Krishna himself wears

the jewel Syamantak.Rudra Mani:

Nobody will be unaware of the bounty of Lord Shiva. His costumes as

well as ornaments are strange. He wears only tiger's skin and

formidable black snakes around his shoulder. The gods presented Lord

Shiva with a jewel that came to be known as Rudra Mani. Lord Shiva

threatened the jewel among the beads of His rosary. The jewel has a

brilliant, golden hue and three stripes on it. Like Lord Shiva, the

jewel Rudra Mani is also benevolent in virtues.Thus, according to Hindu mythology, only four jewels

come in the category of heavenly jewels. Now, lets understand something

about the jewels that belong to the nether world.Paatal of

Hindu mythology is known by different names such as Nagaloka, Rasatala,

Bhugarbh loka etc. According to mythology, the hell is inhabited not by

humans but by great snakes as its name Naga loka shows. But different

scholars interpret the word Naga differently. According to some Naga

does mean snake. But others identify a specific caste of human race

with the word Naga. According to them, such creeds are still present in

different parts of the world. Bhils, Nagas of India and Eskimos of

Greenland are prominent among these creeds. Many of them are well

civilized while some are still in the wild, barbarian stage. They also

differ from one another in attires and food habits. Similarly humans

and demons which existed long ago were in fact human creeds but were

different in many aspects. It is said that the followers of Lord Manu

became humans while the followers of Lord Danu developed as demons.Thus,

though Naga was a human creed that inhabited the surface of the earth

and has a distinct existence. But while discussing about the jewels of

the nether worlds, Nagas are regarded as the inhabitants of the hell

and Vasuki was their monarch. Some of the prominent and popular jewels

of Naga Loka or are the following- Naga Mani: It is said that this

jewel is present on the head of a snake. Its light shows the snake its

way even in pitch darkness. When the snake senses some danger, it at

once swallows the jewel. But it is said that all the snakes do not have

this jewel. Only a few, privileged ones have it on their hoods. Naga

Mani is said to be extremely expensive. If someone wishes to get it, he

has to face lot of dangers. Thus, those who wish to possess Naga Mani

first of all locate the right kind of snake that actually has the

jewel. Then they chase the snake day and night continuously. Now, as

soon as the snake puts the jewel out, it is covered with a blanket. Not

seeing the light of the jewel, the snake naturally feels perplexed and

in a way 'commits suicide' by beating its hood on the ground. But this

whole venture is very risky.Only

nine kinds of snakes are regarded as the wearer of this mysterious

jewel called Naga Mani. It is said that the colour of the jewel exactly

matches the colour of the snake and the jewel emits light of the same

colour. These nine kinds of the snake are:1) Black snake.2) Blue snake.3) Yellow snake.4) Gray snake.5) Red

snake.6) White snake.7) Green snake.8) Copper-coloured snake.9) Milky snake.According

to the scriptures all of these snakes wear jewels that exactly match

their body colour. It is also a coincidence that the number of planets

in the solar system is also nine. The colours of these planets more or

less match with the colours of these jewels. That is why, the practice

of wearing a jewel, whose colour exactly matches with that of the

planet came into being. But these jewels (Naga Manis) are not easily

available. That is why practice of wearing gems and stones in place of

the jewels became popular.Now is the time to take a detailed

look at the gems and jewels found on the earth. Though, not innumerable

kinds of gems and jewels are found on earth but according to Puranas

and other authentic sources following kinds of gems and jewels are

prominent:-1) Manikya (Ruby).2) Moti (Pearl).3) Mungaa (Coral).4) Panna (Emerald).5) Pukhraj (Yellow Sapphire).6) Neelam (Blue Sapphire).7) Heera (Diamond).8) Gomed (Hassonite).9) Lahsumiya (Cat's eye).10) Phiroza (Turquoise).11) Chandrakant (Moon stone).12) Ghrit Mani.13) Tail Mani.14)

Bheeshmak.15) Upalak Mani. (Opal)16) Sphatic Mani. (Rock Crystal)17) Paras Mani.18) Ulook Mani.19) Larvart. (Lapis Mani)20) Masar Mani.21) Ishiv.Lets first understand the scriptural basis of classification of the gems and jewels.According

to Vishnu Purana and Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapurana, Bali, the grandson of

Prahlad was a great king of the demons. With a resolution of dethroning

Indra as the king of heaven, Bali organized a hundred Ashwamedha

Yagyas. On the appeal of Indra, Lord Vishnu decided to stop the

hundredth Ashwamedha Yagya of Bali and arrived there in the guise of

Vamana (a dwarf Brahmin) and begged him to donate land measuring three

steps. In two steps, Lord measures entire earth and heaven. Since there

was not room then to put the third step, Bali offered his head for the

Lord to put his third step. Thus, Lord Vishnu sent Bali direct to the

hell. But with the touch of the Lord's foot, Bali's body converted into

gems and stones.Then,

according to another version of the lore, a fierce battle followed

between Lord Vishnu and Bali. During the battle, Lord Vishnu broke

Bali's body into pieces. Thus different pieces of Bali's body fell at

different places and took the shape of gems and jewels. Thus, origin of

different gems and jewels is as follows:Ruby: It originated from the blood drops of Bali, hence it has red or pink colour.Pearl: It is believed to have originated from the mind of Bali.Coral: That part of Bali's blood which flowed down to the sea formed the coral.Yellow Sapphire: It originated from the flesh of Bali.Blue Sapphire: It originated from the eyes of the demon King Bali.Diamond: It originated from the pieces of Bali's brain.Hassonite: This gem originated from the fat of the demon king.Cat's Eye: This jewel

originated from the Yagyopavit (sacred thread) of Bali.Turquoise: It originated from the nervous system of the demon king Bali.Moonstone: It originated from the radiance of the eye's pupils.Ghrit Mani: This jewel originated from the pieces of the waist.Tail Mani: Skin of the king Bali formed this jewel.Bheeshmak: This gem was produced from the head pieces of Bali.Upalak Mani: Cough or phlegm of Bali produced this jewel.Sphatik Mani (Rock Crystal): This jewel was formed from the sweat of Bali.Paras Mani: Pieces of Bali's heart formed Paras Mani.Ulook Mani: This jewel was formed from the pieces of Bali's tongue.Lapis Lazuli: Bali's hair formed this jewel.Masar Mani: This jewel was produced from the faeces of Bali.Ishiv Mani: This jewel is believed to have from the semen of King Bali.Thus

in all, eighty four different parts and constituents of the demon king

Bali. Of them, only twenty-one are described as gems or jewels due to

peculiar brilliance they possess. Of these twenty-one gems, only nine

are most famous for their radiance and are hence known as Navaratna.Thus, there are nine main gems or jewels, twelve common gems and sixty-three ordinary gems which are also known as sub-gems.

[Guest guest]

, anu hkumar <anu_hkumar2001 wrote:

>

Jai Gurudev

Jai maa Dhurga

Very good posting.Very informative.As regards the Nagamani ,it is said that

only the Cobra or nag has the mani not other snakes.The Nag which does not emit

its poisson by not biting anyone develops the Nag mani.The snake will be very

old and needs the light for its moving around.The other version is that when

this is seen people who are after this will cover it with Gobar which is very

effecyive in preventing any light coming out and the snake commits suicide but

puts its curse on the person who does it.Similarly there is an incident in maha

bharat where Ganga maa converts her water droplets to Sphatik and gives to her

son bhishma who wears it till his death.Shatik has very good properties one of

which is to absorb sound and vibrations.After the death of bhishma Sahadeva

takes the rosary and by reverse process gets the sermon bhishma gave in his

death bed of which a major portion is the most popular vishnu sahasranama.

Just some more details to supplement an excellent posting.Thanks for sharing

this wealth of info anu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ctically, there is no basic difference between a gem and a jewel. The only

difference is between their hues and the special effects because of them. Some

experts say that jewels have brilliant hues than the gems. But many believe that

gems and jewels belong to the same categories.

>

> But since the word jewel has achieved an independent existence, lets learn

something more about it.

>

> ORIGIN OF JEWELS: Experts have a difference of opinion regarding the origin of

jewels. Researchers tell that many kinds of jewels are manufactured within the

body of living organisms from the various actions and reactions of their blood,

marrow, flesh etc. Some of the jewels are produced in nature through the

reactions and combinations of different chemical compounds. Still some jewels

are obtained from specific

> vegetation, plants and rocks.

>

> Like gems, jewels too can be classified into different categories according to

their appearances, effects and the compounds present within them. But before

going through their physical classification, lets be familiar with the

classification of jewels as has been mentioned in Indian scriptures. Through the

origin of jewels as given in Indian mythology appears more like fantasies in the

present scientific age, but it may have some degree of truth. Besides, it is

relevant here to learn about the origin of jewels as described in mythology for

various reasons. Hymns and other descriptions of Indian religious scriptures are

more cryptic in nature and need proper deciphering for who knows what is hidden

in them. Gemmology is no exception in this context.

>

> According the great astrologer Varahmihir, jewels are of three kinds

> 1) Jewels

> of the sky or heaven.

> 2) Jewels of the earth.

> 3) Jewels of the nether world.

>

> Thus, in all the three worlds, superior gems are found and the excellent among

them are known as jewels.

> According to mythology, jewels found in heaven are-

> 1) Kaustubh Mani.

> 2) Chinta Mani.

> 3) Syamantak Mani.

> 4) Rudra Mani.

>

> 1) Kaustubh Mani: It has a deep blue colour like a blue lotus and a radiance

equal to the sun. It was obtained during the churning of the sea. According to

Hindu mythology, Lord

> Vishnu wears Kaustubh Mani in a garland on his chest. This is said to be a

powerful jewel and bestows fortune, luxuries as well as invincibility on to its

wearer besides extremely beautiful and imposing.

>

> 2) Chinta Mani: Name of this jewel is self-explicit. The wearer is freed from

all the worries and fretting. It is white in colour and has a brilliant hue. It

gives its wearer all kinds of wealth and comforts.

>

> 3) Syamantak Mani: It is a common belief that this jewel adorns the necklace

of Lord Surya (the sun god). It is said to have a brilliant blue hue that

instantaneously blinds the onlooker. If it is taken in darkness, it fills the

ambience with day-like light. There is an interesting tale related to this

jewel.

>

> In the Dwapar Yuga, Lord Surya had presented

> the Syamantak Mani to his devotee Prasanjit as he was pleased by his

devotion. Prasanjit visited the court of Lord Krishna wearing the jewel. All the

courtiers were amazed by the brilliance of this jewel and said to Prasanjit that

he did not deserve the jewel, so he should present it to none other than Lord

Krishna. But Prasanjit could present the jewel to Lord Krishna and stealthily

left the court. Later on, Prasanjit went to the forests on a hunting excursion

and was killed by a lion. The lion took the jewel with it but was killed by

Jambvant, the ursine aid of Lord Rama. Jambvant took the jewel to his cave and

gave it to his children.

>

> Back there in the kingdom, when Prasanjit did not return for many days,

suspicious fingers began to point at Lord Krishna. So, Lord Krishna set out to

search Prasanjit. Following the footmarks of Prasanjit, the lion and Jambvant,

Lord Krishna reached the den of Jambvant and saw Jambvant's children playing

with

> the jewel. As soon as Lord Krishna took the jewel in this possession,

Jambvant also arrived there and a fierce duel followed between them. At last

Jambvant recognized Lord and presented Him with his daughter Jambvati and also

the jewel. Thus recovering the jewel Syamantak, Lord Krishna returned to Dwarka

and washed the blemish. It is believed now that Lord Krishna himself wears the

jewel Syamantak.

>

> Rudra Mani: Nobody will be unaware of the bounty of Lord Shiva. His costumes

as well as ornaments are strange. He wears only tiger's skin and formidable

black snakes around his shoulder. The gods presented Lord Shiva with a jewel

that came to be known as Rudra Mani. Lord Shiva threatened the jewel among the

beads of His rosary. The jewel has a brilliant, golden hue and three stripes on

it. Like Lord Shiva, the jewel Rudra Mani is also benevolent in

> virtues.

>

> Thus, according to Hindu mythology, only four jewels come in the category of

heavenly jewels. Now, lets understand something about the jewels that belong to

the nether world.

>

> Paatal of Hindu mythology is known by different names such as Nagaloka,

Rasatala, Bhugarbh loka etc. According to mythology, the hell is inhabited not

by humans but by great snakes as its name Naga loka shows. But different

scholars interpret the word Naga differently. According to some Naga does mean

snake. But others identify a specific caste of human race with the word Naga.

According to them, such creeds are still present in different parts of the

world. Bhils, Nagas of India and Eskimos of Greenland are prominent among these

creeds. Many of them are well civilized while some are still in the wild,

barbarian stage. They also differ from one another in attires and food habits.

Similarly humans and demons which existed long ago were in fact human creeds but

> were different in many aspects. It is said that the followers of Lord Manu

became humans while the followers of Lord Danu developed as demons.

>

> Thus, though Naga was a human creed that inhabited the surface of the earth

and has a distinct existence. But while discussing about the jewels of the

nether worlds, Nagas are regarded as the inhabitants of the hell and Vasuki was

their monarch. Some of the prominent and popular jewels of Naga Loka or are the

following- Naga Mani: It is said that this jewel is present on the head of a

snake. Its light shows the snake its way even in pitch darkness. When the snake

senses some danger, it at once swallows the jewel. But it is said that all the

snakes do not have this jewel. Only a few, privileged ones have it on their

hoods. Naga Mani is said to be extremely expensive. If someone wishes to get it,

he has to face lot of dangers. Thus, those who wish to possess Naga Mani first

of all locate the right kind of

> snake that actually has the jewel. Then they chase the snake day and night

continuously. Now, as soon as the snake puts the jewel out, it is covered with a

blanket. Not seeing the light of the jewel, the snake naturally feels perplexed

and in a way 'commits suicide' by beating its hood on the ground. But this whole

venture is very risky.

>

> Only nine kinds of snakes are regarded as the wearer of this mysterious jewel

called Naga Mani. It is said that the colour of the jewel exactly matches the

colour of the snake and the jewel emits light of the same colour. These nine

kinds of the snake are:

> 1) Black snake.

> 2) Blue snake.

> 3) Yellow snake.

> 4) Gray snake.

> 5) Red

> snake.

> 6) White snake.

> 7) Green snake.

> 8) Copper-coloured snake.

> 9) Milky snake.

>

> According to the scriptures all of these snakes wear jewels that exactly match

their body colour. It is also a coincidence that the number of planets in the

solar system is also nine. The colours of these planets more or less match with

the colours of these jewels. That is why, the practice of wearing a jewel, whose

colour exactly matches with that of the planet came into being. But these jewels

(Naga Manis) are not easily available. That is why practice of wearing gems and

stones in place of the jewels became popular.

>

> Now is the time to take a detailed look at the gems and jewels found on the

earth. Though, not innumerable kinds of gems and jewels are found on earth but

according to

> Puranas and other authentic sources following kinds of gems and jewels are

prominent:-

> 1) Manikya (Ruby).

> 2) Moti (Pearl).

> 3) Mungaa (Coral).

> 4) Panna (Emerald).

> 5) Pukhraj (Yellow Sapphire).

> 6) Neelam (Blue Sapphire).

> 7) Heera (Diamond).

> 8) Gomed (Hassonite).

> 9) Lahsumiya (Cat's eye).

> 10) Phiroza (Turquoise).

> 11) Chandrakant (Moon stone).

> 12) Ghrit Mani.

> 13) Tail Mani.

> 14)

> Bheeshmak.

> 15) Upalak Mani. (Opal)

> 16) Sphatic Mani. (Rock Crystal)

> 17) Paras Mani.

> 18) Ulook Mani.

> 19) Larvart. (Lapis Mani)

> 20) Masar Mani.

> 21) Ishiv.

>

> Lets first understand the scriptural basis of classification of the gems and

jewels.

> According to Vishnu Purana and Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapurana, Bali, the grandson

of Prahlad was a great king of the demons. With a resolution of dethroning Indra

as the king of heaven, Bali organized a hundred Ashwamedha Yagyas. On the appeal

of Indra, Lord Vishnu decided to stop the hundredth Ashwamedha Yagya of Bali and

arrived there in the guise of

> Vamana (a dwarf Brahmin) and begged him to donate land measuring three steps.

In two steps, Lord measures entire earth and heaven. Since there was not room

then to put the third step, Bali offered his head for the Lord to put his third

step. Thus, Lord Vishnu sent Bali direct to the hell. But with the touch of the

Lord's foot, Bali's body converted into gems and stones.

>

> Then, according to another version of the lore, a fierce battle followed

between Lord Vishnu and Bali. During the battle, Lord Vishnu broke Bali's body

into pieces. Thus different pieces of Bali's body fell at different places and

took the shape of gems and jewels. Thus, origin of different gems and jewels is

as follows:

>

> Ruby: It originated from the blood drops of Bali, hence it has red or pink

colour.

>

> Pearl: It is believed to have originated from the mind of Bali.

>

> Coral: That part of Bali's blood which flowed down to the sea formed the

coral.

>

> Yellow Sapphire: It originated from the flesh of Bali.

>

> Blue Sapphire: It originated from the eyes of the demon King Bali.

>

> Diamond: It originated from the pieces of Bali's brain.

>

> Hassonite: This gem originated from the fat of the demon king.

>

> Cat's Eye: This jewel originated from the Yagyopavit (sacred thread) of Bali.

>

> Turquoise: It originated from the nervous system of the demon king Bali.

>

> Moonstone: It originated from the radiance of the eye's pupils.

>

> Ghrit Mani: This jewel originated from the pieces of the waist.

>

> Tail Mani: Skin of the king Bali formed this jewel.

>

> Bheeshmak: This gem was produced from the head pieces of Bali.

>

> Upalak Mani: Cough or phlegm of Bali produced this jewel.

>

> Sphatik Mani (Rock Crystal): This jewel was formed from the sweat of Bali.

>

> Paras Mani: Pieces of Bali's heart formed Paras Mani.

>

> Ulook Mani: This jewel was formed from the pieces of Bali's tongue.

>

> Lapis Lazuli: Bali's hair formed this jewel.

>

> Masar Mani: This jewel was produced from the faeces of Bali.

>

> Ishiv Mani: This jewel is believed to have from the semen of King Bali.

>

> Thus in all, eighty four different parts and constituents of the demon king

Bali. Of them, only twenty-one are described as gems or jewels due to peculiar

brilliance they possess. Of these twenty-one gems, only nine are most famous for

their radiance and are hence known as Navaratna.

>

> Thus, there are nine main gems or jewels, twelve common gems and sixty-three

ordinary gems which are also known as sub-gems.

>