Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 12
Chapter 245 — रत्नपरीक्षा
Examination of Gems
सौगन्धिकोत्था काषाया मुक्ताफलास्तु शुक्तिजाः विमलास्तेभ्य उत्कृष्टा ये च शङ्खोद्भवा मुने
saugandhikotthā kāṣāyā muktāphalāstu śuktijāḥ vimalāstebhya utkṛṣṭā ye ca śaṅkhodbhavā mune
اللآلئ (muktāphala) الناشئة من مصدر ساوغاندهِكا (saugandhika) تميل إلى البنيّ المصفرّ؛ غير أنّ اللؤلؤ يُستخرج أيضًا من الشُّكتي (محار اللؤلؤ). والشفّاف منها أرفع من سواه؛ ويا أيها المُني، فإنّ الأجود يُقال إنه يخرج من الشَّنْخا (صدفة البوق/الكونش).
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Grading pearls by source and clarity for commerce, taxation, and ornament-making.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Pearl sources and grading: saugandhika, oyster, and conch-born","lookup_keywords":["muktāphala","śukti","śaṅkha","saugandhika","pearl grading"],"quick_summary":"Pearls are distinguished by origin and color: saugandhika-born are tawny; oyster-born are common; clarity determines superiority, and conch-born pearls are considered finest."}
Concept: Guṇa-prādhānya: vimala (clarity) as the decisive criterion of excellence beyond mere origin.
Application: When sources vary, prioritize observable clarity for purchase and setting in ornaments.
Khanda Section: Ratna-pariksha (Gemology and classification of precious substances)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: River
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Pearl grader compares tawny saugandhika pearls, oyster pearls, and rare conch-born pearls, selecting the clearest as superior.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, seashore workshop with conch and oyster shells opened, strings of pearls in graded colors, artisan holding a clear pearl up to lamp light, decorative floral border.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, goddess-like personification of Śrī with pearl ornaments, foreground shows conch and oyster with luminous pearls, gold leaf emphasizing pearl sheen and conch spirals.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, didactic panel: three labeled compartments—saugandhika (kāṣāya), śukti-ja, śaṅkha-udbhava (best)—fine ink outlines, gentle pastel wash.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, merchant and court jeweler examining pearls on velvet cloth, conch shell beside, attention to translucency and luster, realistic coastal ambiance."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सौगन्धिकोत्था = सौगन्धिक + उत्थाः; मुक्ताफलास्तु = मुक्ताफलाः + तु; विमलास्तेभ्यः = विमलाः + तेभ्यः; शङ्खोद्भवाः = शङ्ख + उद्भवाः (समास)
Related Themes: Agni Purana Ratna-parīkṣā: pearl qualities and defects (near 245.14)
FAQs
It gives a technical grading of pearls by origin and quality—describing color traits (kāṣāya) and ranking clarity (vimala) and conch-origin pearls as the highest.
By preserving a systematic, quasi-scientific taxonomy of materials (ratna-lakṣaṇa)—useful for trade, valuation, and royal administration—alongside the Purana’s ritual and theological content.
While primarily technical, the emphasis on purity/clarity (vimala) aligns with Purāṇic ideals of auspicious substances—supporting righteous acquisition and proper use of valuable items in gifts, worship, and royal conduct.