Shloka 38
The Murder of Satrājit and the Recovery of the Syamantaka Jewel
तथापि दुर्धरस्त्वन्यैस्त्वय्यास्तां सुव्रते मणि: । किन्तु मामग्रज: सम्यङ्न प्रत्येति मणिं प्रति ॥ ३८ ॥ दर्शयस्व महाभाग बन्धूनां शान्तिमावह । अव्युच्छिन्ना मखास्तेऽद्य वर्तन्ते रुक्मवेदय: ॥ ३९ ॥
tathāpi durdharas tv anyais tvayy āstāṁ su-vrate maṇiḥ kintu mām agrajaḥ samyaṅ na pratyeti maṇiṁ prati
Nevertheless, O trustworthy Akrūra, let the jewel remain in your keeping, for others cannot guard it safely. Yet My elder brother does not fully believe what I have told Him about the gem; therefore show it just once. O most fortunate one, by this you will bring peace to My kinsmen, for all know that you now perform unbroken sacrifices upon altars of gold.
Although technically Satyabhāmā’s sons had a right to the jewel, Lord Kṛṣṇa decided to leave the jewel in the care of Akrūra, who was using the jewel’s wealth to continually perform religious sacrifices. Indeed, Akrūra’s ability to perform such rituals on altars of gold was an indication of the jewel’s potency.
FAQs
This verse states the jewel is “durdhara”—not easily obtained by others—and is to remain safely with Satyabhama, emphasizing its extraordinary potency and the caution required in handling it.
Within the Syamantaka narrative, suspicion and rumor arise around the jewel; Satyabhama notes that Balarama (Krishna’s elder brother) is not fully satisfied about Krishna’s position in the matter, so the jewel must be shown to restore confidence.
When misunderstandings arise, clarity and transparent proof—offered respectfully—help restore trust and protect relationships, just as the jewel’s situation required open resolution.