Shloka 16
Ratna-parīkṣā: Vajra (Diamond/Thunderbolt) — Origin, Types, Testing, Defects, Weights, and Royal Auspiciousness
तस्यास्थिलेशो निपपात येषु भुवः प्रदेशेषु कथञ्चिदेव / वज्राणि वज्रायुधनिर्जिगीषोर्भवन्ति नानाकृतिमन्ति तेषु
tasyāsthileśo nipapāta yeṣu bhuvaḥ pradeśeṣu kathañcideva / vajrāṇi vajrāyudhanirjigīṣorbhavanti nānākṛtimanti teṣu
Wherever even a tiny fragment of his bone happened to fall upon regions of the earth, in those very places vajras—thunderbolts of many different forms—came into being, meant for the victory of the vajra-wielder (Indra).
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: From the residue of a great being (bone fragment), powerful instruments arise across the earth to serve dharmic victory—small causes can yield vast effects when aligned with divine purpose.
Vedantic Theme: Interconnectedness of realms; śakti manifests through nimitta (instrumental causes) and adhiṣṭhāna (divine governance).
Application: Honor the principle that even small offerings/residues can have far-reaching consequences; cultivate alignment with dharma so one’s ‘remnants’ (actions, legacy) become beneficial.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Type: terrestrial regions/sacred sites (implied)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.68.15 (vajra to be examined)
FAQs
This verse links the vajra’s manifestation to sacred causality: fragments of a powerful being’s bone become sources of Indra’s vajra, symbolizing divinely sanctioned strength and victory.
Indirectly, it shows how physical remnants can carry potent karmic and spiritual consequence; the text often uses such causality to illustrate how subtle merit/power can shape outcomes beyond ordinary perception.
Treat places, bodies, and ritual remnants with reverence—this verse emphasizes that even “small fragments” can have lasting impact, encouraging mindful conduct, purity, and respect for sacred traditions.