Shloka 20
Ratna-parīkṣā: Vajra (Diamond/Thunderbolt) — Origin, Types, Testing, Defects, Weights, and Royal Auspiciousness
वज्रेषु वर्णयुक्त्या देवानामपि विग्रहः प्रोक्तः / वर्णेभ्यश्च विभागः कार्यो वर्णाश्रयादेव
vajreṣu varṇayuktyā devānāmapi vigrahaḥ proktaḥ / varṇebhyaśca vibhāgaḥ kāryo varṇāśrayādeva
Even among vajras, the embodied forms of the Devas are described according to their associated colors; and distinctions are to be made on the basis of those colors alone, for classification rests entirely upon color as its foundation.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda)
Concept: Varṇa as a classificatory pramāṇa: deva-vigraha (embodied deva-form) is inferred/assigned through color distinctions.
Vedantic Theme: Nāma-rūpa and upādhi: forms and names are organized through attributes; symbolic correspondence operates within vyavahāra.
Application: When using/valuing a vajra, classify it by its dominant color to determine its associated deva and intended auspicious use.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.68.21 (specific color-to-deva mapping); Garuda Purana 1.68.19 (ideal vajra qualities)
FAQs
The verse states that divine forms and their distinctions are described and classified through color-association, making varṇa the key basis for identifying and differentiating forms.
This specific verse is not about the soul’s post-death journey; it focuses on symbolic classification—how forms (vigrahas) of Devas are described via color-based distinctions.
Use it as a reminder to read traditional descriptions carefully: symbolic attributes (like colors) often function as technical markers for identification and correct understanding of a teaching or ritual context.