Shloka 16

Vaidūrya (Cat’s-eye) Examination: Origin, Auspicious Marks, Imitations, and Valuation Measures

Devanagari script

आकरान्समतीतानामुदधेस्तीरसन्निधौ / मूल्यमेतन्मणीनां तु न सर्वत्र महीतले

Transliteration

ākarānsamatītānāmudadhestīrasannidhau / mūlyametanmaṇīnāṃ tu na sarvatra mahītale

Translation

For those who have gone beyond the mines, near the seashore, this is the true valuation of gems; yet such value is not recognized everywhere upon the earth.

Word by Word

• ākarān: mines/ore-sources
• ākarān: Karma (Object/कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: ākara (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग (Masculine), द्वितीया विभक्ति (Accusative, 2nd), बहुवचन (Plural)

• samatītānām: of those that have passed through/come from
• samatītānām: Sambandha (Genitive relation/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: sam-√i (धातु) (गत्यर्थ) + atīta (कृदन्त/प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: भूतकृदन्त (Past participial adjective), पुंलिङ्ग (Masculine), षष्ठी विभक्ति (Genitive, 6th), बहुवचन (Plural)

• udadheḥ: of the ocean
• udadheḥ: Sambandha (Genitive relation/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Noun
• Root: udadhi (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग (Masculine), षष्ठी विभक्ति (Genitive, 6th), एकवचन (Singular)

• tīra-sannidhau: in the vicinity of the shore
• tīra-sannidhau: Adhikaraṇa (Location/अधिकरण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: tīra (प्रातिपदिक) + sannidhi (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग (Masculine), सप्तमी विभक्ति (Locative, 7th), एकवचन (Singular); तत्पुरुषसमास

• mūlyam: value/price
• mūlyam: Karta (Subject/कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: mūlya (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग (Neuter), प्रथमा/द्वितीया विभक्ति (Nom./Acc., 1st/2nd), एकवचन (Singular)

• etat: this
• etat: Viśeṣaṇa (Qualifier/विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: etat (सर्वनाम-प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग (Neuter), प्रथमा/द्वितीया विभक्ति (Nom./Acc., 1st/2nd), एकवचन (Singular)

• maṇīnām: of gems
• maṇīnām: Sambandha (Genitive relation/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Noun
• Root: maṇi (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग (Masculine), षष्ठी विभक्ति (Genitive, 6th), बहुवचन (Plural)

• tu: but/however
• tu: Sambandha (Contrast/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: tu (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय (concessive/contrast particle)

• na: not
• na: Sambandha (Negation/सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: na (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय (negation particle)

• sarvatra: everywhere
• sarvatra: Adhikaraṇa (Scope/अधिकरण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: sarvatra (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय (adverb)

• mahī-tale: on the surface of the earth
• mahī-tale: Adhikaraṇa (Location/अधिकरण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: mahī (प्रातिपदिक) + tala (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग (Neuter), सप्तमी विभक्ति (Locative, 7th), एकवचन (Singular); तत्पुरुषसमास

Speaker

Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vainateya)

Philosophical Teaching

Concept: Valuation depends on context and expertise; standards are not uniform across regions—inviting discernment about worldly measures.

Vedantic Theme: Vyavaharika-satya: conventional truth varies by locale; encourages discrimination between relative standards and ultimate value.

Application: Seek competent sources and context-specific standards before judging worth—whether of objects, people, or practices; avoid absolutizing local conventions.

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: adbhuta

Geographic Context

Type: coastal trade region / mining-to-port corridor

Cross References

Related Themes: Garuda Purana material on pramana/measurements and worldly conventions (general thematic parallel)

FAQs

What is the importance of understanding 'true value' in the Garuda Purana?

This verse highlights that value is context-dependent; by implication, one should seek the highest, enduring value—Dharma and right understanding—rather than relying on shifting worldly measures.

How does this verse relate to Garuda Purana’s broader teachings?

The Garuda Purana frequently contrasts transient worldly standards with lasting spiritual truth; this simile reinforces discernment (viveka) before making choices tied to duty, ethics, and ultimate welfare.

Practical application of this wisdom today?

Do not measure everything by popular opinion or market value; evaluate actions by ethical worth and long-term consequences—especially in matters of duty, charity, and conduct.