Shloka 17

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

वैडूर्यसौगन्धिकयोस् तथा राजमणेर्नृप वज्रस्यैव च मुख्यस्य तथा ब्रह्ममणेरपि //

Transliteration

vaiḍūryasaugandhikayos tathā rājamaṇernṛpa vajrasyaiva ca mukhyasya tathā brahmamaṇerapi //

Translation

O king, the same principles apply to vaidūrya (cat’s-eye), saugandhika, the royal gem (rāja-maṇi), the foremost vajra (diamond), and also to the brahma-gem (brahma-maṇi).

Word by Word

• nṛpa: O king

• vaiḍūrya: vaidūrya gem (cat’s-eye/beryl in some traditions)

• saugandhika: a fragrant/‘saugandhika’ gem-variety

• rāja-maṇi: the ‘royal jewel’, a superior gem-class

• vajra: diamond (also ‘vajra’ gem)

• mukhya: principal, foremost

• brahma-maṇi: ‘brahma-gem’, a most exalted gem-category

• tathā: likewise, in the same way

• api: also

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu as king

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu
• Vaidūrya (gem)
• Saugandhika (gem)
• Rāja-maṇi (royal gem)
• Vajra (diamond)
• Brahma-maṇi (brahma-gem)

Tags

• Ratna Shastra
• Danadharma
• Royal Ethics
• Puranic Gemology
• Auspicious Objects

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to a practical catalogue of gems, indicating that the text also preserves technical knowledge (ratna-lakṣaṇa) alongside cosmological narratives.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

By addressing the ‘king’ and listing elite gem-types, the verse supports royal/householder dharma concerning discerning, acquiring, and especially donating high-value, auspicious objects in a disciplined way (often as part of dāna and ritual propriety).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse implies ritual significance: such gems are treated as auspicious substances used in consecrations, elite donations, and royal regalia; it signals that rules previously stated for evaluating/handling gems apply equally to these named varieties.