Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 2
Chapter 245 — रत्नपरीक्षा
Examination of Gems
इन्द्रनीलं महानीलं वैदूर्यं गन्धशस्यकं चन्द्रकान्तं सूर्यकान्तं स्फटिकं पुलकं तथा
indranīlaṃ mahānīlaṃ vaidūryaṃ gandhaśasyakaṃ candrakāntaṃ sūryakāntaṃ sphaṭikaṃ pulakaṃ tathā
इन्द्रनील, महानील, वैदूर्य, गन्धशस्यक; चन्द्रकान्त, सूर्यकान्त, स्फटिक और पुलक—ये भी (रत्नों में) गिने जाते हैं।
Lord Agni (in discourse to sage Vasiṣṭha, the standard Agni Purana dialogue frame)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Inventory and identification of gemstones for royal treasury, trade valuation, and auspicious selection.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Ratna-nāma-saṅgraha (gem list): nīla, vaidūrya, candrakānta, sūryakānta, sphaṭika, pulaka","lookup_keywords":["indranīla","vaidūrya","candrakānta","sūryakānta","sphaṭika"],"quick_summary":"Enumerates several gemstones/precious stones used in classification and examination: sapphire varieties, cat’s-eye, moonstone, sunstone, rock-crystal, and pulaka."}
Concept: Systematic naming/classification (saṅgraha) as a means to correct knowledge and right use of valuable substances.
Application: Create a standardized lexicon for merchants/treasurers to avoid substitution and fraud.
Khanda Section: Ratna-pariksha / Dravya-nirupana (Gems and precious substances; encyclopedic listings)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A display of multiple gemstones—blue sapphires, cat’s-eye, moonstone, sunstone, crystal—arranged for identification and naming.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style, gem-examination table with labeled stones: indranīla, mahānīla, vaidūrya, candrakānta, sūryakānta, sphaṭika, pulaka; warm earthy palette, stylized sparkle motifs","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, ornate gem tray with gold leaf borders, each stone rendered as a distinct colored cabochon, inscriptions in Devanagari, rich maroon background","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional chart-like scene: scribe drawing gemstones, teacher pointing with stylus, clean outlines, subtle shading, emphasis on accurate color and luster","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, jeweler’s workshop with precise naturalistic stones, light reflections, artisans weighing gems on a balance, detailed carpets and instruments"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: No significant sandhi; all items are accusative singulars in a list.
Related Themes: Agni Purana: Ratna-parīkṣā (subsequent sections likely give lakṣaṇa/doṣa/guṇa for each ratna)
FAQs
Ratna-vidyā (traditional gemological classification): the verse enumerates named gemstones/stone-varieties used in valuation, ornamentation, and auspicious selection.
It functions as a compact catalogue entry within a lapidary-style chapter, showing how the Agni Purana preserves technical nomenclature for minerals and gems alongside ritual, polity, medicine, and arts.
By identifying auspicious and valued substances, the text supports dhārmic use of gems in gifts, adornment, and consecratory contexts—actions traditionally associated with merit when done properly and with right intent.