अन्यत्र जातं च न तत्प्रधानं मूल्यं भवेच्छिल्पिविशेषयोगात् / प्रसन्नं कोमलं स्निग्धं सुरागं विद्रुमं हि तत्
anyatra jātaṃ ca na tatpradhānaṃ mūlyaṃ bhavecchilpiviśeṣayogāt / prasannaṃ komalaṃ snigdhaṃ surāgaṃ vidrumaṃ hi tat
Bila terlahir di tempat lain, ia tidak mencapai nilai utama; nilainya bergantung pada keunggulan khusus sang perajin. Sesungguhnya vidruma (karang merah) yang sejati itu jernih, lembut, berkilau, dan kaya warna.
Lord Viṣṇu (in dialogue with Garuḍa)
Concept: Value arises from both origin and saṃskāra (expert workmanship); true specimens have recognizable lakṣaṇas (clarity, softness, unctuous luster, rich color).
Vedantic Theme: Viveka and pramāṇa-by-lakṣaṇa: knowing by characteristics; the ‘best’ is known through stable marks, not mere claim.
Application: In gem selection, verify provenance and workmanship; prefer specimens meeting clear criteria (prasanna, komala, snigdha, surāga).
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.79.3 on refinement by a skilled artisan increasing value; Garuda Purana 1.80.4 on testing methods for gems
This verse treats coral as a valued, auspicious substance whose merit and price depend on authentic qualities (clarity, softness, luster, and good color) and proper expert assessment.
In the Ācāra Kāṇḍa, the text often links material selection (gems, substances, donations) with correctness and auspiciousness; here it emphasizes discerning genuine quality rather than relying on mere origin or appearance.
When choosing items for worship, donation, or personal use, prioritize authenticity and tested quality—seek knowledgeable expertise and look for clear signs (luster, color, integrity) rather than marketing or provenance claims.