Shloka 17
The Examination of Pearls and Padmarāga (Ruby): Origins, Marks, Defects, and Valuation
वर्णाधिक्यं गुरुत्वं च स्निग्धता समताच्छता / अर्चिष्मत्ता महत्ता च मणीनां गुणसंग्रहः
varṇādhikyaṃ gurutvaṃ ca snigdhatā samatācchatā / arciṣmattā mahattā ca maṇīnāṃ guṇasaṃgrahaḥ
色の豊かさ、重み、艶、均整と澄明、輝き、そして大きさ—これらが宝石の徳相の総集である。
Lord Viṣṇu (in dialogue with Garuḍa)
Concept: Lakṣaṇa (defining marks): objective criteria for judging value—color, weight, luster, evenness, clarity, radiance, size.
Vedantic Theme: Sattva-associated clarity (prasāda) as a metaphor for excellence; disciplined perception (pramāṇa) over impulse.
Application: Use a checklist approach when buying/using gems: assess color saturation, heft, surface smoothness, transparency, brilliance, and size before acceptance.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.70.18 (defects); Garuda Purana 1.70.20 (look-alikes and subtle marks)
FAQs
This verse lists the core criteria by which a gem is considered excellent—color, weight, luster, uniformity, clarity, brilliance, and size—forming a traditional standard for assessing auspicious stones.
It does not address the after-death journey here; instead, it focuses on worldly dharmic knowledge—how to recognize and value gemstones by their defining qualities.
Use these classical criteria as a checklist when assessing gemstones: prefer stones with strong color, good weight, high clarity, even texture, and natural brilliance, avoiding visibly flawed or dull specimens.