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
Kasaganaan ng kulay, bigat, kinang, pagkakapantay at linaw, ningning, at kalakihan—ang mga ito ang kabuuang katangian ng mga hiyas.
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.