Shloka 3
Karketana (Karketa) Lakṣaṇa: Origin, Color-Forms, Purity Marks, and Ritual Efficacy
स्निग्धा विशुद्धाः समरागिणश्च आपीतवर्णा गुरवो विचित्राः / त्रासव्रणव्यालविवर्जिताश्च कर्केतनास्ते परमं पवित्राः
snigdhā viśuddhāḥ samarāgiṇaśca āpītavarṇā guravo vicitrāḥ / trāsavraṇavyālavivarjitāśca karketanāste paramaṃ pavitrāḥ
جو کارکیتن چکنے، پاکیزہ، یکساں رنگت والے، زردی مائل، بھاری اور رنگا رنگ ہوں؛ اور جن میں دراڑ، زخم اور سانپ جیسے نشان کا عیب نہ ہو—وہ کارکیتن نہایت مقدس مانے جاتے ہیں۔
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda/Vinatā-putra)
Concept: Purity (śuddhi) and freedom from defects (nirdoṣatā) are prerequisites for sacred status and beneficial use.
Vedantic Theme: Sattva-śuddhi as a value: external purity mirrors inner clarity; selection of pure supports aligns with sattvic living.
Application: Choose stones that are glossy, clear, evenly colored, and free from cracks/blemishes; reject those with serpent-like lines or wounds.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.75.2 (defect-caused appearances); Garuda Purana 1.75.4 (ritual processing and benefits)
FAQs
This verse treats physical purity—uniform color, clarity, and freedom from defects—as a dharmic standard for selecting sacred items that are considered spiritually sanctifying.
It reflects the text’s emphasis on correct ritual conduct: materials used for religious purposes should be free from दोष (defects), mirroring the ideal of inner purity required for dharma.
When choosing items for worship or vows, prefer clean, intact, and ethically obtained materials—using external care as a support for inner discipline and reverence.