Agni Purana — Raja-dharma, Shloka 12
Chapter 245 — रत्नपरीक्षा
Examination of Gems
सौगन्धिकोत्था काषाया मुक्ताफलास्तु शुक्तिजाः विमलास्तेभ्य उत्कृष्टा ये च शङ्खोद्भवा मुने
saugandhikotthā kāṣāyā muktāphalāstu śuktijāḥ vimalāstebhya utkṛṣṭā ye ca śaṅkhodbhavā mune
由苏甘提迦（saugandhika）之源所出的珍珠（muktāphala）呈黄褐色；而珍珠亦可由蚌壳（śukti）所生。其清澈者胜于其余；噢，牟尼，最上等者据说出自海螺壳（śaṅkha）。
Lord Agni
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Arthashastra","secondary_vidya":"Shilpa","practical_application":"Grading pearls by source and clarity for commerce, taxation, and ornament-making.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Pearl sources and grading: saugandhika, oyster, and conch-born","lookup_keywords":["muktāphala","śukti","śaṅkha","saugandhika","pearl grading"],"quick_summary":"Pearls are distinguished by origin and color: saugandhika-born are tawny; oyster-born are common; clarity determines superiority, and conch-born pearls are considered finest."}
Concept: Guṇa-prādhānya: vimala (clarity) as the decisive criterion of excellence beyond mere origin.
Application: When sources vary, prioritize observable clarity for purchase and setting in ornaments.
Khanda Section: Ratna-pariksha (Gemology and classification of precious substances)
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: River
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Pearl grader compares tawny saugandhika pearls, oyster pearls, and rare conch-born pearls, selecting the clearest as superior.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, seashore workshop with conch and oyster shells opened, strings of pearls in graded colors, artisan holding a clear pearl up to lamp light, decorative floral border.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, goddess-like personification of Śrī with pearl ornaments, foreground shows conch and oyster with luminous pearls, gold leaf emphasizing pearl sheen and conch spirals.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, didactic panel: three labeled compartments—saugandhika (kāṣāya), śukti-ja, śaṅkha-udbhava (best)—fine ink outlines, gentle pastel wash.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, merchant and court jeweler examining pearls on velvet cloth, conch shell beside, attention to translucency and luster, realistic coastal ambiance."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Kalyani","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सौगन्धिकोत्था = सौगन्धिक + उत्थाः; मुक्ताफलास्तु = मुक्ताफलाः + तु; विमलास्तेभ्यः = विमलाः + तेभ्यः; शङ्खोद्भवाः = शङ्ख + उद्भवाः (समास)
Related Themes: Agni Purana Ratna-parīkṣā: pearl qualities and defects (near 245.14)
FAQs
It gives a technical grading of pearls by origin and quality—describing color traits (kāṣāya) and ranking clarity (vimala) and conch-origin pearls as the highest.
By preserving a systematic, quasi-scientific taxonomy of materials (ratna-lakṣaṇa)—useful for trade, valuation, and royal administration—alongside the Purana’s ritual and theological content.
While primarily technical, the emphasis on purity/clarity (vimala) aligns with Purāṇic ideals of auspicious substances—supporting righteous acquisition and proper use of valuable items in gifts, worship, and royal conduct.