Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 38
The Murder of Satrājit and the Recovery of the Syamantaka Jewel
तथापि दुर्धरस्त्वन्यैस्त्वय्यास्तां सुव्रते मणि: । किन्तु मामग्रज: सम्यङ्न प्रत्येति मणिं प्रति ॥ ३८ ॥ दर्शयस्व महाभाग बन्धूनां शान्तिमावह । अव्युच्छिन्ना मखास्तेऽद्य वर्तन्ते रुक्मवेदय: ॥ ३९ ॥
tathāpi durdharas tv anyais tvayy āstāṁ su-vrate maṇiḥ kintu mām agrajaḥ samyaṅ na pratyeti maṇiṁ prati
然而，守誓的阿克鲁拉啊，此宝石仍应由你保管，因为旁人难以安然守护。但我长兄对我所言尚未尽信；请只需展示一次。大福德者啊，如此便能安抚我的亲族；众人皆知你如今在金制祭坛上不断举行祭祀。
Although technically Satyabhāmā’s sons had a right to the jewel, Lord Kṛṣṇa decided to leave the jewel in the care of Akrūra, who was using the jewel’s wealth to continually perform religious sacrifices. Indeed, Akrūra’s ability to perform such rituals on altars of gold was an indication of the jewel’s potency.
FAQs
This verse states the jewel is “durdhara”—not easily obtained by others—and is to remain safely with Satyabhama, emphasizing its extraordinary potency and the caution required in handling it.
Within the Syamantaka narrative, suspicion and rumor arise around the jewel; Satyabhama notes that Balarama (Krishna’s elder brother) is not fully satisfied about Krishna’s position in the matter, so the jewel must be shown to restore confidence.
When misunderstandings arise, clarity and transparent proof—offered respectfully—help restore trust and protect relationships, just as the jewel’s situation required open resolution.