The science behind Gems by Dr. Pt. Jitendra Vyas
Astrology and gems are associated with each other from time immemorial. Astrologers often recommend gems and associate them to planets. While the association is clear in so many classics, the wearing of gems for particular planet is not mentioned in easily available classics. So I have write a unique blog for the readers about ‘Ratna Vigyan’. Vrihadjataka, Vrihat Shamita, Yukti Kalpataru, Rajvallabha, Shushrut Shamita, Garud Purana refers to use of gems in certain conditions and they associate gems to powerful magicalproperties.
“Dharnat tachh papalaxmi Vinashnam” (Rajvallabha)
“Pavitra Dharnayach Paya Laxmimalapaha” (Shushrut Shamita)
“Te te Yathapurvamatiprashasta Saubhagyasampatividhandayaka” (Yukti Kalpataru)
Please note that ‘Gems’ refers to ‘Ratna’ and every stone is not a gemstone. Classics define “Ratna” according to following basis:
1. Gems taken out or mined on inauspicious Muhurta have ill affects despite being good in luster and appearance. As we know most of gems do not fulfill these criteria. In “Ratnajati” chapter of Manimala, Sloka 6 says “Stones originating on inauspicious days and at unlucky moments are not only void of any beneficial quality but are positively harmful”
Again, most of gems do not fulfill these criteria. This is because as a Gemologist and gem buyer, we know that they are mined at commercial level and not on the basis of any auspicious Muhurta (auspicious time).Same thing is mentioned in Chapter 68 of Garudpuranam.
2. Gems should be free of inclusions, spots, internal cracks and should carry proper color. (90% of the gems sold by astrologers do not fit this description). In “Ratnaparikshadhyay” of Vraht Shamita, it is clearly mentioned:
“Ratnen Shubhen Shubham Bhavati Nripanaamanishthamshubhen,
Yasmadatah Parikshayam Devam Ratnashritam Tajagye”
Good, clean gems of top quality bring good luck to emperors and those which are of bad quality bring bad luck. Hence, an astrologer should first check the gem for quality and only then he should provide it to others. Gems are carriers of ‘Fate’.
3. Gems are worn after certain propitiation and rituals like removal of negative influences through proper mantras. I believe that only ‘Ratnas’ defined in classics should carry “Swapranavastha” (Self invoked state) and rest of the gemstones are just stones. To energize them one needs proper mantras to invoke their powers, which are in dormant condition. This is the same as Idols of Deities need the ritual of “Pranpratishtith” (Infusion of Life Force) before they are worshipped. But, Shalagrams and Dakshinavarti Shankas have their own powers and they are never invoked through Mantras.
4. A gem which is powerful and fulfills above criteria gets devoid of its power when the inheritor is an impure person. Please refer to the epic related to Syamantak Mani (gem) during the period of Krishna. Prasena was the brother of Satrajita. Once, Satrajita took up his abode in the seacoast for the purpose of spending his time in worshipping Sun. After he prayed long and intently, Surya dev appeared before him. On being accosted, the divine Suntook out the gem Syamantaka from his neck and laid it out. Sun gave this Priceless jewel to Satrajita. It is said that on wearing the gem he appeared refulgent like Sun and entered Dwarka. Satrajita later transferred it to his brother Prasena. When owned by a pure man Syamantak would produce gold, but to an impure person it indubitably proved fatal. Prasena decked this gem and rode hunting into the forest. He killed innocent animals on account of which the gem altered his destiny. His impure heart brought his untimely fatal death when a lion slew both the horse and the horseman.
When we look at above criteria, it is very clear and evident that an average man, who is bound by restrictions of average income cannot possess above kind of “Ratnas”. Gems will come to you if you own a powerful horoscope and trust me they will fit above definitions. Considering the authenticity of wearing gems, certain classics do not mention them as remedies. Rather, they are mentioned as powerful Talismans related to certain planets. Remedies include Mantra, Tantra and Yantra for propitiation of planets. It is a fact that your destiny can never be altered. Nothing can entirely mitigate your destiny. But you can lower the intensity of mishaps in your life if you can read what planets signify. A wise astrologer can tell you about some prayer, a stone or a ‘yantra’ that will help you bear the fruits of your deeds. Your soul may never escape the clutches of your ‘karmas’ but with remedies or Parihar you will get strengthened enough to bear that. While remedies are meant for removal of harmful effects of planets, talismans are entirely different things. They are meant for either providing one with special supernormal powers or for some definitive purpose. For instance gems can be recommended as remedies to a person when a particular planet is weak but benefic. Through a gem one can increase the intensity of its beneficence. But when a Mukta like the “Shankhamukta” is worn, it will give you all round power, devoid of its relation with any planet. This is because “Shakhamukta” is a Devmani which carries special powers and charm. In olden times gems were not available easily. One cannot acquire them because of the low grade methods of mining. Now with the advance facilities of mining and lapidary, gems are within the reach of certain class of people. Still they may or may not fulfill particular criteria and may not affect people as been mentioned in classics.
For example in the “Ratnaparikshadyaya” Shloka 14, Varahmihira defines the qualities of a blessed diamond:
“Sarvadravya Bhedya laghvambhasi tarati rashmivat Snighdham,
Tadidanlashaktrachapopamam cha Vajram Hitayoktam”
A diamond which cannot be cut through any device (This means that a diamond should be hard), which appears heavier while held in hand, appears light when seen.“Tarati Rashmivat” means which appears as if it is not touching the bottom when kept in water and then it should radiate light, and should shine with sparks and appears like fire and rainbow colors, then it is considered the best of all. Now match this criterion with presently available diamonds in stores, you will hardly find any diamond which will match this description.
The effects defined in classics may stand true but gemstones should match their definitions for the same. I have stressed this idea in many of my write ups, that it is not so easy to change your destiny. Gems can off course change your destiny, but again that can only take place after supernormal intervention.
Blog no. 52, Date: 4/3/2016
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