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Syamantak Mani: It is a common belief that
this jewel adorns the necklace of Lord Surya (the
sun god). It is said to have a brilliant blue hue
that instantaneously blinds the onlooker. If it is
taken in darkness, it fills the ambience with
day-like light. There is an interesting tale related
to this jewel.
In the Dwapar Yuga, Lord Surya had presented the
Syamantak Mani to his devotee Prasanjit as he was
pleased by his devotion. Prasanjit visited the court
of Lord Krishna wearing the jewel. All the courtiers
were amazed by the brilliance of this jewel and said
to Prasanjit that he did not deserve the jewel, so
he should present it to none other than Lord
Krishna. But Prasanjit could present the jewel to
Lord Krishna and stealthily left the court. Later
on, Prasanjit went to the forests on a hunting
excursion and was killed by a lion. The lion took
the jewel with it but was killed by Jambvant, the
ursine aid of Lord Rama. Jambvant took the jewel to
his cave and gave it to his children.
Back there in the kingdom, when Prasanjit did not
return for many days, suspicious fingers began to
point at Lord Krishna. So, Lord Krishna set out to
search Prasanjit. Following the footmarks of
Prasanjit, the lion and Jambvant, Lord Krishna
reached the den of Jambvant and saw Jambvant's
children playing with the jewel. As soon as Lord
Krishna took the jewel in this possession, Jambvant
also arrived there and a fierce duel followed
between them. At last Jambvant recognized Lord and
presented Him with his daughter Jambvati and also
the jewel. Thus recovering the jewel Syamantak, Lord
Krishna returned to Dwarka and washed the blemish.
It is believed now that Lord Krishna himself wears
the jewel Syamantak. To know more contact us. |
