Ratnagarbhas

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Ratnagarbhas (a Sanskrit word) are precious gemstones (crystalline minerals or petrified material). Mother earth is the real source of all the gems that people use hence it is called “Ratnagarbhas” (mother of all the jewels). The significance of the Ratnagarbhas or gem stones from the well known ancient Vedic point of view needs to be appreciated.

In Amarkosh, the Sanskrit dictionary, thirty eight synonyms have been mentioned for earth, out of which three synonyms - Vasudhaa, Vasumati and Ratnagarbha - are cyclical and mean that the earth bears gems in her womb. Further, Amarkosh states that gems are unique creations which charm every human being on earth.^[1][2]

It is believed that gems and jewels have some kind of the innate metaphysical powers which can affect people, beneficially or otherwise. Good quality gems bestow success, bliss and happiness while the defective or impure gems end up giving misery. Gemstones are inherently expensive and have some latent power, often called divine power.

[edit] Hindu historical truths

According to ancient and medieval history, India has been one of the major centres of trade in gemstones. References to gems of the Indian subcontinent are numerous and well documented in literature in India and other countries.^[3]

The Rig Veda, which is the oldest book written by man on earth, mentions the word Ratna, in its first sloka (hymn). Varahamihira, who expounded Astrology as a science, in his magnum opus, Brihatsamhita in the chapter titled ‘Ratna Parikshadhhyayang’ discusses topics such as the following.

1]:- ... descriptions of heavenly bodies, their movements and conjunctions, meteorological phenomena, indications of the omens these movements, conjunctions and phenomena represent, what action to take and operations to accomplish, sign to look for in humans, animals, precious stones, etc.

In the same chapter it is further stated:

"Ratnena shubhena,nripanaa manishri bhashubhena yasmaadataha parikshyang doibang tajj gzhaiyha." That means, if the good gems are worn the princes or any royal man would face blissful consequences, and if the gems are evil then would meet with evil consequences.

The Ratna-Pariksha of Buddhabhatta, a Buddhist scholar of the late sixth century BC, also refers to gemstones in the above overtones.

The Brihatsamhita of Varahmihira contains a list of twenty-two stones classified as Ratnas (gems), but it does not mark the difference between Maharatnas (very precious stones) and Uparatnas (less precious stones), a distinction that seems to have developed later. Of these, the Brihatsamhita deals with four gems in great detail - Diamond, Pearl, Ruby and Emerald. The rest like Sapphire, Chrysoberyl, Garnet and so on are mentioned only in passing.

[edit] The twenty-two ratnas or gems

Note: Highlighted ones are Navaratnas (Nine gems)

But scriptural references such as the "Garuda Purana" and "Indra Purana" have mentioned about the uses of the nine (9) primary gems (marked in bold letters in the above table) and their particular planetary rays based on their color, carat, clarity, cutting and the qualities.

According to Garuda Purana, natural gemstones radiate "astral" powers. Fine, flawless gems promote good fortune, while poor quality gems have the opposite effect.^[4]

Again, quoting from the ancient "Agni Purana" (chap. 246, slokas 7 & 8:), "A gem free from all impurities and radiating its characteristic internal luster should be looked upon as an escort of good luck; A gem which is cracked, fissured, devoid of luster, or appearing rough or sandy, should not be used at all."

The intrinsic influence of the gems which is also called as the theory of science of the rays, has always been the subject of Vedic astrologers and the Ayurvedic system (Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word which means ‘the science of life’) of medicine, so often used for treatment of disease, fashion and assumed to be having spiritual power which gives good luck, mental peace and happiness and thus the subject of Planetary Gemology or the Science of Planetary Gemology is now widely pursued all over the world. Different gemstones are said to receive their potencies from the cosmic energies of various planets. The planets are also said to have effects on our minds and subtle parts of our consciousness. In addition, their specific positions in the sidereal horoscope in Astrology indicate the path of destiny. ^[5][6]

[edit] Planetary Gemology Association’s views

It is believed that the vibrations and frequencies and rays that the gems emit influence human beings in a very powerful way. They create strong energy fields that are absorbed by the body. In this context, views of the Planetary Gemologists Association (PGA), a regulatory and research group formed to help unite all genuine Planetary Gemologists (PGs) around the world would be relevant. Some extracts of this Association’s views on Planetary Gemology: (Ratna-vijnana or Ratna-para-vidya) – related to the ancient Vedic science of the relationship between 9 (categories of) Gems and 9 Planets recognized as most important in Sidereal Astrology and Ayurveda, based on the "Navaratna" philosophy of Vedic birthstones are given below.

It is stated in the "Secret Teachings of All Ages" by Manley Hall that, “The rays of the celestial bodies, striking the crystallizing influences of the lower world, become the various elements. Partaking of the astral virtues of their source, these elements neutralize certain unbalanced forms of celestial activity and, when properly combined, contribute much to the well-being of man." ^[7]

In the scientific world the bundle of seven rays known as VIBGYOR comprises the colors violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. In one of the ancient Indian Spiritual scriptures known as "Kurma Purana", the seven planets are to be seen as a grouping of the seven cosmic rays. Other than in a rainbow we can not see these seven cosmic rays without the aid of a prism. A well facetted and polished gem can do the same to gather the energy of these cosmic rays.Every gem has the power to absorb the radiation emitted by a particular planet. ^[8].

Therefore, in order to receive its benefits, the gem pertaining to the particular planet is worn. Wearing gemstones according to one's horoscope is a fundamental theory of Vedic astrology and the majority of people wear gems on their hand or around their neck or wrist. It is appropriate to use the gem which is related to the strongest planet of the horoscope and the person should not use the gems related to malefic planets in the natal horoscope.

It is also worn as the birthstone. The general practice now followed is to wear the gemstone that corresponds to the lord of the first house or the Ascendent, which is the most important house of a horoscope, by which the person strengthens his image, confidence, well-being, self-esteem, good luck and the ability to gain recognition. However, if the lord of first house is weak, the effect of the gem related to that lord is not strong. The effects of gemstones are less effective. Therefore,it is always better to strengthen the strongest planet or planets based on the horoscope.^{[9] [10]}

Taking the above views into consideration, the classification of gems, the qualities of the nine gems or Navaratnas, their relationship to planets and beneficial or malefic effects are further classified.

[edit] Classification

The total number of gemstones identified and used are eighty-four out of which nine are recognized as the main gems, called Navartnas in Sanskrit, while the rest seventy-five gems fall under the sub-gem category.

The names of 84 Gemstones

1)Amber 2)Akik (Agate) 3) Abari 4)Amalia 5)Alemani 6) Udak

7) Upal(Opal) 8)Alexendrite 9)Casoti (Touch stone) 10)Kaharava 11)Calaline 12)Kataila (Amethyst)

13)Kurund 14)Kakarnili 15)Kuduratta 16)Khara 17)Gomed (Hassonite) 18)Godanta

19)Gauti 20)Gudari 21) Cheeta (Vyaghraksha or Tiger's eye) 22) Chumbak (Magnet) 23)Jaharmohara (Soap stone) 24)Jaje Mani

25)Jaharat (Dugdh pashan or milk stone) 26) Jabar jad 27)Jharana 28) Tori 29)Duur 30)Tamara (Garnate)

31)Turvasa 32)Turmali (Tourmaline) 33)Dana firang 34)Darchana 35)Danvala 36)Durrenazaf

37)Doposta 38)Dhunaila 39)Naram 40) Neelam (Blue Sapphire) 41) Panna (Emerald) 42) Panaghana

43) Pitonia 44)Panni 45) Pukhraj (Yellow Sapphire) 46) Phiroza (Turquoise) 47) Phitak 48) Beiruj

49) Bansi 50) Mariam 51) Marmar (Marble stone) 52) Makatanis 53) Margaz 54) Makari

55) Manikya (Ruby) 56) Musa 57) Muvenazaf 58) Moonga (Coral) 59) Moti (Pearl) 60) Mritangar (cinder stone)

61) Yashab (jade) 62) Yahood 63) Ratartna 64) Romani 65) Lahsuniya (Cat's eye) 66) Lajvard (Lapis Lazuli)

67) Lalari 68) Ludhia 69) Shajar 70) Sitara 71) Sangi 72) Saramahi

73) Cimac 74) Simrak 75) Sinduria (carnelian) 76) Singali 77) Sulemani (onyx) 78) Sunahala (Citrine)

79) Sona Makkhi 80) Suryaksha 81) Cibar 82) Havas 83) Heera (Diamond) 84) Haddek.

Traditionally, in India, nine major types of gems have been used but over the past centuries of trade and commerce with other countries more knowledge about lesser varieties of gemstones has been acquired and put to many practical applications. In addition to the eighty-four stones, four more kinds of stones have also been described, viz., 1) Halnalaraja, 2) Hazarat-e-ud, 3) Godanti and 4) Paras (Philosopher's stone) making a total of eighty-eight different kinds of gemstones. Of these four stones, existence of Paras (Philosopher's stone) is more of folklore than reality. The seventy-five minor gemstones have been brought into limelight mainly by the Egyptians, Greek and Persian gemologists; Persians (of modern Iran) have played a key role in popularizing them world over. Hence, most of these minor gemstones are still identified world over with their original Persian names which have been accepted in other languages too.^{[9] [10]}

The Navaratnas or Ratnagarbhas or nine Gems and their benefic effects are the following.

Prescription of Navaratna Ratnagarbhas or Nine Gem Stones - Their Planetary signs, Zodiac signs, Stellar Signs and Benefic Results - (As per Eastern Concept)'

Indian name/English name

[edit] Prescription of Gems according to Western concept

[edit] Formal procedure of wearing Ratnagarbhas

Ratnagarbhas or Gems are worn in jewelry as rings on fingers or as lockets around the neck

Fingers which suit the Gems

•For Jupiter - the index finger is considered most suitable

•Saturn,Rahu,and Ketu - the middle finger

•Sun and Mars – the ring finger

•Mercury and Moon - the little finger

•To cover shortcomings of depressed mounts of two or three planets - rings made of seven metal alloy on ring or middle finger are worn.

It is also said that if one wears a ring, with a devout heart and in full faith, his aspirations can be fulfilled within three days, or three fortnights or at best within three months. The rings should be made at auspicious moments under thorough observation of the process according to their basic tenets prescribed in Tantra and Vedic disciplines

In Hindu religious belief, after wearing the ring in the assigned finger, every day the individual recites the following Sanskrit mantra (prayer) soon after getting up from the bed. The native rubs his palms forcefully for some time so that these are flushed up enough to make all lines (even minute lines) visible and looking at the life, heart and the luck lines and recites as under.

kauragrey vasatey lakshmi, kaurau mauddhye saraswati kaurau mooley tu Govindaha,probhaatey kaurau-daurshaunam

That means, at the fore front of the palm, within the line of wealth resides Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth). In the middle of the palm, on the head line resides Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of learning). In the wrist on its centre resides the God Himself (Lord Govinda - Vishnu). If a man gazes at the palm daily while saying prayers for his preferred deity, observes his favoured ring, his courage grows everyday, the evil effects of the planet withers gradually and the unfavourable time turns into a favourable one.

Lockets more benefic than Rings

[edit] Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of Ratnagarbhas or Gemstones

Ayurveda and to some extent Unani (both Indian branches of medical science using natural curative methods) lay great emphasis on the use of gem stones in medicinal preparations. Dravyaguna Vigyana (medicianl science)advocates use of both bhasma (Residue after incineration – calcined preparation) as well as in pishti (powdered gem) form along with herbs for treatment of critical ailments. The procedures for preparing these medicines are time-consuming and complicated.

Bhasma is a calcined preparation in which the gem or metal is converted into ash. Gems are purified to remove impurities and treated by triturating and macerating in herbal extracts. The dough so obtained is calcinated to obtain the ashes.^[11]

Pisti is powdered gem. Gems are treated by triturating and macerating in juices of plants followed by drying to obtain a micro fine powder.

All medication, however, should be under the strict supervision and advice of a qualified Ayurvedic or Unani physician.

The gems used for various treatments in bhasma or pisti form are listed in alphabetical order in the table below.

[edit] Medicinal qualities of gems administered in Bhasma (ash) or powder form

• The cures mentioned are only indicative. This kind of treatment is to be under taken strictly under the guidance of an Ayurvedic or Unani Doctor.^[12]

[edit] Sources

1. Vishnu Purana
2. Garuda Purana
3. Varahamihira's Brihatsamhita - Ratna Pareekshadhhyaya
4. The Mystique of Gem Stones by Dr. Bhojraj Dwivedi, Diamond pocket book Pvt Ltd, New Delhi
5. Planetary Gemology: The Science of Planetary Gemology, Howard Beckman[1]
6. Directory and journals of the Planetary Gemologists Association, Bangkok, Thailand

[edit] References