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In Vedas and ancient texts, there are many mentions of the powerful energies which have the ability to transform our lives. These powerful energies reside in our lives around us in many forms like tantra, mantra, gemstones, yagna, etc. The chanting of mantras, the art of tantra, and the remedies of gems are all ancient guidance for us to find our way to spirituality in this materialistic world.
Today, in this blog, we will specifically discuss about the Ratans that are given the blessings and powers of the celestial realms.
There are three categories of Ratnas- gems of heaven, hell, and Earth. Know more about the gemstones of Earth, which are meant to protect and guide you.
Many ancient Vedic texts mention the Navratans, like the Jataka Parijata (15th century), which Sri Vaidyanatha Dikshitar compiled. This Vedic and sacred text contains information about the nine stones, which are called Navratans, which is a Sanskrit word that means 9 gems. Nav means Nine, and Ratans means gemstones.
Each Navratan is connected to a Grah or planet of the celestial realm. But as per Vedic astrology, these are astrological planets, not the ones we study in modern science.
The Sanskrit lines, as mentioned in the text, are:-
माणिक्यं दिननायकस्य विमलं मुक्ताफलं शीतगतोः
माहेयस्य च विद्रुमं मरकतं सौम्यस्य गारुत्मतम्।
देवेज्ययस्य च प पुष्परागं असुराचार्यस्य वज्रं शनेः
नीलं निर्मलनन्ययोश्च गदिते गोमेद् वैदुर्यकेः ॥
Roughly translation of these lines are:
The pure ruby stone is like the sun; the pearl is the gem of the cooling moon
Red coral belongs to Mars; green emerald is of mercury
Yellow sapphire is the gem of Jupiter; diamond is a gem of Venus
Blue sapphire is the gem of Saturn (Shani), and Hessonite and Cat’s eye are the gems of the remaining planets, that is, Rahu and Ketu.
These are nine gemstones and the nine planets that are connected to each other as per the Vedic astrology.
In the Garuda Purana, it is mentioned that one should wear a gemstone only after expert advice. It goes as follows -
वज्रं मुक्तमणय: सपद्मरागा: समरकता: प्रोक्ता : |
अपि चेन्द्रनीलमणिवरवैदुर्या: पुष्करागाश्च: || ९ ||
कर्केतनं सपुलकं रुधिराख्यसमन्वित तथा स्फटिकम् |
विद्रुममणिश्च यत्नादुद्दिष्टं संग्रहे तज्ज्ञनये ||१०||
Roughly Translation
Gems such as the Padmaraga (Ruby), Emerald, Indranila (Blue Sapphire), Vaidurya, Pusparaga (Yellow Sapphire), Vajra (Diamond), Pearl, Karketana (Cat’s Eye), Pulaka Rudhiraktya (bloodstone), and coral should only be worn after careful consideration and advice from experts. They should also be collected carefully, and one should wear only original stones.
This is a warning that clearly states that these stones should be worn carefully.
This is because, according to the beliefs and ancient scriptures, these gems have immense powers. And they can affect a person negatively if a person wears them without proper consultation.
The nine gemstones mentioned above, called Navratans commonly, were widely used in ancient times. These stones are said to counteract the planetary imbalances and increase the benefits of the planet they are linked with. A specific planet rules every gem, so when worn with the proper vedic pooja process, the gem will bring blessings of that planet or Grah.
The Atharv Veda mentions a Shloka that says that the gemstones are auspicious and that their vital powers are helpful to people in all phases of life. Indeed, these gems are full of energy and radiance, bringing sweet and powerful results.
As per astrology, each planetary movement has an effect on our lives. Our birth chart shows the movements and positions of the planets. Suppose a planet is in an unfavorable position in anyone’s chart. In that case, he or she can wear its linked gemstone to remove the adverse effects and problems coming in their life because of that planet's periodic.
As per Brihat Shamita, a person’s fortune is connected with the gemstones he wears or has, and a natural stone can bring its user prosperity. The saying extends to state that a used and treated gem can bring misfortune and misery.
Garuda Purana mentions - Gemstones have the power to remove all the sins of the person who embraces them and can work as a counteract to poison, snake bites, deadly diseases, spiritual danger or any harm.
Read More - Top Astrological Benefits of Wearing Navratna Jewelry
The major source of the gemstones and their powerful energies have majorly been mentioned in the ancient scriptures found on the Indian subcontinent. These have been present in Indian cultures for almost the start of humankind, and evidence dates back to the presence of gems as far as 5000 years ago.
Vedas are the oldest scriptures written in Sanskrit, the ancient language of India. These scriptures and texts include various ceremonies, rituals, tantra, mantras, yagna, and many other Vidhyas or studies. Their description of spiritual and supernatural powers is so up to a point and is very hardcore. These subtle energies influence the entire life of anyone who follows them.
Gemstones are part of the study of astrology and connect the earth's lives to the astrological planets. These fems have the power to heal and to influence one’s destiny.
There is a fascinating folklore behind the formation of the gems as per the Vishnu Purana and Shrimad Bhagat Mahapurana. Bali was the grandson of Prahlad and a great king of demons. He was determined to dethrone the king of heaven and wanted to rule it. So, in order to do so, he organized a hundred Ashwamedha Yagyas, challenging the king of heaven. So, the king appealed to Lord Vishnu to maintain his throne and stop Bali. Therefore, Lord Vishnu arrived to stop the hundredth Ashwamedha Yagya in the form of a dwarf Brahmin, Vamana Avatar. As a Brahim, he asked for land that he could cover in three steps, and Bali agreed.
Vishnu covered the Earth and heaven in two steps, and now he had no space to keep his third step. So, Bali offered him his head, where God put his third step and directed him to Patal (the nether world) to rule it. It is said that when Bali was touched by the Lord’s foot, his earthly body collapsed to convert it into gemstones.
His bones become the diamonds, teeth become pearls, and eyes become the sapphires.
Vedas have clearly mentioned the importance of gemstones and how they govern our lives. It has also been mentioned that wearing an original stone is essential. Only an authentic gem will give you its benefits and bring its metaphysical properties and healing powers to you. You can buy a lab-certified gemstones from a trustworthy and reputable source like Navratan.com.
