Surya's Gift (Syamantaka Mani Legend, Part 1)

Koh-i-Nur (Koh-i-Noor) Diamond
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I have studied at length the Koh-i-Nur (Koh-i-Noor) diamond, hoping to illuminate its mysterious path to some degree for your enjoyment. I recently discovered that there is some speculation that the Mountain of Light is indeed the ancient Indian gemstone, the Syamantaka mani. While I will examine the origins of the Koh-i-Nur in a near-future post, I would first like to start out by telling you of this legendary first among the diamonds of Vedic legend. This will take several posts, so be sure to check back every other day for the entire story. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have. ~AMA

Surya, Sun God
Photo Credit: Sree Surya Bhagawan on Facebook

Surya's Gift
Satrajit went to the beach to meet with Surya, the sun god. His faithful service had gained him a special place of affection in the demi-god’s heart. On this particularly sunny day, Surya decided to reward Satrajit with a brilliant gemstone, the Syamantaka mani.

Overjoyed, Satrajit strung the gemstone around his neck, celebrated his good fortune, and set off for home. So brilliant were the ruby rays of the gemstone that they hid Satrajit’s face from view. When he returned to Dwarka, the townspeople believed Surya himself had decided to visit them.

Thrilled at the honor of the demi-god’s visit, Satrajit’s neighbors called out to Krishna, the Supreme One, who lived among them, “Shri Krishna! Noble Surya has come to call upon you. He wishes to meet with you.”

Krishna, wise beyond his human years, saw through the dazzling light shining from the gemstone pendant. “Fair men, that is not Surya. Rather, it is his faithful servant, Satrajit.”

Once home, Satrajit built an altar on which to worship the Syamantaka.

Surya had instructed Satrajit: “This gemstone will bring you great fortune. Where there is need, it will produce eight times its weight in gold per day. As long as you properly honor this gift, it will bring you wealth and good health. No tragedy shall befall you.”

Click here for Part 2

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Prabhupada, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. Krsna: The Supreme Personality of Godhead. Juhu, Mumbai: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1974.
2. Hudli, Anand. "Ganesha chaturthi, legends, and prayers." Hindu-Net. September 16, 1996. Accessed July 2012. http://www.hindunet.org/srh_home/1996_9/msg00099.html.
3. History and Mythology Blog. "ACK-119: Syamantaka Mani." Posted April 27, 2009. Accessed July 2012. http://hmindia.blogspot.com/2009/04/ack-119-syamantaka-mani.html.
4. Srhi2424. "Syamantaka Mani." HubPages. Last modified July 16, 2011. Accessed July 2012. http://shri2424.hubpages.com/hub/Syamantaka-Mani.

*Clip art courtesy of The Graphics Fairy