doubt in donation of items:Panch Ratna - Freedom

February 26, 2007

Jaya Jagannatha

Dear Freedom,

Namaste

On 2/26/07 9:10 AM, " freeflowaum " <freeflowaum

Hare Rama Krsna

Swee,

In the Amavasya Dosha chapter Parashara recommends to add the pancharatna to the kalasha. I have searched through various online resources and there is a big difference of opinion about what these five gems are. I found the Kapila Muni temple in Bengal offering one set, a Durga Puja offering another and various gem sellers giving even different variations, some that even considered ‘gold’ as one of the ‘ratna’.

Do you know of any valid references for what the five gems are? My guess would be the gems corresponding to the planets ruling the 5 elements- but this is just a guess from some of the information I have come across.

Aum Namah Shivaya

Freedom

Scriptural references especially in Padma Purana indicates the five main ones – ruby, pearl, red coral, pushparag/yellow sapphire, and blue sapphire. In the Ganesh puja, these are also recommended. These are put into the kailash which one keeps for latter use.

Gold is normally offered as dakshina to the brahmins after annadan.

In Padma Purana, we understand that Gold emanated from Bala asura’s nails. These nails were scattered by the nagas who publicly worshipped the chief of demons. We know that they also have potencies due to their penances. These nails became ammolites (shalagrams) and gomutra and other garnets. As they are known to be very sacred (holy) and auspicious as well as being conducive to prosperity, this gemstone should be added in place of yellow sapphire in an Amavasya Puja.

Other References: Padma Purana Uttarakhanda Chapter 6.25-31

Garuda Purana Part I Chapter 77

During the churning of the milky ocean when Mahadeva swallowed the poison, the remaining poison was swallowed by the Nagas and Dhanvantari sprang up. (Padma Purana Sristhikhanda Chapter4.56)

we know Amavasy Dosha causes abject poverty to one’s parents/family, so I am in favour of the Gomedha. In which case, use all 5 colours of this gemstone. In my article in Jyotish Digest, you’ll be able to check out the references for the Pancha Ratna and Ganesha.

This is what I can recall for now and looked them up to confirm.

Love,

Swee