- Author: A.Vijayavittala
- Translation: Lakshmi
- Illustration : Brundha Aravind
We all know the story of Syamantaka gem.
Satrājita, a devotee of Sūrya, worshiped him and obtained the Syamantaka gem. When he wore it and walked towards śri Kriśṇa’s palace, people began to wonder if Sūrya himself had descended on earth. Śri Kriśṇa then clarified the doubts of those innocent people, saying that it was not Sūrya, but it was Satrājita who was coming towards the palace, wearing the Syamataka gem. Then, Śri Kriśṇa enlightened everybody about the significance of that special gem and asked Satrājita to place the gem in His treasury so that it could be given to King Ugrasēna. But Satrājita did not agree to this.
Later, Satrājita’s brother Prasēna wore the gem and went hunting. There a lion killed Prasēna. The lion in turn was killed by Jāmbavanta, who took the gem to his place. Meanwhile, Satrājita accused Śri Kriśṇa of killing Prasēna and stealing the gem. So, Śri Kriśṇa went in search of the gem and arrived at the forest. There, He showed everybody that Prasēna was killed by a lion, which was in turn killed by Jāmbavanta. Śri Kriśṇa went to Jāmbavanta’s den and fought with him. Jāmbavanta, having realized who Śri Kriśṇa was, gave his daughter Jāmbavati in marriage to Śri Kriśṇa and offered the gem as well. Śri Kriśṇa returned to Dwaraka and handed over the gem to Satrājita. Out of remorse, Satrājita married his daughter Satyabhāma to Śri Kriśṇa and handed over the gem to Him.
We read or listen to this story in the month of Bhādrapada. But we forget to notice the fact that this story has many analogies to our lives.
Satrājita refused to give the gem to Śri Kriśṇa, in spite of the Lord Himself asking for it. Similar to this scenario, in our case, we would have accumulated wealth through our jobs or businesses by the grace of God. However, when God Himself, through His devotees, asks for a small charity for a religious or social purpose, we yield to our inner greed and desires and refuse to make any contribution, sometimes even mocking and insulting the person seeking the aid.
Instead of offering the gem to Śri Kriśṇa, Satrājita gave it to Prasēna. Prasēna wore it without giving regard to the sanctity of the gem and got killed by a lion. This can be compared to us because we too refuse to offer our earnings to the God or contribute to a good cause, but without any second thought, we make investments with someone who promises greater interest and returns, and eventually we lose our initial investment too.
Satrājita blamed Śri Kriśṇa for Prasēna’s death. Similarly, we too go to the extent of blaming God for our loss of wealth. However, the all compassionate God retrieved the Syamantaka gem and brought it back to Satrājita. So, ultimately, it is Lord Śri Hari who is the Saviour of all. We should remember this analogy of Syamantakōpākhyāna (story of Syamantaka) in our lives and pray God to forgive us for our mistakes and bless us with goodwill and fortune.
