- Anugraha : Shri Shri Vidyeshateertha Sripadaru, Bhandarakeri Matha.
- Translation : Smt. Chomini Prakash
- Illustration Courtesy : Kalyan Magazine
Syamantaka is an asset of the nation. What has been the pride of the nation must remain as the property of the nation at all times. It should not become private property. Those who desire to gain individual ownership of it are bound towards disaster. Lord Surya, pleased with the propitiation of Satrajit, bestowed him with the Syamantaka gem.
When this gem is worshipped ritualistically, it would keep the nation at bay from untimely deaths and eliminate diseases.Furthermore, it can yield 1600 grams of gold everyday. Though Shri Krishna indicated that this gem be used for the wellbeing of the nation, Satrajit did not concede. Krishna also asked that the gem be given to him directly. He asked for the nation. Yet the avarice stricken Satrajat refused. In times ahead, the gem went to the hands of Prasenajit, Jambavanta, Akroora, Shatadhanva, Krtavarma and many others. Of them, Akroora was the only one to use the wealth garnered from the Syamantaka for performing ritualistic sacrifices and for the wellbeing of the nation. Those who had been selfish and desired to own the gem for themselves were all encountered with misfortune in one way or another. Satrajit who was the original recepient of this gem died owing to the very same reason. Balarama too desired this gem. After the death of Satrajit, Balarama asked Krishna about this gem. When Krishna replied that he didn’t have the gem, Balarama not only disbelieved Krishna but also doubted him. Yonder, Jambavati proclaimed that the gem was an asset of her paternal home and hence it should belong to her. Realising that whoever of the two be given the gem, they would still remain dissatisfied, Krishna pronounced that it remain with Akroora who was using the wealth generated from the Syamantaka for ritualistic sacrifices and decrees that such wealth continue to be used for the nation. In this manner, Shri Krishna ensured that national property did not become private property.
When national wealth is privatised, war, remorse and untimely deaths cannot be averted is the message sent out by Shri Krishna to the people and especially politicians.
