A nobleman of Dwarka, Satrajit, was a devotee of Surya, the Sun-god. Pleased with Satrajit’s devotion, Surya gifted him the Syamantak gem. This gem could magically produce eight measures of gold a day. Thus, Satrajit suddenly became a very wealthy man. Lord Krishna approached Satrajit and asked him to share the gem with the other people of Dwarka and give it to His grandfather, King Ugrasena. However, Satrajit said, “No, this jewel does not belong to anyone else.” “Keep it safely, Satrajit! This gem also has the power to wipe out all sorrow and destruction!” warned Krishna. A few days later, Satrajit’s brother Prasena wore the gem in a necklace and went out on a hunt. While he climbed up a tree and waited for a game, a lion came by. Startled by this, Prasena fell from the tree and was killed instantly. However, the necklace with the Syamantak gem became caught in one of the low branches.
‘Syamantak’ Gem
