Maṇi
By Swami Harshananda
Maṇi literally means ‘gem’.
Wearing of precious gems to ward off evil or diseases and to gain health or a desired object seems to be an ancient practice. Even the Atharvaveda[1] mentions it. Each of the gems recommended is supposed to have a perennial source of one specific ray which is not exhausted even after wearing it constantly for years.
These gems and the nine planets are believed to have some mysterious connections. Hence, qualified and competent astrologers, by studying the horoscope of a person suffering from a disease or upset by a calamity can prescribe the particular gem to be worn on the body by which the disease can be cured or calamity be averted. For instance, wearing of emerald can cure acidosis. Wearing of a red coral can avoid accidents.
References[edit]
- ↑ Atharvaveda 1.29.1 to 6
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore