Page 8 - Bhakthinivedana 2011 September English Magazine.pmd

SUBHA:SHITHAM

MAN, MANI & MONEY

We very well know that on the Vighna Niva:raka Chaturtthi day ‘Syamanthako:pa:khya:nam’ (the story
of the great gold giving jewel ‘Syamanthaka’) is remembered to develop or enhance our will power and
perseverence.

Translated By Ramakrishna Toopurani

While worshipping Lord golden chance to imbibe a superb blamed that it was He who seized
Sri:Krushna one of his holy names lesson, with His wonderful conduct the Mani by foul means. To prove

chanted is – ‘O:m Syamanthaka in the episode of the Mani (gem). His innocence, the Lord traces
mane:rharthre: Namaha’. On Let us recall this episode. the tracks of Prase:najith, the lion
the Sri:krushna Jayanthi day we and Ja:mbava:n. He reaches the

fondly recollect this episode and Sathra:jith, a resident of the cave of Ja:mbava:n and after
eulogise the Lord. The subject of kingdom of Dwa:raka, obtains a a prolonged battle, overpowers
this article is the Syamanthaka special gem - the Syamanthaka him. The Lord obtains the Mani.
Mani. Mani from the Sun-God. The Ja:mbava:n, as a reward, offers
speciality of this Mani was that

Now, why mention this? Well, it’s it could yield many kilos of gold
because all of us have got money and could bring prosperity to any
(at least some money?)! And, place where it resided. Had he

many of us do not know how to been a selfless and dutiful citizen,
handle it. Yes! Riches, prosperity Sathra:jith, for the benefit of all the
versus troubles, obstacles – most people, would have given the Mani
of us do not know how to manage to his king Ugrase:na . This was
them and come over them. what was even suggested by Sri: The Hope Diamond - believed to be the

Krushna. But, Sathra:jith dismisses Syamanthaka jewel - which was stolen several
centuries back from India.
These are the underlying themes the Lord’s advice and gives it to his
of the Syamanthaka Mani episode own brother Prase:najith.

which we all narrate on the Once, on a hunting expedition, his daughter Ja:mbavathi to Sri:
Chathurtthi (fourth day) of the month Prase:najith gets killed by a lion Krushna as His wife.
of Bha:drapada. Lord Krushna, the which grabs the Mani from him. The Our Lord returns the Mani to
Jagada:cha:rya (teacher of the lion in turn is killed by Ja:mbava:n Sathra:jith. Filled with remorse and
world), makes us ponder on many who gifts the jewel to his child. shame, Sathra:jith offers the Mani

beautiful questions and gives us a In the meanwhile, Sri: Krushna is to Sri: Krushna. He also requests

8 Bhakthinivedana • Sep, Oct 2011