Navaratna

See Navaratnas for the group of people.

Navaratna, literally a Sanskrit compound word meaning "nine gems", is a talisman or accessory set with nine gems. It is a popular item for celebrities and tourists in India and can be found at the finest jewelry stores and lowly gift shops. Essentially Navaratna is a jeweled yantra or astrological layout consisting of nine different gems used to balance or strengthen all the 9 planets recognized by Jyotish or Sidereal Astrology. In this sense Navaratna is considered a talisman.^[1][2][3]

Additional recommended knowledge

Daily Sensitivity Test

How to ensure accurate weighing results every day?

Better weighing performance in 6 easy steps

General

  In Hindu astrology, earth is considered the centre of the universe and the nine planets are the navagrahas. Each of these planetary positions supposedly have an influence throughout an individual's course of life. Hence, wearing these nine gems is said to provide an astrological benefit. It is also said that these gems potentially may have both positive and negative influences on human life, therefore should be worn only after consulting an astrologer. Similar to the beliefs held in birthstones, the benefits of wearing such accessories has not been scientifically quantified.

Symbolically and astrologically, the nine gems are believed to represent the nine astrological bodies:

• Ruby (Manikyam or Padmarag): Sun
• Natural pearl (Mukta or Moti): Moon
• Red coral (Moonga or Pravalam): Mars
• Emerald (Marakatam or Panna): Mercury
• Yellow sapphire (Pushparagam): Jupiter
• Diamond (Hira or Vajram): Venus
• Blue sapphire (Indra-neelam): Saturn
• Hessonite (Gomedakam): Rahu, the ascending lunar node
• Cat's eye (Vaiduryam): Ketu, the descending lunar node

Based on an individual's Sidereal horoscope, either a single gem or a combination of compatible gems is advised to be worn to harness beneficial planets or counteract harmful planets. There are two views in this regard. Gems are also purported to have certain healing properties, although this has yet to be scientifically proven.^[4][5][6][7]

Navaratna Belief System

Graha-anukul ratna-visehajna - (Sanskrit) Aka Planetary Gemology^{[8][9][10][11][12]} An ancient Vedic (Hindu & Buddhist) belief in the astrological-piezoelectric-metaphysical relationship between 9 (categories of) GEMS and 9 (categories of) PLANETS recognized as most important in sidereal astrology or Jyotish.^{[13][14][15][16][17]}

Navaratna & Quality

According to bona fide Vedic Sanskrit authority only clean top quality gems are considered to be desirable.^[18] Sri Agni Puranam, chap. 246, slokas 7 & 8: states, "A gem free from all impurities and radiating its characteristic internal luster should be looked upon as an escort of good luck; A gem which is cracked, fissured, devoid of luster, or appearing rough or sandy, should not be used at all".^[19] Again it is stated, "If anyone wears a gem with many flaws (even) out of ignorance, then grief, anxiety, sickness, death, loss of wealth and other evils torment them."--- Sri Garuda Purana: Chapter 70, Verse 19.

Opposing philosophies within Navaratna Belief System

The Planetary Gemology World is divided into two (2) opposing philosophies, viz., Anukul-vad v/s Pratikul-vad:^[20][21]

• ANUKULA-VAD: A Jyotish Gem will act "SAME" as its planet - So gems should be chosen for Anukul (favorable) birth planets.
• PRATIKULA-VAD: A Jyotish Gem will act "OPPOSITE" of its planet - So gems should be chosen for Pratikul (unfavorable) birth planets.

References