The ancient sages, in their wisdom, taught the ways to discern and value the most precious of gems. Among these, the padmarāga of exceptional quality is weighed against māṣa seeds to determine its worth, a practice established by tradition and expertise. Let us now journey through the lore of vaidūrya and padmarāga gems, found in the famed regions of Karketa and Bhīṣmaka. In ages past, at the tumultuous churning of the ocean at the end of the age, a great sound arose—the cry of a mighty demon. Not far from a distant mountain with towering peaks, this sound marked the place, and because of its origin, the mine there gained extraordinary qualities. The gems belonging to the lord of the demons, whose thunderous voice echoed like rainclouds, are of remarkable beauty. Taking the padmarāga as an example, the colors of earthly gems are many and varied. Yet, among them, the most esteemed is the deep blue of a peacock’s throat, or sometimes the fresh green of a bamboo leaf. A vaidūrya gem of true quality bestows upon its owner a brilliance that surpasses all others. There are also lesser stones—mountain glass, young glass, and crystal—which are easily marred by smoke. Young glass, in particular, can be recognized by its lack of inscriptions and its lightness. The price of a high-quality indranīla is calculated in terms of gold coins, and for every gem, all its varieties must be assessed by their color. Such distinctions are to be carefully observed by the wise, for they are not difficult to recognize. Gems are collected and worked upon by both the skilled and unskilled, and their uses may be proper or improper. Those gems that have passed, are present, or are yet to come, are all carefully set within gem bracelets. Of those from the past, their mines are found near the shores of the great ocean. The value of gold, as described by Manu, is reckoned at sixteen māṣas in weight. A thread weighs four māṣas, and a single māṣa is equal to five kṛṣṇalas. Thus, the method for determining the value of gems and jewels has been declared. Upon the sacred Himalayas, the skin of the enemy of the gods once fell, and from it emerged a stone of pale, radiant hue—this is known as padmarāga. When the stone is reddish, yellow, transparent, or brown, it is understood as a single kind, but that which is intensely red is truly called padmarāga. Its value is spoken of by expert jewelers, just as with the vaidūrya gem. Long ago, the wind seized the nails of the demon lord and scattered them joyfully among the lotus forests. By their color, these gems shine with the brilliance of blood, soma, honey, copper, yellow, and fire. The finest among them are smooth, pure, tinged with red or yellow, heavy, and diverse in their appearance. When such a gem is wrapped in a golden vessel and heated in fire, it becomes even more radiant. Possessing many auspicious qualities, these gems are sought by men for adornment in sacred ceremonies. However, some stones, if not worn, may appear distorted, confused, dark, faded, lacking in color, impure, or deformed. When a karketana gem is examined and found to possess the right color and form—shining with a fresh, radiant brilliance like the sun—it is recognized as genuine and precious. Sūta, the wise narrator, then spoke: “The best among gems, the Bhīṣma gems, have now been described. They are white, resplendent like conch shells and lotuses, or like the Syonāka flower, and they radiate a great brilliance. When bound with gold or other metals, and worn with faith, even in their purest state, they bestow blessings upon the wearer. So powerful are these gems that even wild forest dwellers, upon seeing one adorned with them, will flee, even if they are close by.” In this way, the sages have revealed the characteristics, origins, and values of the most revered gems, guiding the wise in the art of discernment and the pursuit of auspiciousness.