Syamantaka
SYAMANTAKA.
[Source:
Dowson's Classical Dictionary
of Hindu Mythology] A celebrated
gem given by the sun to Satrajita. "It yielded daily
eight loads of gold, and dispelled all fear of portents, wild beasts, fire,
robbers, and famine." But though it was an inexhaustible source of good to the
virtuous wearer, it was deadly to a wicked one.
Satrajita being afraid that
Krishna would take it from him, gave it to his own brother, Prasena, but he,
being a bad man, was killed by a lion. Jambavat, king of the bears, killed
the lion and carried off the gem, but Krishna, after a long conflict, took
it from him, and restored it to Satrajita. Afterwards Satrajita was killed
in his sleep by Satadhanwan, who carried off the gem. Being pursued by Krishna
and Balarama, he gave the gem to Akrura and continued his flight, but he was
overtaken and killed by Krishna alone. As Krishna did not bring back the jewel,
Balarama suspected that he had secreted it, and consequently he upraided him
and parted from him, declaring that he would not be imposed upon by perjuries.
Akrura subsequently produced the gem, and it was claimed by Krishna, Balarama,
and Satyabhama. After some contention it was decided that Akrura should keep
it, and so "he
moved about like the sun wearing a garland of light."
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Modern
Languages MLLL-4993. Indian Epics. Laura Gibbs, Ph.D.
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October 16, 2007 12:22 PM
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