NAVARATNAS OR GEMSTONES
Based on the planetary positions in an astral chart(janma kundali), a planet is believed to bring to focus :
*
a particular behavioral trait
*
signify the effects of the planet’s running period
Gemstones are prescribed to either strengthen or balance the energies of these planets in question, i.e. strengthen weak planets so that they do create some good effect, or further strengthen already strong planets, such that their effect is more pronounced. As an example, someone may want to strengthen Mercury to cure any speech impediment or skin inflammation, as a weak Mercury is known to cause these ailments. A person may want to strengthen Saturn if it is a Raj Yoga causing planet, in that case, in Saturn’s dasha or bhukti, the results given by Saturn multiply. Surely all good and bad effects multiply at the same time, there is a need for balance.
How do people wear these stones? These stones have to be of specific weight (in carats, or in ratti). They are worn either in gold or in silver in appropriate finger, during Shukla Paksha, when the planet is in own/friendly sign, on the planet’s day of the week, in the morning before 7:00 AM and after chanting the ruling god’s name 108 times. Needless to say, these gems should be flawless as much as possible and should be of good quality.
Name Stone Weight Wear in…
Sun Ruby (Maanik) 2 Carats Gold, in ring finger
Moon Pearl (Moti) 2 Carats Silver, in ring finger
Mars Red Coral (Munga) 3 Carats Gold (pref. 18 carat) or Silver, in ring finger
Mercury Emerald (Panna) 1.5 carats Gold, in ring or little finger
Jupiter Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj) 2 carats Gold, in index finger
Venus Diamond (Heera) 1 carat Gold or silver in middle finger
Saturn Blue Sapphire (Neelam) 2 carats Gold, in middle finger
Rahu Garnet(Gomed) 3 carats Gold or Silver, in middle finger
Ketu Cat’s eye (Lahsuniya) 3 carats Gold, in middle finger
When deciding which finger the gem should be worn on, astrologers always consult the planetary friendship table. Mercury is a natural friend of Sun, therefore you can wear Emerald in the ring finger, which belongs to Sun.
A Diamond is not for everyone! Firstly, you should always consult an astrologer before you decide to wear a diamond. Secondly, it should not be worn on the ring finger as all of us are made to believe by the cool and jazzy television commercials. It is a natural friend of Saturn, therefore it should be worn only on the middle finger. It is not a natural friend of Sun and hence ring finger is not the place for it.
Are there any alternatives to wearing these gemstones? Yes, there are:
*
There are cheaper alternatives available in the market. e.g. you can replace Pukhraj with Yellow Zircon for Jupiter. Clear Zircon can be substituted for a diamond etc.
*
You can choose to worship the ruling deity e.g. to strenghten Mercury, you could worship Lord Vishnu.
*
You can also adjust the lifestyle accordingly. e.g. if you do not prefer to wear a stone for Saturn, you could wear dull colours, e.g. brown, black, gray etc. Change the life style to bring in more discipline, meditation, etc.
To tell you the truth, I always believe that changes in lifestyle, along with worship/meditation always work better than wearing gemstones. Oh, you know what, I don’t have time for the morning pooja, can I wear a stone instead? It is like taking shortcuts, not always advisable…
