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 Although in the west, different gems have been recommended to tally with the date and month of birth, Numerology and signs of the Zodiac, it is not that simple in Indian astrology . A number of factors have to be taken into consideration and a horoscope (Janma patrika) has to drawn up with the position of the various planets and their influence during various periods in life before gems are advised for wear. However the navratna (nine gems ) is worn by almost all people who can afford it. It is believed that the stones stand for wealth, happiness, renown, longevity, honor and mental peace.
 No weight is prescribed for the stones, but the gems should be flawless and genuine. An auspicious time and day should be determined for the wearing and if necessary a ritual fire or puja performed. The gems should be set by a knowledgeable jeweller (in a particular format ) either in gold or silver.
 The age-old tradition of Ayurveda too believed that cosmic energies permeated the universe and conditioned life through the fundamental colors. Ayurveda believes that there exits a relationship between these cosmic forces and the color of the rainbow, of gems, metals and human beings. Each fundamental color has a corresponding stone acting as a radiating centre of energy and each person has a gem that is beneficial to him.
 How these corresponding nine gems are set into a ring or pendant is determined by the astrologers and in some cases may vary according to individual horoscopes. One of the more common setting has the Ruby, representing the Sun in the centre; the Diamond (Vajra) representing Venus in the east; a Sapphire (Indranil) representing the Saturn in the west; a Cat's eye (Vaidurya) representing Ketu in the north; a Coral (Moonga) representing Mars in the south; an Emerald (Marakatam) representing Mercury in the north east; a Jaicinth (Gomed) representing Jupiter in the north west of the Navratna Pariksha.
 According to age-old belief a person who wears a Rudraksha along with pearls, corals, crystals, cat's eye, silver and gold, propitiates Shiva. The Navalakha Haar or necklace worth nine lakhs also figures in many a folk tale. It is said to protect the wearer from danger, hunger, thirst and death. The sparkle of this necklace gives enough light to serve as a lamp.
But the recent opinion is that the navratna cannot be worn by one and all, for it may result in negative effects for the wearer. So, it is better to consult an astrologer before purchasing this item for everyday use.
Published on 8th
April 2002
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