When you hear the word Surat, the thought that immediately comes to mind is probably clothes. However, there is another product of this little town that people all over the world use - diamonds. Time Magazine's online edition of April 12, 2004 states that the town of Surat in India is home to the biggest diamond cutting and polishing industry with 92 percent of the world's diamonds being processed here.
This is no modern day feat; diamonds have always held great value to the Indians. Texts as ancient as Kautilya's Arthashastra speak of diamond trade in India. Treasures discovered in the vaults of Indian temples comprise not just gold coins but several precious diamonds. In other words, diamonds have always held pride of place in the Hindu culture.
Of Diamonds and Hindu Deities
The Sanskrit word for diamond is Vajra and Vajrayudham is the name given to the thunderbolt weapon used by the deity Indra. Ever since Hindu artisans began sculpting the statues of deities, diamonds have received pride of place as the eyes of these statues. According to Hindu scriptures, diamonds are of eight different types that differ in their color and hue. These include a conch-colored diamond called Hanspati, a grassy green-colored variety called Vanaspati, a bluish-white type called Vajraneel, a lotus pink-colored diamond called Kamlapati, the grey colored Shyamvajra, a yellowish-green Sanloyi, a dark colored Telia variety and Vasanthi.
Diamonds as a Panacea for Several Ills
Ancient Hindu physicians used diamonds to cure several diseases and disorders. They believed that the diamond had immense powers because it was a combination of different flavors such as salty, bitter, sweet, pungent and acrid. Therefore, they used diamonds to treat a wide spectrum of illnesses ranging from fever to problems with digestion. People were advised to hold a diamond in their right hand to maintain a good mental state and prevent insanity. However, this was to be held without exerting too much pressure because then, it would cause muscle stiffness leading to seizures.
These Diamonds Are (Gone) Forever
You must have heard of the Kohinoor diamond that was India's pride but today rests outside the country of its origin. This was just one of the many famous diamonds from Golconda region which also include the Darya-i-Nur diamond and the Hope diamond. Such was the mystique and beauty of these diamonds that many of them were plundered from the country and made their way to faraway lands.
How to Buy a Diamond
Traditional Hindu culture prescribed specific days and times during which diamonds had to be purchased. Even today, many people will buy a diamond only on the Friday when the planet Venus lies in the zodiac sign of Taurus, Libra or Pisces. They purchase the diamond before 11 am and hand it over to the jeweler on the same day if they wish it to be set into an ornament.
According to Hindu culture, it is critical to pay attention to the appearance of the diamond before purchasing it. Diamonds that are flat or those with a shape that is not hexagonal are a strict no-no; so are those with a cracked or discolored surface.
However, all these factors can be ignored says Buddha Bhatta, author of the 6th century treatise on gems called "Ratnapariksha", if the diamond reflects all the colors of the rainbow. Such a diamond is sought by many because possessing it is believed to grant prosperity and progeny besides the power to rule over others.
