76 - On the test of Gems -Bhishmamani

Sūta said: 

1. The Semen of the demon fell in the northern region of the Himalayas which became the source of the gems called Bhişhma.

2. Bhişhma stones, white like Shankha and lilies or Syonāka¹ (the white fruit of the tree of that name) are lustrous. There are some Bhişhma stones similar to a fairly big-sized dia mond.

1. Oroxylum indicum. 

3. The man who wears a pure Bhişhma stone with reverence and faith round his neck after setting it in gold acquires wealth. 

4. Wild leopards, wolves, Sharabhas (the fabulous eight footed monsters), elephants, lions, tigers, fly from him at the very sight. 

5-6. He need not fear any one. He can wander like an unfettered elephant. Wearing this stone in the ring if one per forms Pitrutarpana the manes will be satisfied for many years. Poisons of snakes, birds, mice and scorpion are ineffective. He has no fear from floods, fire, enemies or thieves. 

7. An intelligent man must shun spurious Bhişhma stones of the colour of moss or clouds, rough of surface, lustreless or yellowish in tinge, or faded and dirty-coloured. 

8. Scholars shall fix the price of Bhişhma stones after observing the place of origin and according to the reason. If the stone comes from far, its price is more than that of one of local origin.