Garuda Mahā Purana - Achara Khaṇḍa
77 - On the test of Gems - Pulaka
Suta said:
1. The Serpents publicly worshipped the chief of demons, Bala, in a famous place and scattered his claws over various holy mountains, and other places and in rivers flowing in the northern region.
2. These famous Pulaka gems originated from those nails and claws in the territories: Däsharna1 (Eastern part of modern Målva), Vågadava, Mekala2, Kålaga. They have the colours of Gunja (a red-black berry), Anjana (collyrium), honey and lotus-stalk. They are brilliant like the musk-deer, fire and the plantain tree.
1. The region around Dhasána in Central India.
2. The region around Mount Mekala the source of the Narmada river also called Metala-sută.
3. Pulakas of variegated colours of shell, lotus, honeybee and the Arka3 (Sun-plant) flowers free from scratches and lines are very holy and auspicious. They are conducive to increasing prosperity.
3. Calotropis procers and C. gigantea. GVDB, p. 23.
4. Pulaka stones carried here and there by crows, dogs, donkeys, jackals and fierce vultures in their mouths wet with blood and flesh bring about death and hence should be avoided. The price of a perfect Pulaka stone a pala in weight is five hundred silver pieces.
Summary of chapter 77 of the Garuda Mahā Purana - Achara Khaṇḍa is as follows:
Bhagavān Vishṇu extols Naimishāraṇya, the sacred forest where the wheel of Dharma rests and where sages continuously perform Yagñas and scriptural recitations. Meditating in Naimishāraṇya grants rapid spiritual perfection and divine grace.