A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1257

c5.1257

NAVA-RATNA. The nine gems: pearl, ruby, topaz, diamond, emerald, lapis lazuli, coral, sapphire, and one not identified called Go-meda. The nine gems of the court of Vikrama, probably meaning Vikramāditya, whose era the Samvat begins in 56 B.C. A verse gives their names as Dhanwantari, Kshapanaka, Amara Sinha, Sanku, Vetāla-bhatta, Ghata-karpara, Kāli-dāsa, Varāha-mihira, Vararuchi. The date of Vikramāditya is by no means settled. Bhau Dājī endeavours to identify Vikrama with Harsha Vikramāditya, who lived in the middle of the sixth century.