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Kaustubha: FAQ & Sources
कौस्तुभ मणिThe Kaustubha is the brilliant gem that Vishnu wears on his chest. It rose from the ocean of milk during the Samudra Manthan, together with Lakshmi, and Vishnu took it as his ornament. The Vishnu Purana explains the gem as the atman, the pure soul of the world.
Borne byविVishnu
Frequently asked questions
What is the jewel on Vishnu's chest called?
The Kaustubha gem. It rose from the ocean of milk during the churning.
What does the Kaustubha symbolise?
The Vishnu Purana says it is the atman, the pure soul of the world.
What is the Srivatsa?
A mark on Vishnu's chest beside the Kaustubha, identified with the abode of Lakshmi.
Sources
- Bhagavata Purana, Book 8, chs. 7-8
- Vishnu Purana, Book 1, chs. 9 and 22
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