Syamantaka - John Dowson

A celebrated gem given by the sun to Satrajita. "It yielded daily eight loads of gold, and dispelled all fear of portents, wild beasts, fire, robbers, and famine." But though it was an inexhaustible source of good to the virtuous wearer, it was deadly to a wicked one. Satrajita being afraid that Krishna would take it from him, gave it to his own brother, Prasena, but he, being a bad man, was killed by a lion. Jambavat, king of the bears, killed the lion and carried off the gem, but Krishna, after a long conflict, took it from him, and restored it to Satrajita. Afterwards Satrajita was killed in his sleep by Satadhanwan, who carried off the gem. Being pursued by Krishna and Balarama, he gave the gem to Akrura and continued his flight, but he was overtaken and killed by Krishna alone. As Krishna did not bring back the jewel, Balarama suspected that he had secreted it, and consequently he upbraided him and parted from him, declaring that he would not be imposed upon by perjuries. Akrura subsequently produced the gem, and it was claimed by Krishna, Balarama, and Satyabhama. After some contention it was decided that Akrura should keep it, and so "he moved about like the sun wearing a garland of light."

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