1986 The Precious Symbols. Precious Gem 50-chetrum Bhutan MN H

1986 The Precious Symbols. Precious Gem 

1986 The Precious Symbols. Precious Gem 50-chetrum Bhutan MN H

Text: The Precious Gem 50-chetrum Bhutan
Condition: MNH

Title:   Precious Gem

Face value:     50 Ch

Country/area:            Bhutan

Year:   1986

Set:     1986 Symbols

Stamp number in set:           6

Basic colour:  Multi-coloured

Usage:            Franking

Type:   Stamp

Theme:           The Precious Symbols. Precious Gem   

Stamp subject:  Precious Gem          

Michel number:        

Stanley Gibbons number:    

Perforation:    K 13¼

Watermark:   Without watermark

Luminescence:          None

Printing:         Offset

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THE PRECIOUS JEWEL

  (Skt. maniratna;  Tib. nor-bu-rin-po-che )

The eight-faceted precious jewel or wish-granting gem ( Skt. chintamani ) fulfills all the desires of the chakravaratin, and of those who come within its sphere of radiance. Like the legendary red kasturbha gem that surfaced during the churning of the ocean, and which became the breast adornment of both Vishnu and Krishna, the precious jewel possesses eight magical qualities. (1) Its radiance illuminates the darkness of night for a distance of one or a hundred leagues. (2) It cools when the days are hot, and warms when the days are cold. (3) It causes a spring or a rivulet of sweet water to appear when one is thirsty. (4) It brings into existence everything that the chakravartin desires. (5) It controls the nagas, preventing floods, hailstorms, and torrential rain from occurring. (6) It emits various colored light from each of its facers, which heal all emotional afflictions and imperfections of nature. (7) Its radiance cures all illnesses. (8) It prevents untimely death, ensuring that death from natural causes occurs in the auspicious sequence of grandfather, father, and finally son.

Ichnographically the precious jewel is usually depicted as a cluster of elongated and multicolored club-shaped stems that stand upon a small moon disc and lotus. This eight-faceted jewel is described as being of the deep lapis lazuli hue of the vaidurya gemstone, with a radiant blue light that can illuminate the entire palace gardens or the four divisions of the chkravartin’s army.