Kaustubha

Kaustubh (Sanskrit कौस्तुभ:) is a divine jewel or "Mani", which is in the possession of Lord Vishnu who lives in the Ksheer Sagar - "the ocean of milk".

Mythology

In Hindu Mythology the Devas and Asuras performed the "Churning of the Ocean of Milk" (Samudra manthan'), in order to get Amrita (Devanagari - अमृत), one of the fourteen treasure jewels (Ratna) that emerged from the ocean. The fourth Ratna that emerged is known as Kaustubh. It represents pure consciousness shining in all its luminous manifestations. It was said by Lord Shiva that nobody in the universe except Lord Vishnu could handle the brilliance and magnificence of this "Mani", since it could corrupt the bearer by infusing in him or her a greed to carry it forever.

Disambiguation

• Kaustubham is the jewel.
• Kaustubh is the person who is wearing that Mani i.e. Lord Vishnu.