21. Use of Metals

We get the following information regarding the use of different metals in the Brahma Purana The jewels of various types are also included.: 67 Ibid. vide also kopkins E.w.. article Society, vol. 23, PP. 356-357 on Time, Journal of the American 68 Patil D.R., Op.Cit., P.197.

Gold: 448 The vessels were made up of gold (4.101). It is said that the vessel of gods was made up of gold at the time of milching the earth (4.101). The yupas and altars made up of gold are referred to (13.168). Aeroplanes were also made of gold (36.11). The staircases of the svayamvara Mandapa of Uma were made of gold (36.110). The women of Avanti wore golden ornaments (43.39). Gold was given in dana to brahmins. (44.6). Parvati is described as sitting on a golden seat (38.24). The dana of a golden cow was considered to be very meritorious (29.47). The dana of golden-horned cows is also referred to (47.82). Lord Siva is called Hiranyakavaca. (40.15). In the Purusottama worship the gift of gold with others things is recommended to be given to an acarya (67.42). Indra gave a golden chariot to Yayati (12.7). a golden vessel is born as worm (217.91). One who steals Silver: The vessel of pitrs is made up of silver (4.102). One who steals The dana of silver is recommended (216.30). a silver vessel is born as a pigeon (217.91). Iron: The parighas made up of iron were used as weapons

449 (206.7). The pestles were also made up of iron (210.13). The cities were made of iron (ayas) (214.104). The sinners are tortured with lohasucis in hell (215.8). Copper and other Metals The cities were made of a copper red colour (214.104). Brass (Kamsya) things are cleansed with ashes and water and tin(trapu) and lead (sisu) with salt (221.125,126). One who steals kamsya is born as a Harita (217.90). By performing sraddhas in the Revati Naksatra, one gets kupya, i.e. copper or brass (220.41). The dana of copper is recommended (47.84). Besides the above metals, the Brahma Purana mentions the following precious stones and metals. Ratnas and Mani are referred to frequently (36.60), (36.13), (44.6), (47.23). The Mani or gem (47.23), Marakata (an emarald) (36.61), Mauktika or pearl (47.23,46), (216.30), a pearl studded with gold (Hemamauktika) (36.60), Mahanila or sapphire (48.8), (214.60), Manikya or rubies (47.23,46), (72.5), Indranila or a sapphire or emarqld (47.23), (48.8), (214.16), pravala or coral (47.84), Padmaraga or a ruby (47.23), (48.8), (214.10), Sphatika or crystal (36.62), (48.8), Vaidurya or a jewel (47.23,46) (72.5) and Vidruma or coral (216.30) are mentioned.