Introduction: The Gems With Many Names
India is a land of many languages — and just as words change from region to region, so do the names of its most sacred gemstones. The Navratnas, or “nine gems”, are not only linked to planetary energies, but also woven into the cultural vocabulary of every Indian state.
A Tamil bride might speak of Pachai Maragatham, while a Gujarati trader might mention Pukhraj. From Kempu to Moonga, Chuni to Moti, these ancient stones carry many identities — all with the same radiant purpose.
1. Ruby
Planet: Sun (Surya)
Hindi/Sanskrit Names: Manik, Manikya
Bengali: Chuni
Kannada/Tamil: Kempu
Telugu: Manikyam
Others: Chunimani, Sevvarani (Tamil)
Ruby is one of the most widely renamed gems in Indian languages. Kempu is especially common in South Indian temple jewellery, often referring to both natural ruby and substitutes like red spinel or glass.
2. Pearl
Planet: Moon (Chandra)
Hindi/Sanskrit Names: Moti, Mukta
Tamil: Muthu
Telugu: Mutyam
Marathi/Bengali: Motiya, Muktaphala
Kannada: Muthu
Symbol of calmness and nurturing energy, Moti or Muthu is a household name in most Indian languages.
3. Red Coral
Planet: Mars (Mangal)
Hindi Names: Moonga, Pavla
Telugu: Erra Polem
Tamil: Pavazham
Bengali: Probal
Sanskrit: Pravala
In deeper classification, traders also distinguish:
– Rakta Pavla – Deep red coral
– Sindoori Pavla – Vermilion-shaded coral
– Desi Pavla – Natural Indian coral, considered rare
4. Emerald
Planet: Mercury (Budh)
Hindi: Panna, Pachu
Tamil: Pachai Maragatham
Kannada: Marakata
Telugu: Pacha Ratnam
Gujarati/Marathi: Pannamani
Whether it’s Pachu in the markets of Gujarat or Pachai Maragatham in Tamil Nadu, this green gem reflects freshness and clarity across tongues.
5. Yellow Sapphire
Planet: Jupiter (Guru)
Hindi: Pukhraj
Tamil: Manjal Navaratnam
Telugu: Pasupu Pushyaragam
Sanskrit: Pushyaraga, Haladi Pushparaga
Gujarati: Pokhraj
Kannada: Pushyaraga
A staple in astrological recommendations for prosperity and marital harmony, Pukhraj goes by many poetic names in southern dialects.
6.White Sapphire
Planet: Venus (Shukra)
Hindi: Heera
Sanskrit: Vajra
Tamil: Vaira
Telugu: Vajramu
Marathi/Gujarati: Bajra, Hira
Vajra in Sanskrit mythology refers to Indra’s thunderbolt — making it a fitting name for diamond, the most indestructible gem.
7. Blue Sapphire
Planet: Saturn (Shani)
Hindi: Neelam
Tamil: Neelamani
Sanskrit: Indraneel
Telugu: Neelaratna
Kannada: Neela
Bengali: Neelmoni
In Tamil, Neelamaniyam evokes sacredness. In Sanskrit, Indraneel draws power from both storm and sky — making this a highly respected Shani gem.
8. Hessonite Garnet
Planet: Rahu
Hindi/Sanskrit: Gomed, Gomedak
Tamil: Gomedhagam
Telugu: Gomedhika
Bengali: Raktamani (sometimes)
Others: Gomedmani, Rahu Ratna
9. Cat’s Eye
Planet: Ketu
Hindi: Lehsunia
Sanskrit: Vaidoorya, Vaiduryamani
Tamil: Vaidhooriyam
Kannada: Vaiduryam
Bengali: Lohosunia
Depending on region, Cat’s Eye may also refer to Chrysoberyl (Vaiduryamani) or Apatite-based Lehsunia — always ask for lab verification.
Conclusion: One Tradition, Many Tongues
These nine gemstones may protect different planets, but they unite India’s emotional and linguistic diversity. Whether a bride says Pachu, Panna, or Marakata — she’s still calling for Mercury’s blessings. Whether someone wears a Kempu or a Chuni — it’s still the heart of the sun that glows.
Understanding these names empowers you to shop across regions, speak to vendors with clarity, and appreciate the sacred heritage behind each stone.