Navratna Names Across India – How Each Gemstone Is Known in 8+ Languages

best gemstone shop 10 Sep 2025 | 2 Min Read

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: Safed Pukhraj 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.