Institutes of Vishnu — IV.
IV. | Internet Sacred Text ArchiveSacred Texts Hinduism Index Previous Next
IV. | Internet Sacred Text ArchiveSacred Texts Hinduism Index Previous Next
# IV.
- The (very small mote of) dust which may be discerned in a sun-beam passing through a lattice is called trasarenu (trembling dust).
- Eight of these (trasarenus) are equal to a nit.
- Three of the latter are equal to a black mustard-seed.
- Three of these last are equal to a white mustard-seed.
- Six of these are equal to a barley-corn.
- Three of these equal a Krishnala.
[6. Krishnala (literally, 'seed, of the Guñgâ creeper') is another {footnote p. 24} name for Raktikâ or Ratî, the lowest denomination in general use. According to Prinsep (Useful Tables, p. 97) it equals 1.875 grains = 0.122 grammes of the metrical system. According to Thomas (see Colebrooke's Essays, ed. by Cowell, I, p. 529, note) it equals 1.75 grains.]
- Five of these equal a Mâsha.
- Twelve of these are equal to half an Aksha.
- The weight of half an Aksha, with four Mâshas added to it, is called a Suvarna.
- Four Suvarnas make a Nishka.
- Two Krishnalas of equal weight are equal to one Mâshaka of silver.
- Sixteen of these are equal to a Dharana (of silver).
- A Karsha (or eighty Raktikâs) of copper is called Kârshâpana.
- Two hundred and fifty (copper) Panas are declared to be the first (or lowest) amercement, five hundred are considered as the middlemost, and a thousand as the highest.
Next: V.
Continue learning
Related teachings
The Ten Mahavidyas, Explained
Ten goddesses counted as one set — a girl of sixteen, an old widow, and a goddess holding her own severed head. What the grouping means, where it comes from, and which popular version of the story is misplaced.
Khetlaji
Folk diety
Asanbibi
Folk deity
Navaratri — The Nine Nights, Explained
Nine nights, nine forms of Durga, one book recited across them, and a tenth day of victory. Where each piece comes from, and how differently India keeps the same festival.
Navaratri Night 1 — Shailaputri, Daughter of the Mountain
Sati walks uninvited into her father's sacrifice and gives up her body there. She is born again as the daughter of the Himalaya — and the nine nights begin.