What is Khooni Neelam?

Neelam, popularly known as Blue Sapphire, is regarded as one of the most powerful remedial gemstones for eliminating the malefic aspects of planet Saturn or Shani. The gemstone is undeniably influential and absorbs planetary radiation to bestow you with immense wealth, good health and a successful life. The only condition is it should suit the native. If sapphire does not suit the individual, then it can lead to tension and trauma by way of imprisonment, loss of wealth, poor health and even death of the native.

‘Khooni Neelam’ literally means ‘A bloody (blood-colored) Blue Sapphire’. Such a variant of blue sapphire bears streaks of dark pink or crimson spots. A stone with dual colours is believed to have the divine powers of both the Mangal and Shani, which refers to the planets Mars and Saturn, respectively. These planets are considered very powerful and influential malefic planets and they are held responsible for unusual events, war, chaos, accidents, and even deaths.

Khooni Neelam is a double-edged sword. While it can reward a native with meteoric rise, it can also bring about the downfall and disaster of an individual whose planets are not favorably aligned in horoscope. The word ‘Khooni’ means ‘Killer’ and has been attributed to the stone for its mystical, even terrifying properties. Even those who prefer wearing a Blue Sapphire gemstone refrain from wearing the ‘Khooni Neelam.’ Only such natives who have favourable placement of the planets Mars and Saturn in their horoscopes should wear the Khooni Neelam. Even then it should be worn under the supervision and guidance of a professional astrologer.

Khooni Neelam is also popular as ‘Raktambari Neelam’ is considered to be the most influential and strongest form of blue sapphire gemstone. It is advised that the blue sapphire should always be worn in Platinum or Silver only and the natives must avoid wearing it in gold. The Neelam is usually worn on the middle finger of the active hand (right hand for the right-handed individuals and the left hand for the left-handed individuals) of the native. The auspicious time to wear a Blue Sapphire is on any Saturday evening during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon).

History of Khooni Neelam

There are several stories surrounding the Khooni Neelam or Raktambari Neelam, but the most popular among them is the one that tells about the ‘Cursed Khooni Neelam.’ The story goes that a Purple Sapphire (Khooni Neelam) was looted in the year 1855 during the Indian Mutiny. An officer of the Bengal Cavalry is believed to have brought it to England. Soon after, the officer’s health mysteriously started deteriorating and he ended up losing all his wealth.

The ill-omen continued and was passed down to the next generation. His son realized that the family was suffering since the gemstone came in possession of his father and attributed the bad luck to the malefic effects of the Khooni Neelam. To rid the family of its curse, he handed it over to one of his friends who in a tragic turn of events committed suicide. After his friend’s death, the stone was returned to the officer’s son.

In 1890, Edward Heron-Allen who was a researcher and the last owner of the stone suffered a great misfortune. Tired of the losses, he threw the stone in the Regent’s Canal so nobody could have it. But a sailor recovered the stone and then sold it to a trader who after being informed about its malefic nature returned it back to Edward Heron-Allen.

Having suffered its consequences, Edward decided to deposit the Khooni Neelam in a bank. He covered the stone and used seven boxes to conceal it. He then deposited it in the bank with a note stating that the box must not be opened till 3 years after his death. The stone was then donated by his daughter to Natural History Museum (NHM) along with the written note of Heron-Allen to warn people about its disastrous effects. Presently, this stone is with the NHM London.