In Hindu Mythology, the Devas and Asuras performed the Churning of the Ocean of Milk (Samudra manthan), in order to get Amrita (Devanagari - अमृत). In this process, the fourteen treasure jewels (Ratnas) emerged from the ocean. The fourth Ratna that emerged is known as Kaustubha. It represents pure consciousness shining in all its luminous manifestations. It was said by Lord Shiva that nobody in the universe except Lord Vishnu could handle the brilliance and magnificence of this Mani, since it could corrupt the bearer by infusing in them with a greed to carry it forever.