Why 57 B.C an Important event? (Final) By: s r siddanthy Ananthuni INTRODUCTION

We are using two common calendars in India ,one is shali vahana shaka which begins from 78 A.D and second one is Vikram shaka which starts from 57 B.C, though Vikramadity widely accepted as Chandra gupta ii of Gupta dynasty ,during the period 375 A.D--415A.D /there another version as Vishnugupta alias chanikya belongs to 123 B.C who referred Jyothisha content in his Ard Shstra also worked in Vikramaditya period , was the person behind the king Vikramaditya in establishing his kingdom . To establish such periods ,we should know chronology of historical periods .Here 57 B.C has got not only historical importance but also astronomical and astrological importance too .For this purpose we must focus on ancient Indian astrology ,Indian history apart from the astronomical fact . To resolve this event we should discuss three major issues, i.e. one Astronomical event, second one Astrological event, lastly third one is Historical event.

According to Bharatiya Jyothish Scientific Samakya (ICAS) Mr. K.N.Rao made Yuga vibhjana based on great personalities. As

1. Veda yugam 23,750 -8350 B.C 2. Purana yugam 8350 B.C -3000 B.C 3. Parashara yugam 3000-57 B.C 4. Varaha Mihira 57 B.C ---1900 A.D 5. Teacher's yugam 1900 A.D --Present

Nakshatra is the term for lunar mansion in .A nakshatram is one of 27 (some times 28 also) sectors along the ecliptic. Their names are related to the most prominent asterisms in the respective sectors .The number of nakshatras reflects the number of days in a sidereal month (value is 27.32 days ) ,the width of nakshatra traversed by the moon in about one day .Each nakashatra is further sub divided in to four padas . The nakashatras of traditional Bharateeya astronomy are based on a list of 28 asterisms found in the Adharvanaveda (AVS 19.7) and also in the Shatapatha Brahman the Jyothisham .

(1) 57 B.C an Astronomical Event : **: This part of the article is about the astronomical event when the sun is at zenith over the equator. We can also observe the same event happening on other planets and setting up a celestial co-ordinate system .During an equinox; the earth is not tilted toward or away from the sun and the length of the day is same at all points on the earth's surface. An equinox occurs twice a year around March 20and 22nd September, when the plane of the earth's equator passes the center of the sun .At this time the tilt of the earth's axis is inclined neither away from nor towards the sun .The term equinox can also be used in a broader sense, meaning the date when such a passage happens. The name equinox is derived from the Latin aqueous (equal) and nix (night), because around the equinox, night and are about equal length.

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At an equinox the sun is at one of two opposite points on the celestial sphere where the celestial equator (i.e. declination 0) and ecliptic intersect .these point of intersections are called equinoctial points .classically, the vernal point (Ra= 00h 00m 00s and longitudes 0 degrees) and autumnal point (Ra=12h 00m 00sc and longitude 180 degrees) .By extension, the term equinox may denote an equinoctial point. The equinoxes are the only times when the sub-solar points (the place on the earth's surface where the center of the sun is exactly over head) is on the equator. The sub solar points crosses the equator moving northward at the March equinox and moving southward at the September equinox. since the sun's ecliptic latitude is not exactly zero it is not exactly above the equator at the moment of equinox ,but the two events usually occur less than 30sec apart ) The equinoxes are the only times when the terminator is perpendicular to the earth's equator .thus the northern and southern hemisphere are illuminated equally .(At the solstices ,that angle reaches its minimum of 66.5 degrees ,corresponding to 90 degrees minus earth's axial tilt) . O denote the positions of objects in the sky, astronomers use system based on the celestial sphere. The use two measurements, right ascension and declination. Right ascension (abbreviated RA) is similar to longitude and is measured in hours, minutes and seconds eastward along the celestial equator. The distance around the celestial equator is equal to 24 hours. The right ascension of the vernal equinox is 0h 0m 0s.

Declination is similar to latitude and is measured in degrees, arc minutes and arc seconds, north or south of the celestial equator. Positive values for declination correspond to positions north of the equator, while negative values refer to positions south of the equator. The declination of the north celestial pole is 90° 0' 0" and the south celestial pole's declination is -90° 0' 0". Declination at the equator is 0° 0

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' 0".

Figure- 1

Locating a star with RA and DEC

The position of an object is stated with the right ascension first, then the declination. For example, the bright star Sirius' position is RA: 6h45m8.9s Dec: -16°42'52.1". The position of Betelgeuse is RA: 5h55m10.3s Dec: +7°24'25.4".

The advantage of the equatorial coordinate system is that it expresses the position of a star or galaxy in a way that is independent of the observer's position on Earth. However, the right ascension and declination of a given object change slowly over time, mainly due to a phenomenon called precession. This happens because both the ecliptic and the equator are slowly moving, as a result of tidal forces from the Sun, Moon and planets. The main effect is from the Moon and (to a lesser extent) the Sun, which makes the celestial pole orbit around the ecliptic pole once every 26,000 years. So along with the

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RA and Dec of an object, you will usually see the date, expressed in years, when those coordinates were approximately valid. This date, or "epoch", defines the précising equator and equinox used to construct the star catalog. Common examples are B1950.0 and J2000.0, where the B and J stand for slightly different sorts of year.

The changes to the coordinates happen slowly enough that successive generations of star catalog are 50 years apart. However, the most recent star catalogs, which are equinox J2000.0, will probably be the last in the sequence: there are unlikely ever to be equinox J2050.0 catalogs, because of the adoption of the International Celestial Reference System (ICRS). The ICRS broke the connection between catalog positions and the Earth's motion, and is defined instead by a set of quasars. For continuity, the ICRS was set up to be a good approximation to the equinox J2000.0 system, so in effect the catalog RA, Dec system has been frozen at J2000.0.

Another meaning of equinox is the date when the day and night are the same length .The equinox is not exactly the same as the day, when day and night are of equal length for two reasons -Firstly, because of size of the sun, the top of the disk rises above the horizon (constituting sun rises which is the start of day time) When the center of the disc is still below the horizon. secondly ,the earth's atmosphere refracts sun light which means that an observer can experience light (day time )even before the first glimpse of the sun's disc has risen above the horizon .To avoid this ambiguity the term equinox sometimes used in this sense .Time of the sun set and sun rise vary with an observer's location (longitude and latitude ),so the dates when day and night are of exactly equal length likewise depend on location .For places near the equator the day time is always longer than the night ,so they would never experience an equinox by this definition .During the earth's motion around the sun four important events were known in Indian astronomy since the ancient times .These events were Vernal and Autumnal equinoxes , and winter and summer solstices.( Fig. 1) given below shows the orbit of the earth around the sun where it shows the position and the orientation of the earth’s spin axis on June 21 . At this time, the North Pole is tilted toward the sun, and there is summer in the northern hemisphere. Similarly, on December 21, it is the South Pole which is tilted toward the sun. The earth’s spin axis maintains same orientation with respect to a three dimensional co-ordinate system defined at the center of the sun (heliocentric). The X and Y axes of this co-ordinate system lie in the plane of the ecliptic. The center of the earth moves in this plane as it traverses around the sun.

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Figure 2: This coordinate system for equinoxes is illustrated in the following figure (for which you should imagine the earth to be a point at the center of the sphere).

The celestial coordinate system

The position of the equinoxes is determined at points on the orbit when both poles of the earth are illuminated by the sun’s rays. It happens when this axis becomes perpendicular to a line drawn from the origin of the co-ordinate system to the center of the earth.

Even though the orientation of the earth’s axis remains almost the same in a given year ( more likely 50 seconds angular distance in an year ) yet, its orientation changes over longer time period, i.e., the orientation change is cyclic in nature. One cycle of this change takes approximately 25,800 years. Thus, to notice this subtle change in the sky due to a periodic motion of extremely low frequency was a very subtle knowledge acquired by the Indian Astrologers since the Vedic times Regarding the knowledge of the Greeks is concerned, the earliest description of this precession of the earth’s axis of rotation is mentioned by Hipparchus, a Greek living in Egypt in the second century BC This phenomenon is shown in Fig. 2 given below and is called the precession of the earth’s axis. The precession is caused due to the tidal (differential gravitational) force by the moon, and sun on the equatorial bulge of the earth. This differential gravitational force exerts a torque on the equatorial bulge and tries to get the equatorial bulge aligned with the plane of orbit of the moon, if the cause is considered by moon separately. The plane of orbit of the moon is within 5 degrees of the ecliptic and hence the effect of this torque is to get the equatorial plane of the earth coincide with the ecliptic. If the earth were a perfect sphere (without an equatorial bulge), there would be no tidal force and hence no torque exerted by the moon... During the precession, the axis generates the surface of a cone (imaginative) whose apex lies on the ecliptic. The rotation, when viewed from the top, is clockwise.

Due to this precession, the locus of the set of points consisting of two -equinoxes, and solstices, change their orientation on the ecliptic plane as shown in Figs. 3A, and 3B. Given below It should be noted that

5 the earth’s orbit around the sun is almost a circle. The maximum and the minimum distances between the sun and the earth are approximately 152, and 147 million kilometers respectively. Due to the precession, equinoxes take place earlier according to the calendar months. The equinoxes slide eastward on the ecliptic because of precession at the same rate as precession. Sliding through 360 degrees in 25,800 years, every year they (the equinoxes) slide eastward by 50 seconds of arc distance along the ecliptic. For example, the vernal (spring) equinox which happens on March 21 these days, must be taking place in April in the past. Similar changes take place for the other equinox, and solstices as shown in this figure. Since the season is dependent upon these points, the seasons have also been changing accordingly.

Table 1 shows the months, and seasons in the Hindu system, and it also shows the corresponding names in the Western system.

TABLE 1: THE MONTHS, &SEASONS OF THE HINDU CALENDAR Hindu Month Western Months Name of the Hindu Western Name of Season Season 1. Chaitra March-April Vasanta Spring 2. Vaishakh April-May Vasanta Spring 3. Jyeshta May-June Greeshma Summer 4. Aashaadh June-July Greeshma Summer 5. Shraavan July-August Varsha Monsoon 6. Bhadrapad August-September Varsha Monsoon 7. Ashwin September-October Sharad Autumn 8. Kaartik October-November Sharad Autumn 9. Margasheersh November-December Hemanta Winter 10. Paush December- January Hemanta Winter 11. Maagh January-February Shishira Dewey 12. Phalgun February-March Shishira Dewey

In the Western system also, people depended upon zodiac signs to measure the passage of time, and the change in seasons. Here, the zodiac circle was divided into 12 parts where each part had a range of 30 degrees. Various zodiac signs are shown in Table 2. In the first column, the names of the zodiac signs

6 are written, and below those are the ones used in the Hindu system (shown within bracket). The second column shows the abbreviations of these signs. The third and the fourth columns show the span of the signs, and those of the Nakshatras, respectively. The fifth column has the names of the corresponding Nakshatras. These two systems have developed independent of each other, and the parts 12 (zodiac symbols) and 27 Nakshatras do not have any relationship other than what is mentioned below. The Hindu epics like the by sage Valmiki or the by sage Vyasa composed before the birth of Lord Jesus Christ, refer to Nakshatras only.

Table 2 SIGNS AND CORRESPONDING NAKSHATRAS

Zodiac Sign Abbrev Angle, Zodiac Angle, Nakshatras Nakshatras (Asterisms) Sign (Degrees) Aries(Mesha) Ar 0 13.3333 1. Aswini 26.6666 2. Bharani Taurus(Vrishaba) Ta 30 40 3. Krittika 53.3333 4. Rohini Gemini(Mithuna) Ge 60 66.6666 5. Mrigasirsha 80 6. Ardra Cancer (Karkata) Ca 90 93.3333 7. Punarvasu 106.666 8. Pushya Leo (Simha) Le 120 120 9. Ashlesha 133.333 10. Magha 146.666 11. Purva Phalguni Virgo (Kanya) Vi 150 160 12. Uttara Phalguni 173.333 13. Hasta Libra (Tula) Li 180 186.666 14. Chitra 200 15. Swathi Scorpio Sc 210 213.333 16. Vishaka (Vrishchika) 226.666 17. Anuradha Sagittarius Sa 240 240 18. Jyeshitha

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(Dhanu) 253.333 19. Moola Capricorn Cp 270 280 21. Uttarashada (Makara) 293.333 22. Shravana Aquarius Aq 300 306.666 23. Dhanishtha (Kumbha) 320 24. Shathabisha Pisces (Meena) Pi 330 333.333 25. Poorva Bhadrapada 346.666 26. Uttara Bhadrapada 360 27. Revati

The starting Nakshatra is Aswini, and corresponding to the beginning of the zodiac sign Aries. When this development of the zodiac signs took place is not known. Aries was the first sign when the Greek Civilization flourished - this is because the equinox took place at the first point of Aries around 2350 BC. There is one fundamental difference between these two systems, however. The Hindu system is based on the actual position of the set of Nakshtras (asterisms) on the ecliptic but the Western astrologers did not change the name of the signs even though, due to the precession, the instant of time when the equinoxes take place in a calendar year, changes as time progresses. It takes place at different points on the earth’s orbit, as was shown in Figs. 3A, and 3B. The Western astrology is called - Tropical astrology. It means that Aries would mean the beginning of the spring season always, whereas in the Nakshatra - Aswini - it would not be true all the time.

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To verify, if indeed this was the case, let us look at the Table 3 which shows the mean positions of Aswini, and Revati in 1000 BC, and 45 AD. Since the span, in degrees, of each of these Nakshatras is 13.333 degrees, the mean of the two values at any instant of time will yield the position of the transition. The mean positions of these two Nakshatras will be offset by half of 13. 333 degrees on the

9 either side of the transition point. The result (the average) shown in Table 3 is equal to 358.39 degrees. It is very close to 360 degrees, and so, one can safely conclude that this was the event the astronomers in the Vikramaditya’s court, had in mind. This transition, the position of the sun at equinox can also be seen in Fig. 4 [Achar, 2003], which is the sky map drawn using the modern planetarium software. One can clearly see in this figure that the sun is located, at the equinox, between these two Nakshatras (Aswini, and Revati).[Asvini Arietis symbol Horse head Indian zodiac 0*-13*20'and Revati Piscium symbol pair of Fish Indian zodiac 16*40'-30*.00]

TABLE 3 :THE TRANSITION EVENT BETWEEN ASWINI TO REVATI NAKSHATRAS

STAR NAKSHATRA 1000 BC (Degrees) 57 BC, CALCULATED BY 45 AD (Degrees) (ASTERISM) ( Given ) INTERPOLATION (Degrees) ( Given )

Piscium REVATI 339.73 351.34 352.6 Arietis ASWINI 353.83 5.44 6.7 AVERAGE 358.39

Because of the precession of the equinoxes, the vernal equinox moves through all the constellations of the Zodiac over the 26,000 year precession period. Presently the vernal equinox is in the constellation Pisces and is slowly approaching Aquarius. Figure--4

(`2) 57 B.C AN ASTROLOGICAL EVENT: Astrology is the study of influence of stars and planets on each individual for it is said to play a major role in shaping their personality along with their future. It is the five thousand year old study of the influential effects of the sun, moon, stars, and planets on events

10 on the earth and horoscopes are predictions or insights into our lives, made by studying the stars in our sign on the zodiac. Astrology aids in discovering the innate power to create each day and design your destiny by merging ancient wisdom with practical living. The history of astrology encompasses a large span of different cultures and human history. Astrology reflects the understanding and experience of ancient spiritual teachers regarding the facts of life. The latest discovery in astrology can correlate the patterns of the solar system with the patterns of our lives which impact us from moment to moment. There are patterns of growth and patterns of potential in the evolution of each individual. Life cycles and various stages of life are illuminated through the astrological use of progressions and transits. In today's modern world many individuals express an interest in astrology for a variety of reasons. Beyond looking at Sun signs, a personality profile is usually one of the first areas in which people apply the techniques and traditions of astrology. However looking at the other side of astrology there were also many critics challenged by Hellenistic skeptics, church authorities and even medieval thinkers. Simultaneously there was conscientious or concerted effort toward enrichment of the astronomical knowledge and various contributions in this field by celebrities like Pitamaha,Suryudu ,Lagdudu ,Naradudu ,Atri ,Brughuvu ,Vasistudu ,Kashyapudu ,Poulatyudu ,Mayudu .Yavanudu ,Vishnuguptudu ,Devaswami , Sidhaseanudu ,Pouleeshaudu ,Romakudu ,Jeevasharma ,Satyacharyudu ,Manithudu ,Latadevudu ,Aryabhat -1 ,and from west , Galileo, Kepler, Carl Jung, Copernicus, etc.

Astrology which is believed to be had its origin during the 2nd millennium BC. Sage Parashara who is believed to be the founder of Vedic astrology did a lot of detailed studies regarding this and finally inferred with the Hindu astrology. Astrology, both Eastern and Western are based on socio predictive system. Apart from this it also played a major role in the revolution of science by developing different fields like astronomy, mathematics, medicine and psychology. The early records regarding the movements of the Sun, the Moon, the planets and the stars was got from astronomy, influenced by astrology. Astrology and astronomy had most of the things in similar.

Vedic astrology is an integral part of this culture and has been practiced since time immemorial. We also get to know from various collections of texts and other records that the origin of Indian astrology is also attributed to various gods and Rishis.Infact the basis of the astrological principles which is followed now are the ones written by Rishis like Parashara, Varahamihira, Garga, Jaimini and their followers. According to history and archeological evidences the extensive written discourse on astronomy belonged to the 8th century B.C to 57 B.C ( in different stages -Veda yugam ,Purana yugam , Parasara yugam and Varahamira yugam ) Parasara and Varahamihira yugas are referred as the classical ages of Indian astronomy. There is also a mention about astrology by Kalyanavarman in his ancient scriptures like `Brhat Parasara Horasastra` and `Saravali`.Even in the epic Mahabharatha,episodes like `Bhishma Parva` and `Udyoga Parva`state many astrological descriptions and omens just before the Mahabharata war. There is a very thin margin between astronomy and astrology for happenings like two eclipses, a solar and a lunar eclipses occurring , creating a rare 13 day lunar fortnight were first depicted only in an astrology scripture.

(Vedic astrology and it was called as Parasara School of astrology)

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In India there was basic school for Vedic astrology and it was called as Parasara School of astrology, which was named after the last of the Rishis (great sages) of the Vedic age.Howevere after his period there were so many distinguished scholars into Vedic astrology of which there were two notable eminent persons namely Satyacarya and Varaha Mihira.They did a detailed study on astrology and wrote many books on the same. Some of the classic works include Jataka Parijata` and`Sarvartha Cintamani.Indian astrology was introduced in India at the very ancient period and was carried till date with various developments in modern times in this field. Even in the recent times the ancient scriptures written in the past are used to make accurate predictions. Parasara was the last person of Parasara yuga which was described in ICAS (Indian Astrological Society) formed by Indian astrologers. It won’t be wrong to consider Acharya Parasara as the founder of the Astrology .It is also been said that , in Modern era no other astrologer is similar to Acharya Parasara .The scriptures by him ,helps in calming the curiosity, and are close to practical principals .

Related to him, there is an ancient tale. Once sage Maitri, requested Parashars that astrology is divided into three parts. This includes Hora, Mathematics and codes, out of which Hora is of utmost importance and was founded by Maharishi Parashara and cause of its properties has become the most famous science.

Veda Vyasa was the son of Sage Parashara. There are many legends on the birth and life of Veda Vyas. He was born to Sage Parashara and Satyavati. Satyavati was also known as Matsyagandha as her body used to emit the smell of a raw fish.

Once Satyavati was accompanying him on a ferry to take him across the river. On his way, Parashara grew attracted to Satyavati and showed his desire to perform coitus with her.

On this Satyavati told him that, “he belongs to a Brahmin family and she belongs to low caste. It won’t be good to have such a kind of relationship”. Parashara convinced her by giving her the boon of continuity of her virginity. Satyavati accepted his proposal and fulfilled his sexual desire.

Sage Parashara created a thick fog around the ferry that reduced the visibility to zero. He also granted her the boon that the fragrance of the raw fish will turn into the finest fragrance that may emit from her.

He then took her to an island on the Ganges and in due course, they had a son who was named Vyasa. He was also known as Krishna as he acquired dark complexion. On the other hand, because he was born on an island, he came to be known as Dwaipayana and Veda Vyasa because he divided the and made them accessible to the humans

Compositions of Sage Parashara

Sage Parashara wrote and compiled many Vedic scriptures, especially on astrology. He laid down the principles of astrology.

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There is a very popular legend in this context according to which Saint Maitreya requested Parashara to give him the knowledge of three parts of astrology i.e. Hora, ganita and . Out of all the three parts, Hora is the most important and was composed by Sage Parashara himself.

Many of the compositions of are in his name. His compositions are Brihta parashara Hora, Laghu parashari, Brihta parashriya Dharma samhita, Parashriya Dharma samhita , Parashara Samhita Vadhyak, Parashariya Purnama, Parasharaoditam Nitishastratram, Parashararodanti, Vastushastrama etc. Kautilya has a description of Sage Parashra. According to it, Parashara was a well known saint of ancient times. His compositions Brihataparasharahora have been included in various scriptures.

In these chapters , Rashiswaroop, Grahgunaswaroop, Lagna Vikshaleshan, Shodshavarg, Rashi Aspect, Arishta, Arishta Bhang, Bhaovivechan, Aprakash Grah, Grahsfut, Karak, Karaka Shafala, Vividhyoga, Ravi yoga, Raj yoga, Daridrayoga, Ayurdaya, Maraka Yoga, Dashafal, Vishesh Nakshatra, Kalchakra, Planet positions, Ashtakvarga, TrikonDasha, Pindasadhaana, Grahshanti etc has been described.

Varāhamihira pronunciation (help info)(Devanagari: ववववववववव) 57 BC), also called Varaha or Mihir, was an Indian astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer who lived in Ujjain.The earliest references to the city, asAvantika, are from the time of Gautama Buddha, when it was the capital of the Avanti Kingdom. Since the 4th century B.C. the city has marked the first meridian of longitude in Hindu geography. Following the enthroning of theGupta dynasty, the city soon became an important seat in the annals of that empire. Ujjain is considered to be the traditional capital of King Chandragupta II, also known asVikramaditya, at whose court the nine poets known as the navaratna (nine jewels) of Sanskritliterature are said to have flourished. He was born in Avanti region, roughly corresponding to modern day Malwa, to Adityadasa, who was himself an astronomer. According to one of his own works, he was educated at Kapitthaka. [1] He is considered to be one of the nine jewels (Navaratnas) of the court of legendary rulerYashodharman Vikramaditya of Malwa.

Works

He was the first one to mention in his work Pañcasiddhāntikā that the ayanamsa, or the shifting of the equinox, is 50.32 seconds.

Panchasidhantika

Varahamihir's main work is the bookPañcasiddhāntikā (or Pancha-Siddhantika, "[Treatise] on the Five [Astronomical] Canons) dated ca. 575 CE gives us information about older Indian texts which are now lost. The work is a treatise on mathematical astronomy and it summarizes five earlier astronomical treatises, namely the Surya Siddhartha, Romaka Siddhartha, Paulisa Siddhartha, Vasishtha Siddhartha and Paitamaha Siddhantas. It is a compendium of Vedanga Jyotisha as well as Hellenistic (including Greek, Egyptian and Roman elements). [2] He was the first one to mention in his work Pancha Siddhantika that the ayanamsa or the shifting of the equinox is 50.32 seconds.

The 11th century Iranian scholar Alberuni also described the details of "The Five Astronomical Canons":

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"They [the Indians] have 5 Siddhāntas:

Sūrya-Siddhānta, i.e. the Siddhānta of the Sun, composed by Lāṭadeva,

Vasishtha-siddhānta, so called from one of the stars of the Great Bear, composed by Vishnucandra,

Pulisa-siddhānta, so called from Paulisa, the Greek, from the city of Saintra, which is supposed to be Alexandria, composed by Pulisa.

Romaka-siddhānta, so called from the Rūm, i.e. the subjects of the Roman Empire, composed by Śrīsheṇa.

Brihat-Samhita

Another important contribution of Varahamihira is the encyclopedic Brihat-Samhita. It covers wide ranging subjects of human interest, including astrology, planetary movements, eclipses, rainfall, clouds, architecture, growth of crops, manufacture of perfume, matrimony, domestic relations, gems, pearls, and rituals. The volume expounds on gemstone evaluation criterion found in the , and elaborates on the sacred Nine Pearls from the same text. It contains 106 chapters and is known as the "great compilation".

On Astrology

 He was also an astrologer. He wrote on all the three main branches of Jyotisha astrology:  Brihat Jataka - is considered as one the five main treatises on Hindu astrology on horoscopy.  Laghu Jataka - also known as 'Swalpa Jataka'  Samasa Samhita - also known as 'Lagu Samhita' or 'Swalpa Samhita'  Brihat Yogayatra - also known as 'Mahayatra' or 'Yakshaswamedhiya yatra'  Yoga Yatra - also known as 'Swalpa yatra'  Tikkani Yatra  Brihat Vivaha Patal  Lagu Vivaha Patal - also known as 'Swalpa Vivaha Patal'  Lagna Varahi  Kutuhala Manjari  Daivajna Vallabha (apocryphal)

His son Prithuyasas also contributed in the Hindu astrology; his book Hora Sara is a famous book on horoscopy. Khana (also named Lilavati elsewhere) the medieval Bengali poetess astrologer is believed to be the daughter-in-law of Varahamihir.

Western influences

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The Romaka Siddhartha ("Doctrine of the Romans") and the Paulisa Siddhartha ("Doctrine of Paul") were two works of Western origin which influenced Varahamihir's thought, though this view is controversial as there is much evidence to suggest that it was actually Vedic thought indigenous to India which first influenced Western astrologers and subsequently came back to India reformulated[citation needed].

A comment in the Brihat-Samhita by Varahamihir says: "The Greeks, though foreign, must be honored since they have shown tremendous interest in our science....." ("mleccha hi yavanah tesu samyak shastram kdamsthitam/ rsivat te 'p i pujyante kim punar daivavid dvijah" (Brihat-Samhita 2.15)).

(3) 57 B.C AN HISTORICAL EVENT

WHAT HAPPEND 3102 B.C? One thing that the vast majority of archaeologists either avoids or re-name in their analysis of ancient cultures is astrology. The truth is that astrology, along with calendars, appeared very early on in every major civilization. Mainstream archaeologists and historians, who are invariably uninformed-informed on the subject, generally dismiss astrology as a superstition. But what they are missing are two powerful insights into the nature of early civilizations. First, they miss the point that these early peoples did not consider themselves apart from the universe. Astrology was thus the ultimate ecological science. Second, they deny themselves a method of evaluating periods of time. Astrology is a viable method for looking at history.

So does astrology have to say about 3102 B.C.? As we have seen, the Maya astrologers thought that this time marked the beginning of the last fifth of the precession cycle, i.e. the present creation or what they call the Fifth World. From the standpoint of modern Western astrology a number of alignments near that time stand out. First, precession of the equinoxes brought the Vernal Point to the bright fixed star Rohini ( Aldebaran ), and simultaneously Antares to the Autumnal Point, around 3060 B.C. (+/- 25 years). These two first-magnitude stars, which are exactly opposite each other, have been considered power points since ancient times. The fact that the Vernal Point and the Autumnal Point, crossed over these two stars then, suggests an influx of extraordinary stellar energy into the earth's biosphere. The Vernal and Autumnal Points, as well as the two solstices, are key astrological points that are said to act as conduits through which energy from the cosmos enters the earth system itself.

In addition to the alignment of equinoxes with the two power stars, the grand mutation of Jupiter and Saturn into the fiery element, a cycle of about 800 years, occurred around 3065 B.C. as well. Further, a clustering of planets, including the slow-moving planet Pluto, occurred near the Vernal Point in 3066 B.C. This multiple emphasis on the Vernal Point, symbolic of emergence and first beginnings, made its impact on earth in the form of accelerated social evolution - the rise of civilization as we know it. (6)

While astrology may not be able to say exactly what happened in 3100 B.C. or thereabouts, it can certainly reveal (and more precisely date) a power surge that was very unusual. Mainstream science has only recently accepted the idea called punctualism. This idea states that evolution doesn't occur gradually, it occurs in sudden spurts. Perhaps a combination of meteorological effects, bursts of creative genius in certain human personages, and even some sort of contact with beings from other worlds were all involved in a great leap forward that took place some 5100 years ago.

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When is the next great leap forward? The Maya correctly predicted that the Winter Solstice Point would process to the Milky Way early in the next century. This slow-moving alignment of Earth's solstice point and the center of the galaxy symbolize another direct flow of energy and power towards the earth. The center of our galaxy! This happens only once every 25,686 years on average!

Bhartiya Chronology 3228 BC - 1947

By clicking on the links in the chart, you will find a brief description.

(BC)

3228 Descension of Bhagwan Krishn

3139 The Mahabharat War

Start of Brihadrath dynasty of Magadh Start of Yudhisthir dynasty of Hastinapur 3102 Ascension of Bhagwan Krishn

Start of kaliyug 2139 End of Brihadrath dynasty

2139-2001 Pradyot dynasty

2001-1641 Shishunag dynasty

1894-1814 Gautam Buddh

1641-1541 Nandas

1541-1241 Maurya dynasty

1541-1507 Chandragupt Maurya 1507-1479 Bindusar 1479-1443 Ashokvardhan

1241-784 Shung and Kanau dynasty

784-328 Andhra dynasty

509-477 Jagadguru Shankaracharya

328-83 Gupt dynasty 328-321 Chandragupt Vijayaditya 326 Alexander’s invasion 321-270 Samudragupt Ashokaditya Priyadarshin, or Ashok the Great

102BC- Vikramaditya, established Vikram era in 57 BC 15AD

(AD)

25-85 Shalivahan, established Shalivahan Shak era in 78 AD 85-1192 There were several kingdoms of Rajpoot kings all over India. They ruled for 1,107 years.

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1192-1757 In 1192, Mohammad Gori invaded Delhi (Hastinapur) the second time, defeated and killed Prithviraj Chauhan, and became the king. Since then several dynasties of Muslims ruled India for 565 years. 1757-1947 In 1757 English regime was established in Bengal. British ruled India for 190 years. 1947 India got Independence

Bharatiya History

This calendar derives its name from the original king Vikramaditya of Ujjain. After the rise of the Rana oligarchs in Nepal, Vikram Sambat came into unofficial use along with the officialShaka Sambat for quite some time. They discontinued Shaka Sambat in its 1823rd year, and replaced it with Vikram Samwat for official use since then to date. Vikram Sambat came into official use in its 1958th year. The calendar is widely in use in western India, where it is known as the Vikram Samvat.

The date is supposed to mark the victory of king Vikramaditya over the Sakas, who had invaded Ujjain. Alternatively, it has been thought by some scholars to correspond to the Azes era, of the Indo-Scythian king Azes I, but this seems to be now thoroughly discredited by Falk and Bennett who place the inception of the Azes era in 47/6 BC.[3]

Kalakacharya and the Saka King (Kalakacharya Katha-Manuscript,Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai

The story is described in "Kalakacharya Kathanaka", a much later work by a Jain sage called Mahesara Suri (probably circa 12th century CE). The Kathanaka (meaning, "an account") tells the story of a famed Jain monk Kalakacharya. It mentions that Gardabhilla, the then-powerful king of Ujjain, abducted a nun called Sarasvati who was the sister of the monk. The enraged monk sought the help of the Saka ruler, a Sahi, in Sakasthana. Despite heavy odds (but aided by miracles) the Saka king defeated Gardabhilla and made him a captive. Sarasvati was repatriated, although Gardabhilla himself was forgiven. The defeated king retired to the forest, where he was killed by a tiger. His son, Vikramaditya, being brought up in the forest, had to rule from Pratishthana (in modern Maharashtra). Later on, Vikramaditya invaded Ujjain and drove away the Sakas. To commemorate this event, he started a new era called the Vikrama era. This story seems to be somewhat jumbled, as the original Vikramaditya began his rule from Ujjain, and not from Pratishthana. The Ujjain calendar started around 56 BCE to 58 BCE, and the subsequent Shalivahan Saka calendar was started in 78 AD at Pratishthan.

With reference to above chronology

102 BC–15 AD – Vikramaditya and Start of Vikram era in 57 BC

Vikram era started in 57 BC by Vikramaditya the Great as a commemoration of his victory upon the Shaks. There is plentiful literature on Vikramaditya, and in the Bhavishya Puran itself there are descriptions of Vikramaditya in more than 40 chapters between Pratisarg Parv I and IV. Pratisarg Parv IV,

17 chapter 1 of Bhavishya Puran says that after the elapse of a full 3,000 years in kaliyug (3102 - 3000 = 102 BC), a dynamic Divine personality was born who was named Vikramaditya. Bhavishya Puran further says that the great King Vikramaditya ruled for one hundred years. When he was only five years old he went into the jungles to worship God. After twelve years, when he came out, God Shiv sent for him a celestial golden throne which was decorated with thirty-two Sala bhangikas (statues). According to the above descriptions Vikramaditya lived for (5 years + 12 years + 100 years) 117 years (102 BC - 15 AD).

Kalidas, the greatest poet, writer and the literary figure of his time, living a pious life and sincerely devoted to his scholarly work, was one of the nine gems of King Vikram’s court. The Jyotirvidabharnam” by Kalidas tells in its first chapter

That Vikram era started at the elapse of (Agni 3, ambar0, yug 4 and ved 4 = 3, 0, 4, 4) 3,044 years of kaliyug. Thus, the 3,045th year of kaliyugwas the beginning of Vikram era which is 57 BC. At the end of Jyotirvidabharnam, Mahakavi Kalidas mentions the exact date of his writing and says that

In the Kali era 3067 he had started to write this book. It means, he wrote that book when 3,067 years of kaliyug had passed. That comes to 35 BC (3102 - 3067 = 35), which is after the beginning of Vikram era.

Thus, Vikramaditya was born in 102 BC (3102-3000), established his ‘era’ in 57 BC and left this earth planet in 15 AD.--Detail of the kings of Pramar dynasty up to King Bhojraj as given in the Bhavishya Puran (Pratisarg Parv IV chapter one) states Vikramaditya, son of Gandharv Sen., reigned up to 15 AD. Vikramaditya’s son Deobhakt ruled from 15-25 AD and his grandson, Shalivahan, ruled from 25-85 AD. Shalivahan established his era in 78 AD. It is called the Shalivahan Shak era.

CONCLUSION : After observing the events Astronomical, Astrogical, and Historically, I conclude this paper in three different stages, they are

1. As per astronomical view the equinox falls in between Aswine nakshatra and Revati nakshtra i.e. 358.39 degrees, which was happened during 57 B.C.This we can view through the fig sky map - [by using the drawings of modern planetarium equipments] . 2. Through Astrological aspect, the astrologer Mihira became Varaha Mihira for his accurate predictions during 102 B.C.--15 A.D. 3. Historically when we see, the great king Vikramaditya ruled his kingdom for 117 years that is 102 B.C-- 15 A.D, in which period astrologer Varaha Mihira was also present in his court as one of the navartnas .

With all these three conclusions we can assert that 57 B.C as the equinox date

Reference:

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