Astrology, Astronomy and Spiritualism in 'Siddhanta Darpana'

Odisha Review January - 2012

Astrology, Astronomy and Spiritualism in µSiddhanta Darpana¶: A Comparison with Similar Thoughts

Dr. K.C. Sarangi

Jyotisham api tatjyotih «««« Jnanam jneyam jnanagamyam «««

(Gita, Chapter 13, Verse-18)

The creator of µSiddhanta Darpana¶ was indeed one among millions. He worked and struggled in the solitude to µhear the unheard and glimpse the invisible¶.

µSiddhanta Darpana¶ is an immortal this great book. One may, therefore, benefit creation of the famous Odia astrologer Samanta the knowledge of all astrological literature by Chandrasekhar. Astrology emanates from the reading this one great book on astrology. Vedic thoughts. It is immensely useful for the Secondly, the writer, Late Samanta society. Aruna Kumar Upadhyaya, in his Chandrasekhara, wherever, had not explained translation of µSiddhanta Darpana¶ in Devnagari the astrological theories of the past, he had, script writes: at least, given indication how to approach the same. Last but not least, Chandrasekhara had µUdwesya Jyotisa¶ is known as the eyes of the made correction in the movement of the Moon. Vedas. Setting it apart, it is difficult to know In its correctness, it is equal to the modern the time of ancient literature and scriptures. astronomy. (Ibid, Preface-ii). Without knowing time of the scriptures, any discussion on the Sashtras may not be proper As a subject, the present astrology in and hence may not be understood in the proper India is taken into account from the period of context. (Preface i) Aryabhatta. However, there are rare astrological master-pieces like, µJyotisha Bhaskar¶, written by Upadhyaya further clarifies with specific the Divine teacher Brihaspati, which shines like reference to µSiddhanta Darpana¶: the Sun in the sphere of astrological sciences. This µSiddhanta Darpana¶ is useful in two ways. is not available in the public domain. References Hitherto, the disputed subjects in all about the same may only be available in the great astrological theories have found a solution in and exemplary Samhitas written by

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Sri Achyutananda, the rarest genius and the Saint scholars outside Odisha. Another hurdle was that who adorned the soil of Utkal during the regime though Samanta wrote in Sanskrit language but of king Prataprudra. In the ancient time, Magadha he used Odia scripts. Thanks, however, to was one of the richest places not only in India but Professor Joges Ch. Ray whose introduction also in the entire world. In the capital city of brought some recognition for this unprecedented Magadha, institutions were established for talent. imparting knowledge on µKhagola¶. Aryabhatta At that point of time, it was unsettled was the Principal Preceptor in one such institution. whether the earth is static or the Sun is static. The name of this capital city was µPuspapur¶ or When western scientists were of the opinion that µKusumapura¶ at that time which is the present the earth moves round and the Sun is stationary, Patna city. Since there was an apprehension of Samanta placed a completely different the invasion of Huns, Aryabhatta wrote a formulae proposition. Samanta said that the earth is static. (Sutra) to indicate the availability of astrological He assailed the western arguments saying that µif knowledge there. He writes: all the stars are illuminating as the Sun and all of aryabhatta stwiham, nigadati satyam. them spread light in all directions equally being kusumpure varcitam jnanam. static how then night dawns upon this earth¶. His Through the above couplet, Aryabhatta second argument was that µif all the planets are symbolically states that all astrological knowledge moving around their orbits, what makes the largest are available at Kusumapur. After Aryabhatta, planet, Brihaspati move so fast?¶ His reasonings Barahamihira and Bhaskar wrote about this great could scarcely be countered by the western mystical science basing on their respective studies scientists. Chandrasekhara had no scope to of scriptures. None of them, however, has telescope. His only instruments were two sticks explained what is the flow of the number in and his deep concentration on the sky. Whatever assessing the movement of the planets. However, may be the scientific position of his stand on the µSiddhanta Siromani¶ written by Bhaskar is one above issues, viewed from the present standard, of the standard treatise on astrology of present it is no exaggeration to say that it was a great day as observed by Sri Aruna Upadhyaya in his fortune for Odisha that such a talented son like preface to µSiddhanta Darpana¶. (P. XV). Samanta Chandrasekhara was born in its soil. Born though in a small princely state like In the Indian tradition among the Khandapara, which has little importance in the astrologers, Samanta Chandrasekhar and Bala world geography, Chandrasekhara had a Gangadhar Tilak were considered to be the tremendous sense of belonging for the state, its contemporaneous exponents. Whereas Tilak people and its highly adorable deities. Deeply studied English and modern Mathematics, moved by the culture of Odisha, he writes in Samanta Chandrasekhara had no scope to learn µSiddhanta Darpana¶: about these secular branches of studies. As a consequence, he had to struggle ceaselessly. yatra khetram pabitram vilasata sitarung mitra netrasya gatram, Furthermore, this rare genius and his immortal gotrayatratimatrah tadavayava sruta dipavatyo creation could not be appropriately recognized vicitrah by the western scholars nor even by Indian swasthanasthah padasthapita nijajanata devatah

UNESCO Kalinga Prize Spl. 35 Odisha Review January - 2012 santi nitya tatradese dwija srestha nadinam uttama nadi martyah smartah smararta haricharanratah ca mahanandiiti vikshata sarvapapa pranodini utkalah stat kalighnah. tasyam nadyastu mahatmyam kathayami punah punah, (Prakasha 23, Verse-2). jashyam snatwa nara srestham dibyalokam In the State where the Kshetra and body abapnyati ( Chapter-2, Verse 4 & 5) of the lotus eyed Lord Krishna exist, the state Sukanti, a great sage of ancient India, brought wherein exist several mountains, the State where the Divine Mother Ganga ³papaghnim Janhabi in the temples, there is perennial Diwali and the bhaktabatsalam´ (the Divine Mother who loves deities though seated in their own respective all devotees and the destroyer of sins) to Utkal temples confer high status to their devotees, the (Chapter 2, Verse-23). Sukanti prayed the Divine State where the people apart from doing their jobs Mother who is µtrailokyapavini¶ to flow towards sincerely, also actively utter the holy name of God Purba Sagar i.e. Bay of Bengal. Moved by his and worship His lotus feet, the same Utkal State prayer, the Almighty Mother answered : may destroy the vices of µKaliyuga¶. The poet- mahanadi iti bikhyatam gamisyami atra sarbada astrologer asserts that the people of Odisha may bhagirathena anita jathartham papanashinee appear small considered from the angle of tasmat sataguna prokta twayaham duritapaha material progress. But they reveal divinity in their sarbada taba kirtistu sthasyati atra mahitale appearance µudra, proudha, prabhavo jayati ( Chapter 2,Verse 33 & 34) paribadhah sanadeshasya soyam¶. Such honour and sense of respect for Odia tradition, culture The Divine Mother said, µSon¶, your and people do find parallel comparison only in penance be completed without any obstacle. the descriptions in µKapila Samhita¶. The great When I will flow towards Purva Sagar (Bay of Saint Kapilacharya writes: Bengal), µI will not be known in my name. I will be known as Mahanadi from here¶. (Kapila sarbapapa haram desam udram debaistu kalpitam Samhita edited by Kedarnath Gabeshana srunudhwam kathyamanam hi vistarenasya bho dwijah, Pratisthana, Grantha Mandira 2000 P.113). tasmina odre sada santi krishnarkaparbatiharah Bhagiratha once could do this because of his atmic ekashya ekashya khetram tu sarbapapa consciousness, equity, equal-mindedness, pranasanam shunning of all material prosperities, keeping the (Chapter 2, Verse 2 & 3). bird-like mind quiet and peaceful in heart and doing the assigned work in an unattached manner. According to Kapilacharya, Utkal is a (Yoga Vasistham Ramayana, Nirvana Prakasana). State designed by the Divine to be the abode of So also could do the sage Sukanti in a like manner. Lord Krishna, Suryanarayana (the Sun God), Lord Similar was also the perseverance of µMaheswar¶ and Divine Mother µParvati¶. The Chandrasekhara who could bring the Jnana- greatest glory of the state is the river Mahanadi. Ganga for the humanity in the shape of µSiddhanta Kapila Samhita reveals that the river which flows Darpana¶. Such is our culture, such is our glory close to the lotus feet of Lord Neela-Madhaba is and such is the blessing of the Almighty for this the µDivine Mother¶ µ Suradhuni¶, Bhagirathi whose State and its people. The great sage, sacred water sanctifies the Indian soil and Indian Kapilacharya, was firmly of the opinion that Utkal people from time immemorial. is the greatest among all the states and such a

36 UNESCO Kalinga Prize Spl. January - 2012 Odisha Review state does not exist on the earth. Lord Purusottam the Almighty Father. According to Rig Veda is the king of this State. The principal deities of (10.121), the Lord known as µHiranya Garbha¶ this State µKrishnarka Parvati Hara¶, Lord was the first to exist. He then became the first Krishna, Lord Sun, Divine Mother Parvati and Lord of the creation. He was the sole Lord of all Lord Shiva all eternally reside in this State. All those that breathe in the whole world. He created sacred Tirthas exist in this state. All the sacred the earth and the sky. His laws are eternal. ( R.N. Tirthas of the State are enriched with natural Vaidya, Introduction to Vedas). Such an beauty. The saints do observe penance near inspiration for exploring the Vedic knowledge them. Rivers, mountains, ocean, forest land, all engaged the attention of Samanta situated in this State are magnified by the blessings Chandrasekhara in whose conscientious writing of the deities. the majesty of the universe prevailed. As a result, Prajna Purusha, Pathani Samanta also what emerged from µSiddhanta Darpana¶ is a created few other masterpieces apart from poet-seer-astrologer, a Vedic scholar and also a µSiddhanta Darpana¶ namely µDarpana Sara¶, devotee of the highest order. Chandrasekhara µDarsa Dipika¶ etc. But the book which has writes: engaged the eminent scholars¶ attention across the antarbedi tribedi nigatitamahima adhityaka centuries has always been µSiddhanta Darpana¶. nityakantah The honour of the poet echoes in the heart of all tungahsrungani jasyamara nikaragruhah pavani yad vaneeshreeh Odias:´siddhanta darpana heva nahin laya, prakaro yatprapatah pramatha patinutopatyaka nara dehe thiva jabat hridaya´. (As long as purjadeeya conscience exists in humanity, Siddhanta Darpana sa srisambhodbhari vitaratu jagatam mecakam will not lose its glory). This talent colossus, mecakadrih achieved miraculous height without any (Prakasha 23, Verse 6). infrastructure or scientific instrument or secular learning as earlier stated. This attracted immensely (The Lord who knows the heart of all; Prof. Joges Ch. Ray, who writes: whose greatness is praised highly in all the Vedas; the high floors of Whose mountains are always He had no one to encourage him in his pursuit, elegant; in Whose mountains¶ cage, the divine and no notice was taken of his work. Our Deities stay and with their associationship, the Govt. could only confer upon him an empty devotees are sanctified, the walls of Whose temple title which he had never coveted. Geniuses are as high as mountains, the sacred precinct of are like delicate plants, never plentiful Whose temple is always worshipped by Lord anywhere and depend upon tender care for Shiva and Whose temple¶s sacred premises are growth and development and facility. Let me always calm and cool (the rays of the Sun being therefore hope that the past neglect of his covered by the clouds), the Lord of this Neelagiri countrymen may yet be compensated, and that may like to bless us always). better may yet dawn upon our old and crippled observe of heavenly bodies (Ray, Introduction to µSiddhanta Darpana). The saints, indeed, are very simple in their As earlier discussed astrology, had its hearts and they always think of the wellbeing of origin from the Vedas. Vedas are the creation of the society. Through all their writings they only

UNESCO Kalinga Prize Spl. 37 Odisha Review January - 2012 pray for devotion before the lotus feet of the Lord, taken by Sri Aruna Kumar Upadhyaya in µRama charana rati dehu¶ as Goswami puts it in translating the Odia script into Devnagari script, Bala Khanda of µShree Rama Charita Manasa¶. undoubtedly, will go a long way in facilitating It goes without saying that Samanta further research. He has created a rare Chandrasekhara was a saint, equally pious. The opportunity for interested scholars. Central flag known as µVaijayanti¶ which adorns Universities across the country, different Sanskrit µNilachakra¶ of Lord Sri Jagannath¶s temple has Universities may add to the height of such also not escaped the notice of the brilliant endeavour by discovering the real message, this poet-seer, Chandrasekhara who writes in blessed soul of the country wanted to give to the Siddhanta Darpana: humanity. In the process, many invaluable wisdom tunga prasada srunga pratilaba pabana andolita may also come to lime-light. Professor Joges vaijayanti Chandra Ray was so much moved by the bachhakalpadru tirtheswar sirasi caratpallavasri description in µSiddhanta Darpana¶ that he wrote jayanti in February 1899 in his introduction to the Book. jamyaswamyatitamyajjana brujina camu murjitam tarjayanti In this state of indigenous sciences, it is payanmaya bhavadhwa shramamiva shaminam singular to find a man born and brought up in vijanaih marjayanti. the recesses of the hills of Orissa far removed (Prakash 23 verse 7). from all educational activity, and the influence In the Nilachakra of Lord Sri Jagannath, of imported western civilisation, silently the Vaijayanti Flag is flying every moment in a treading his way into such a difficult science rhythmical manner. There is no dearth of air at as Mathematics. It is a unique experience in that place. The movement of this Flag, like the the department of national development to dancing waves in the ocean, beautify the find a man really striving after knowledge for environment in such a manner that it defeats the its own sake under difficulties whose beauty of the dancing leaves of µkalpabrikshya¶ magnitude is no less startling than the boldness of Tirtheswara. The flag bestows immense of his attempt (Introduction to µSiddhanta blessings. The sinners who are being penalised Darpana¶ ) severely by Dharmaraj -µYamaraj¶ and his Five remarkable qualities of courtiers are saved by the grace of this Vaijayanti Chandrasekhara, apart from his rare wisdom, are as they are purged of their sins by its sight. In this clearly perceptible from his noble living (a) He world of illusion, let this µVaijayanti¶ flag mitigate was striving, as Ray puts it, after knowledge for the struggles of our wearisome journey, as peace its own sake. This speaks of his µKarma Sanyasa assuages the mind. yoga¶. The µGita¶ has upheld µyoginah The poet-seer¶s vision was not confined karmakurbanti sangam tyaktwa atmasuddhaye¶. to any regional or geographical limitation. He (Chapter 5 Verse-11). (b) Chandrasekhara was wished the salvation of the entire humanity. It is also quite humble in his approach. (c) Humility, extremely difficult to believe that such a brilliant however, did not trespass into his self-confidence. master-piece, like µSiddhanta Darpana¶ could not He was rather sure of his conviction. (d) Rarest be much explored due to constraints. Time has, among his qualities was his presentation as a totally however, taken some new dimensions. The steps surrendered devotee of the Cosmic Power, and

38 UNESCO Kalinga Prize Spl. January - 2012 Odisha Review his writing in an unattached manner placing the On the other hand, the poet-astrologer entire presentation before the Lotus feet of the maintains his self-confidence and is sure of his Lord. (e) Lastly he was very kind and concerned own vision. He writes in µSiddhanta Darpana¶ in about the difficulties of his fellow beings. the same Prakasha: His humility is clearly visible in the chapter brahmandakhanda bhanda sthiratara dharani µUpasamhara Varnananam¶ (Prakasha 24) of mandala bhranti sounda prodandaim landadanta valavala dalana kuntha µSiddhanta Darpana¶: kanthiraba shreeh bhimasyapi parajayojudhibhaved buddhi bhramah soyam neeladri singha nnwayavadana syat muneh darinirgartah praptadurgah kadacitkataya pyatolpa vidusa masadrunshanka sphita swasya tirastu prathama viganita skandha katha sarah pravandah tasmad yad yad suddha mantra ganitam yadva sahartham padam. (Verse 158). tatsarvam parisodhayantu krutinah krutwanu µSiddhanta Darpana¶ may be a thesis or kampammayi. a book. Amidst the three Skandhas of astrology, (Verse 157) this is the best in astrological calculation. It is not easy to realise its inherent theme. Its author having At times, Bhima was defeated in the war. born in the clan of Neeladri Singha, it emanates The saints and wise men may sometimes, commit from his mouth like a lion. In this entire universe errors. Not to speak therefore, of a person of the earth is static. The lion denying its movement little wisdom like me. Wherever there is any will overpower the arguments of western scientists mistake in this book or any repetition having the whose arguments are like the acumen of an same meaning, the wise men and experts may elephant. The glory of this Grantha may be correct these themselves showing kindness on me. increased further and further. The humility of the seer-astronomer is unique and incomparable. This humility alone is the goal of Chandrasekhara¶s concern for the all education. The didactic value of µSiddhanta struggling humanity, µthe milk of human kindness¶ as Shakespeare puts it, is visible from the Darpana¶ for the society and the educational following incident. In 1866 the unfortunate severe system is, thus, perceptibly clear. Later Sai has drought took place in Odisha. Many people explained about humility in unequivocal terms, ³In breathed their last due to starvation. Khandapara times gone by, universities were referred to as was also no exception to the cruel impact of this µhomes of humility¶ since humility was the drought. At that time, unable to make both ends characteristic of an educated person. Pride is meet for the large family Chandrasekhara had, the root of aggressiveness; it is the nature of wild he approached the royal throne of Khandpara animals. But the mark of man is humility in the for some paddy. Fulfilling his wishes, the then presence of elders, teachers and parents. There king of Khandapara allowed four cart-full of is an ancient maxim which says, µEducation paddy from the granary at Kantilo. Thirty one imparts humility, humility ensures credibility, year old Samanta as he was at that time, while credibility brings wealth, wealth induces charity, returning with paddy, many people and admirers charity confers peace and joy, here and hereafter¶ met him on the road and greeted him. Coming to (Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. XIV P.173). know about their poverty, kind-hearted

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Chandrasekhara was deeply moved. He the µMysterious Controller of the Universe¶, its distributed three cart-full of paddy and returned magnificent attraction and hidden knowledge kept home with only one cart-full of paddy. Truthfully, Chandrasekhara engrossed from childhood. He he explained the incident to his wife. When his was, indifferent to the worldly life. He was, wife told him that you had given away three cartful µJyotih-loka-dhyani¶, µJyotih loka vilasi¶, of paddy; otherwise we could manage three µJyotirvid¶. He was the fire in the sacred Jajna of months more. With a smile in face, perseverance associated with the studies of Chandrasekhara replied, µperhaps you failed to astrological science¶ (Ibid). The author himself has understand. The three cartful of paddy given to admitted that the sky, planets and stars have the people only would be our future property. agitated his heart. (Prakasha 24, Verse 151) We may manage with the rest.¶³Self-less giving, The king of Manjusa, Jagannath in the appropriate place, indeed, is human¶s future Rajamani, the famous poet Radhanath Ray, Prof. property. If such sacrifice exists in an Joges Chandra Ray, Vidyabhusan Dayanidhi overwhelming manner, in this age also, man can Khadiratna, Sri Bira Hanuman Shastri, Sri Aruna assume the dignified height of Harischandra´ Kumar Upadhyaya and other scholars have all (Biography of Samanta, Sri Dayanidhi Khadiratna tried in their own ways to bring the wonderful compiled µSiddhanta Darpana¶ P.17). creation of this rural genius to the limelight. True, Chandrasekhara was honoured as the µMahamohopadhyaya¶ award could possibly be Second Bhaskar by some scholars of that time. conferred on this great scholar due to the untiring Be that as it may, starting from his 14th year efforts of Prof. Joges Ch. Ray. The soil of Utkal working ceaselessly and self-lessly for 20 years is immensely indebted to all these eminent with surprising austerity, he completed Siddhanta personalities. But the real mystery of his twenty Darpana. His supporter and admirer, Prof. Joges years¶ ceaseless efforts is unravelled yet. It needs Ch. Ray showed him a telescope quite at a very scientific, objective and prudent research and late stage, when the great scholar was old, sick, further studies. The eminent scholars in the line poverty-stricken. Breathing a heavy sigh, may, as Samanta himself appeals in the Prathama Chandrasekhara remarked µIf I could have got Prakasha of µSiddhanta Darpana¶ read, explore one such thing earlier how much convenient it and bring to the world of knowledge some light would have been for me¶. (Sri Raghunatha Singha that this great silent worker envisioned: Samanta µYugajanma Chandrasekhara¶ Ibid siddhantadarpanesmin salochananam pratarpane preface). nipunah kwapi kwapi vishesam pasyata ganitagama gramat The Gita says, µya nisha sarva bhutanam tasyam jagarti sanjami¶. When others while away (Verse-13). their time in the pursuit of pleasure, the µSanjami¶ The sacred wish of Chandrasekhara was (self-restrained) remains awakened to his duties that the result of his prolonged perseverance and responsibilities. Even in adolescence, instead should remain useful on the earth for very long of revealing the childlike playfulness, time µayam granthah sphuratu ciramantah Chandrasekhara evinced immense interest in kshititalam ( Prakasha 24, Verse 152). In 24th µJyotisa Shastra¶ (astrology). According to Prakasha of µSiddhanta Darpana¶ there also exists Raghunath Singha Samanta, the star world of a µKautuka Panjika¶ which enables to know future

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µtirtha snana joga¶ etc. quite earlier, Jagannatha), acknowledging the Lord¶s blessings µkautukapanjikeyam mahopakarayasatam all through his work. He affirms that through sadastam¶ ( verse 65). In preparation of this, remembering the Lord and uttering His name, he made studies of the almanac prepared by his penance, Jajna and all other dedicated spiritual own father (24 Prakasha Verse 2). Sadhanas get fulfilled without fail. He writes: Late Chandrasekhara Singha sarveshu kaleshu samastadeshesu karyeshu tatha Harichandana Mahapatra Samanta, popularly iswareswarascha known as Pathani Samanta, thus, shone in the sarvehswarupaih bhagavananadihmamastu mangalyavivrudhayehharih sphere of nineteenth century astrological learning yasyasmrutya ca namoktya tapojajna kriyadisu th of the country like a star. Born on 24 December nyunamsampurnatamjatisadyo vandetam achyutam 1835 at Khandapara, he left for his heavenly (Ibid, Verse 6 & 7). abode on 11th June,1904 (Saturday) in Puri while uttering the name of Lord Jagannath and taking At all times, in all countries, in all works, Iswara µMahaprasad¶ from his son Gadadhara. Sri exists as the Lord. He is Bhagavan, He is endless Raghunath Singha Samanta has mentioned about and is seated in the heart of all beings. He is the same in µYugajanma Chandrasekhara¶ adored as µHari¶. He has always blessed me for (Introduction to µSiddhanta Darpana¶ compiled completion of my humble endeavour. I bow down by Dayanidhi Khadiratna). For Chandrasekhara, before Him, Who is Sri Achyuta. who was born in the lap of noble souls, The world has seen many astrologers, Shyamabandhu and Vishnumali, by the grace of astronomers, Mathematicians elsewhere also. Lord Remeswar, the µTime was Brahman¶. But with the above scientific brilliance, such a God- According to him, the Lord is µAnadi, Ananta and intoxicated µKarmayogi¶, a poet par excellence incarnation of Time¶. He has no end. He is above everybody. He is µMaha Iswara¶. He is inside and a seer of highest order is incomparable in the everybody; the µInfinite Divinity¶ as later Sai puts modern history. Prof. Joges Ch. Ray writes in his it. He is exceptional and He exists as soul in every Introduction that poverty had punched him in his living existence. Chandrasekhara writes in old age and had compelled him to incur a large µSiddhanta Darpana¶ referring to µKurma Purana¶: debt. He had given a lot many things to the society and world of learning. But it was unfortunate, anadiresabhagavan kalah anantah akrharah parah not a single goodwill gesture of his endless struggle sarvagatwat swatantratwat sarvatmatwan Maheswarah received genuine appreciation in his lifetime. parambrahma ca bhutani vasudevopi shankarah History of English literature reveals that even kalenaivacasajyante sa eva grasate punah centuries after his demise, Shakespeare was (22nd Prakasha, verse 4 & 5). recognised as the highest dramatist and poet, the world had ever seen. History repeats at times. (Time is Paramabrahman, Vasudeva and Shankar. We may still hope that his book, his talents are Hence, Time creates the living beings . In course given due and deserving honour being recognised of time, this Time alone devours all existence). both nationally and internationally. The saga of A surrendered devotee, an unattached life of this great genius, was, indeed, a struggle all Karmayogi, Chandrasekhara has prayed with through as it usually happens to all rare talents. immense gratitude to Lord Sri Achyuta (Sri Joges Ch. Ray is very candid in his description:

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I do not pretend to express any opinion on the He meditates in his heart on the Sacred literary merits of his work but it appears to and Sublime Effulgence i.e. Lord µSri me that the metrical composition alone, apart Jagannatha¶, the Lord who is also the Supreme from its value as a contribution to Hindu Lord of Neeladri and Destroyer of all sins. This astronomy is such as to entitle him to a high world is His (Lord¶s) play-ground. Samanta place among the writers of Sanskrit verse of writes with profound gratitude that due to Lord the present day. (Introduction) (Sri Achyuta) Sri Jagannatha¶s grace, he has Bhaskar was his ideal master. It is said, completed µgrahaganita¶ (astronomy) and has also Bhaskara had also followed Brahmagupta as his attempted astrology thereafter. guide when writing his µSiromani¶. Such respect for Spiritual Preceptor and Chandrasekhara was the true disciple of his ideal such devotion, concern for humanity are, indeed, preceptor. Chandrasekhara¶s respect for his Lord in the line of the Vedic tradition. Such scholars do and superiors is explicit in the pages of µSiddhanta rarely come upon this earth to help the humanity. Darpana¶.He first offers his obeisance to Lord Sri Achyutananda¶s µSunya Pothi¶ is an ideal Jagannatha, then his ideal and Guru, Bhaskara, µvande gurum Bhaskaram¶ ( Prakasha 16, Verse example. (Orissa Review, July,2011,P.130). 3). He acknowledges the benefit, he (the author) Samanta Chandrasekhara divided and the society have drawn from Bhaskar¶s µSiddhanta Darpana¶ in 24 Prakashas. Besides, µSiddhanta Siromani¶. He writes in the same Chandrasekhara had clarified that the entire verse: µSiddhanta Darpana¶ can be broadly divided into praksiddhantacayam pramayanayana nahram two principal divisions i.e. Graha Ganita i.e. mahahrahksharam Astronomy (Purvardha) and Gola (Uttarardha). yah siddhanta siromani pranigadannaprinayat Gola means astrology. (Purna Chandra Bhasa praninah Kosa P.236). Altogether there are five µadhikaras¶ Bhaskara composed µSiddhanta in the Book. Besides, Chandrasekhara has also Siromani¶ since many ancient decisions appeared given a brief description of each Prakasha in Verse to him not correct. He had written about the 66 to 91 of 24th Prakasha. The vital aspects of details of planets in his time. By doing this he had solar eclipse and lunar eclipse are described by done good to the society. Chandrasekhara has the author in 9th Prakasha. In 10th Prakasha, he also expressed his indebtedness to Bhaskara, his also refers to Baraharamihiracharya and his µBrihat preceptor. This speaks of Chandrasekhara¶s Samhita¶. According to Chandrasekhara, devotion to his Guru. He is also happy to note however, during solar eclipse, the giver is the Sun that his humble attempt to explore the science of and the receiver is the Moon. Chandrasekhara, astrology and astronomy was possible by the time and again, acknowledges that whatever he grace of Lord Jagannatha. He writes: wrote he did under the divine guidance of Lord mahahkincinneelachalanilayee leelakrutatjagat Krishna seated in his heart. Lord Sri Jagannath jagannathakshyam tanmanasi vinidhaya was perennially seated in his conscience, Who ghanadhanam inspired and guided him all through. The Lord is tadeeyanu krosad grahaganitamakshyaravasat inexplicable indeed. This is evident from his ahamkrurderica matitatam golaganitam writing : µyenaham ha deetisthata mukharitah (Chapter 16, verse 4). kasmaicit tasmai namah¶, (24 Prakasha Verse

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144). He has also written earlier in the similar Eventually, it is apt to say that the future vein: generation may benefit by systematic and hasanta mati sundaradhara suvruttanetrasriya concentrative studies of the above masterly vasanta sishuchanda ruk sarada khanda pandu creation. His admirers may also do justice, if the dyutee valuable guidances enshrined in µSiddhanta vasanta masitacale vividhadeshalokakule Darpana¶ are utilised for the greater public interest dishantam avayam bibhuum bhuban mangaksham of the State, Nation and World, which primarily bhaje was the author¶s vision. Samanta Chandrasekhara (Prak.10,Verse 37). has clarified that Sastras are written for the welfare of the society and hence, there should not be any I adore Lord Sri Jagannatha who mystical approach (Gudharthabhava) in the same. bestows fearlessness. His eyes are always alert In that event, all will not be interested in the same. to have the universal welfare. His eyes defeat the So far as astronomy or astrology is concerned, it morning Sun and the full Moon of the autumn in should be written in simple, direct and in a their beauty. conceptually clear manner. As such, these are very It is axiomatic that this blessed son, born difficult subjects. Hence there ought not to be by the grace of of Lord Rameswar and the any use of difficult word or word having implicit almighty Mother, Parvati who was keeping Lord indication. He writes in µSiddhanta Darpana¶: Krishna all through in his heart, must have written sashtrekrute yadi jagad vyavaharhetou whatever he felt wise for the larger interest of the gambhirata bhavati tat nikhila pravritih society. The harmonious wisdom in his writing na syadtotra ganite sugamavidheye beggars all description. In fact, in µSiddhanta sabdasya patabamanadaraniyameva. Darpana¶ Samanta Chandrasekhara has given (Prathama Prakasha, verse 10). some valuable information not available in earlier solutions, µsiddhanta nudita apihagadita ye ye A, genius of multifaceted talents, vishesamaya¶ (Prakasha 24, Verse 150). Chandrasekhara was, thus, the µdivine According to him time is of two types : eternal personified¶ born on earth to assuage and mitigate and janya. Parameswar is the eternal Time. The the suffering of the people through astronomical, Parameswar, though unapproachable to speech astrological and spiritual wisdom. His sole and mind, incarnates Himself, bestowing kindness objective was to create a healthy and enlightened on his devotees. µJanya kala¶ is born out of God, social environment. At the same time he had the Parameswara. Similar description was given ceaselessly sung the glory of Lord Jagannatha, earlier by Swayambhuva Manu. Chandrasekhara His ( the Lord¶s) µvijaya vaijayanti¶ and His also holds that in µBrihat Jataka¶ Suryanarayana Mahaprasada (Divine µMahaprasada¶) always is described as µkalatma¶, that is why the Sun is danced before the writer¶s eyes. According to accepted as the source of all powers. He (The the author, the Lord¶s µMahaprasada¶ rescues man Sun God) represents Parameswara. µJanyakala¶ from rebirth. µýanmahaprasada paripuritodar exists from the time of the creation till the Pralaya karananah pabanah¶ (Prakasha 20, verse 112). only. This is divided into nine categories, Chandra, Hence it is not astrology or astronomy alone that Nakshatra, Savana, Baharspatya, Soura, he preached but he was also guiding the people Manava, Paitryadaiva and Brahma (Prakasha 22, towards salvation. The message of µSiddhanta Verse 25). Darpana¶ will, therefore, cross the barriers of time.

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Aryabhatta, Satananda, Bhaskara, Kamabhatta on the Gita P.109). The creator of µSiddhanta and other eminent scholars have contributed to Darpana¶ was indeed, one among millions. He the field of astrology in their own ways. worked and struggled in the solitude µto hear the Chandrasekhara with due regard to all of them, unheard and glimpse the invisible¶ (Savitri P.359). and after carefully examining all their theses, has It is a fact that even after 107 years of his leaving placed his own humble reasonings. At a time when for his heavenly abode µa person of his kind¶ has modern scientific wisdom was unknown, he not dawned upon this earth to explore in the created a thesis which deserves very high esteem proper manner the invaluable wisdom he created and profound appreciation. His calculations will for us or move it further. Sri Aurovindo¶s vision stand infallible for million years from the date of for µa diviner force¶ may also hold good in case their making as the µpoet-seer-astrologer- of Samanta Chandrasekhara; astronomer¶, himself, had envisioned, µbhavishyat Whoever is too great must lonely live, ayutav dantam naitevya iti me matih¶; Adored he walks in mighty solitude: (Prakasha21, verse 53). Vain in his labour to create his kind, His only comrade is the Strength within. He was born in a small princely dominion like Khandapara where µNature seemed a dream (Savitri P.368) of the Divine¶ ( Savitri, 359). He remained all Indeed, Samanta was µan image made through, a silent researcher for whom µKartavyam of heaven¶s transparent light¶, a µbright pure image karma iti¶ i.e. assignment enjoined by self (Atma) in a priestless shrine.¶ was extremely important and for whom writing such a difficult thesis as µSiddhanta Darpana¶ was a µVedic nitya karma¶. His perseverance continued for twenty years. He was free from desire. In him flashed, as Sri Aurovindo writes elsewhere, Dr. K.C. Sarangi, Secretary, Odisha Information µthe power of self-knowledge and the pure Commission, B-I, Toshali Bhawan, Satyanagar, objectless self-delight of self-realisation¶ (Essays Bhubaneswar, [email protected].

Lord Nrusinghanath Temple, Bargarh District

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