|
Page1
Vedic Astronomical Lore
Vedic texts contain interesting astronomical lore. The Vedic calendar was based upon astronomical sightings of the equinoxes and solstices which change periodically owing to the precession of the earth on its axis.
Such texts as Vedanga Jyotish(*38) speak of a time when the vernal equinox was in the middle of the constellation (Nakshatra) Aslesha (a point about 23 degrees 20 minutes Cancer). This would have occurred around 1400 BC. Many Brahmanas, and the Yajur and Atharva Vedas speak of the vernal equinox in the Krittikas (Pleiades; early Taurus) and the summer solstice (ayana) in Magha (early Leo).(*39) This yields a date of around 2500 BC.
38. VEDANGA JYOTISH OF LAGADHA (New Delhi, India: Indian National Science Academy, 1985), pp. 12-13.
39. For example, Atharva Veda XIX.7.2
Author : David Frawley
|
