Varahamihira and his contribution towards Astronomy

 Varahamihira, a great 6th-century astronomer and mathematician, is said to have made a deep contribution towards the understanding of the cosmos and natural phenomena of his times. Born at Avanti, now Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, he was one of the most respected minds in the land and one of the nine gems (navaratna) of the court of King Vikramaditya. It forms a very much integrated understanding of observational astronomy, mathematics and scientific knowledge-a very important base for Indian and world astronomy.

Some of the most famous works of Varahamihira are the Pancha-Siddhantika and the Brihat Samhita. They demonstrate that Varahamihira as a thoughtful thinker and writer, did his best to understand celestial phenomena and nature.

 Pancha Siddhantika-The five astronomical canons:

Varahamihira's Pancha Siddhantika or the "The Five Treatises" is a compilation of astronomy knowledge from five existing systems: the Surya Siddhanta, Paulisa Siddhanta, Romaka Siddhanta, Vasistha Siddhanta and Paitamaha Siddhanta. In this work Varahamihira manifests an enormous amount of knowledge regarding planetary positions, eclipses and other celestial events besides evincing exceptional talent in mathematics.

 The next shloka of Pancha-Siddhantika reflects his thoughts on the celestial cycle and the beauty of mathematical precision:

 "सिद्धान्तानि विचित्राणि, ग्रह-चेष्टा विचक्षणा। महोदधि-तरङ्गाय, जगद्-व्यापी महागिरिः।

 Translation: "The celestial motions are intricate, the planetary movements diverse; like the waves in a vast ocean, and the mountains spread across the world."

 

This line of Varahamihira metaphorically illustrated the cyclical and vast character of the astronomical phenomena that understand complexity in planetary movements and cycles.

 Thus, The Brihat Samhita is an encyclopedia work, in which all that vast information one can identify in the works of Varahamihira on a range of such areas as meteorology, hydrology, and geology are included. His work in meteorology is the earliest hitherto known, though it was for systematic weather forecasting. He developed the art of weather forecasting based on astronomy, where the text explained how planetary positions can predict weather and seasonal changes along with natural signs like the wind pattern.

 This is one of the shlokas from the Brihat Samhita which describes his scientific understanding about the changes in meteorological conditions:

 मेघाः सन्निपते यत्र, प्रविशन्ति यदाकुलाः। वार्षिकं परिणामं तत्र, तस्मात् मेघेषु चिन्तयेत्॥　(Brihat Samhita)

 Translation: "Where clouds collect and march in rank, rain will be; hence one should observe the clouds to predict rain."

 

He, in the shloka given, provoked a process of observation regarding the clouds so that the outcome of rain may be predicted by relating the signs from nature with the change of climate.

 He also discussed seismology, where he described how conditions within the atmosphere might predict whether an earthquake would occur. Because he could not employ equipment as we do today, his observations were statements that described the interconnectivity of events-natural events-for example: changes in pressure or unusual animal behavior could predict seismic activity.

Mathematical Contributions

He further also did some major contributions towards trigonometry. He computed and tabulated the trigonometric tables available, so later astronomers could work upon accurate calculations for planetary positions. Applying spherical geometry to calculate distances as well as angles of the cosmos, which he applied in order to find improved accuracies of celestial observations. In the following verse, he expresses his interest in mathematical science while glorifying mathematical knowledge as the 'rays of light':

 

"सर्वे भवन्तु विदुषो, गणिते ये च योषितः। आकाशे भ्रमणं यान्ति, ज्ञान-रूपी प्रदीपिताः॥"

(Brihat Samhita)

Translation: "All who are wise in the science of mathematics and have knowledge as their guide can navigate the heavens as if illuminated by a lamp."

 

This shloka says nothing left unsaid to describe the meaning for the reader of the importance of mathematical knowledge in appreciating the universe-for it represents the "lamp" that illuminates celestial paths.

 

Legacy and Influence

Yet, till date, Varahamihira's work was seminal in Indian astronomy and science. His combining of observational data with mathematical skills placed Indian astronomy at least level with any of its contemporaries elsewhere in the world. He inspired generations later in Islam and the west, which infused future societies with curiosity, scientific inquiry, and a respect for knowledge that traversed the ages.

 

His scientific works have ultimately thrown a very strong base for further studies in astronomy, mathematics, and natural sciences. His accurate and ingenious application of mathematics along with the stimulatory power in the study of natural phenomena inspire and exemplify the ancient Indian spirit of scientific inquiry. His verses reverberate in time, reminding us of the scientific knowledge that is thought worth the pursuit.

 

 

By – Sujal Dharne