7.varahamihira 505 CE - 587 CE

Varahamihira 505 CE - 587 CE
Varahamihira, also known as Varaha or Mihira, was a philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician from
India who lived in the first half of the sixth century. He was one of the Malwa king Yashodharman
Vikramaditya's "Nine Jewels" (Navaratnas). Varahamihira was a resident of Ujjain in present-day Madhya
Pradesh and is well known for authoring the Pancha-Siddhantikaa (Five Treatises), a compendium of Greek,
Egyptian, Roman, and Indian astronomy. The Brihat Samhita, Brihat Jataka, Laghu Jataka, and Yogayatra
are the other four literary works by Varahamihira.
Historical Background of Varahamihira
Varahmihira was born to a Brahmin family in Kapittha, near Ujjain, in present-day Madhya Pradesh.
Varahamihira learned astrology from his Sun god-worshiping father, Adityadisha. Varahamihira met the
eminent astronomer and mathematician Aryabhata during a trip to Kusumapura. Thus, He decided to pursue
a career in astrology and astronomy.
During the Gupta Empire, Ujjain was the epicentre of learning, with several schools of art, science, and
culture flourishing.
He decided to move to Ujjain, where scholars from all over the world were gathered to study astrology and
mathematics.
Finally, Chandragupta II or Vikramaditya recognised his aptitude for astrology, and appointed him as one
of the Nine Gems (Navaratnas) of his court.
However, this claim was made for the first time in a much later text, and scholars now question its
authenticity because neither Varahamihira nor Chandragupta II lived in the same century, nor did
Varahamihira live in the same century as many of the other people on the listed in "nine jewels," such as
Kalidasa, Harisena, etc.
In one of his writings, he claims to have received his education at Kapitthaka.
According to Indian tradition, Varahamihira is believed to be a part of the nine jewels or “Navaratnas” at
the court of Malwa king Yashodharman Vikramaditya.
Major Works of Varahamihira
Varahamihira's literary works significantly impacted the development of Indian literature, astronomy, and
astrology, and they are still studied and appreciated by scholars and practitioners today. His writings cover
various subjects, including astronomy, mathematics, and astrology. Brihat Samhita, Brihat Jataka, Laghu
Jataka, Pancha-siddhantika, Surya Siddhanta, and Yogayatra are some of his major literary works.
Pancha-siddhantika
Pancha-Siddhantika, or "Treatise on the Five Astronomical Canons," is one of the most important works of
Varahamihira, an ancient Indian astronomer and mathematician. It is considered one of the most important
texts on Indian astronomy and a valuable contribution to the field of ancient Indian science.
The book covers many topics, including planetary motions, eclipses, solstices and equinoxes, celestial
measurements, and other astronomical phenomena.
It was written around the year 575 CE. It is based on Hellenistic and Vedanga Jyotisha astronomy (having
Greek, Egyptian, and Roman elements).
The book is a summary of five previous works on mathematical astronomy by five different writers,
including
Paitamaha Siddhanta: It is one of the earliest known Hindu astronomical texts and significantly
influenced later works in the field, such as the Aryabhatiya and the Surya Siddhanta.
Romaka Siddhanta: It is the second Siddhanta of Astronomical Siddhantas in Ancient Indian Astronomy
and is thought to be based on earlier Greek astronomical knowledge transmitted to India. However, the
specific author or authors of the Romaka Siddhanta are unknown.
Surya Siddhanta: It was thought to have been penned by Latadeva, but it was written by Mayasura, also
known as Mamuni Mayan, as stipulated in the text itself.
Paulisha Siddhanta: It is named after Paulisa of Saintra and was written by Paulisa.
Vasishtha Siddhanta: It was written by Vishnucandra and was named after one of the Great Bear's stars.
Brihat-samhita
This is a comprehensive work on astronomy, astrology, architecture, gemology, agriculture, mathematics,
gemology, fragrances, seasons, cloud formation, rainfall, and other subjects. It is regarded as one of the
most important works of ancient Indian literature.
Brihat Jataka
It is a well-known Hindu astrology text that covers the field of horoscopy. It contains in-depth information
about the various planetary positions and their effects on human life. Its shorter version is known as Laghu
Jataka, which provides an overview of the science of horoscopy.
Surya Siddhanta
Prior to 1000 BC, people in India initiated the use of astronomical instruments, coinciding with the creation
of the well-known book for astronomical calculations called the 'Suryasidhanta.' Translated as the 'sun
theory,' it involves measurements of star and planet positions. Subsequently, Indian mathematicians
developed their instruments and methodologies to comprehend the 'Suryasidhanta' theory. A notable
contribution from this period is the introduction of zero in mathematics and the decimal method of
calculation. Varahamihira critically analyzed the 'Surya Siddhanta' alongside his other panchsiddhantika
treatises, including Paitamaha Siddhantas, Paulisha Siddhantas, Romaka Siddhantas, and Vasishta
Siddhantas. Additionally, Aryabhata's writings make references to the Surya Siddhanta.

7.varahamihira 505 CE - 587 CE

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

7.varahamihira 505 CE - 587 CE

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

7.varahamihira 505 CE - 587 CE

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Varahamihira 505 CE - 587 CE

You might also like