The Geography of the Puranas c7.s3: Astronomical Works

c7.s3.1

As mentioned above, the astronomical notions of the Purāṇas are derived from those in the Vedic literature. Subsequently they were modified and enlarged in the light of advancement in astronomical and astrological science made by Indian astronomers. The works of Varāhmihira and Brahmagupta, Āryabhaṭṭa, Bhāskarācārya, Bhaṭṭila, Utpala, Vijayanandi, and others affected current ideas regarding the earth as a unit of the universe. The Purāṇas made a compromise between the scientific observations of the astronomers and the old traditions which had reached them through their sacred literature and wove them in their cosmological patterns. We find in the Viṣṇu Purāṇa chapters on the sun and its movement in the ecliptic, length of day and night, division of time, equinoxes and solstices, northern and southern declination, the planetary system, description of the moon and its movement, the polar star (Dhruva) and typical members of the planetary system. Other Purāṇas also follow the same pattern but add details here and there, which show clearly the impact of the growing knowledge of astronomy on religious thinking and the incorporation of new ideas which could be conveniently fitted into the ancient lore.