The Orion, or Researches into the Antiquity of the Vedas c11.2

c11.2

Knowledge of astronomy in Vedic times—The seasons and the year—The *ayanas*—The zodiacal belt or *rita*—Observation of a total eclipse of the sun in the Rigveda—Knowledge of the planets—Shukra and Manthin—Venus and Vena, Shukra and Kupris—The legend of the Ribhus—Their identification with the Ritus or the seasons of the year—Their sleep or rest in Agohya's (sun's) house for 12 intercalary days—said to be awakened by dog (Rig. i. 161. 13) at the end of the year—Indicates the commencement of the year with the dog star—Nature and character of Vrishakapi—His identification with the sun at the autumnal equinox—The hymn of Vrishakapi in the Rigveda x. 80—Its Meaning discussed verse by verse—Cessation and commencement of sacrifices on the appearance and disappearance of Vrishakapi in the form of a Mriga—Indra cuts off his head and sets a dog at his ear—Orion (Mrigashiras) and Canis—Meaning of *nediyas* in the Vedic literature—When Vrishakapi enters the house of Indra, his Mriga becomes invisible (Rig x. 86. 22)—Points to the vernal equinox in Orion or Mriga—Leading incidents in the story stated and explained