Jyotihshastra: Astral and Mathematical Literature c4.3

c4.3

Many Vedic sacrifices are to be performed at specific times determined by the position of the Sun relative to its northern (*uttarāyana*) or southern (*dakṣiṇāyana*) path, the synodic month and the night within it, or the position of the Moon with respect to the *nakṣatras*. The first attempt in India to describe the motions of the Sun and the Moon relative to the *ayanas*, the *nakṣatras*, and each other was the Jyotiṣavedāṅga composed by Lagadha. He clearly states his purpose (JV Ṛk 36; repeated at the end of Paitāmahasiddhānta 9, 8):