[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [Jyotihshastra: Astral and Mathematical Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.pingree-1981) › c4.3 # Jyotihshastra: Astral and Mathematical Literature c4.3 Jyotiḥśāstra: Astral and Mathematical Literature c4.3 - **Language:** English ### [c4.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.pingree-1981.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): - [Previous: c4.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.pingree-1981.c4.2) - [Next: c4.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.pingree-1981.c4.4) - [Up: c4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.pingree-1981.c4) ## Linked texts (2) - [Ārcajyotiṣa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.vedanga.jyotisa.rk) — Lagadha, Sanskrit - [Paitāmahasiddhānta (lost early version)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.astro.siddhanta.early.pitamaha) — Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.pingree-1981.c4.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.pingree-1981.c4.3) · Pramāṇa