CHANDRAHARIS AYANAMSA

by Sreenadh Malayinkizh.

Introduction Sri Chandrahari has written three books on Ayanamsa. 1) A

small book in English True Ayanamsa was published around 1994. 1996. 2) The book Rasichakram in Malayalam was published in 3) A detailed book Hindu Zodiac and Ancient Astronomy While in his Rasichakram,

in English was published in 2003.

he advocated the Zero Ayanamsa year as 238 A.D., with Ayanamsa of 46 minutes more than that of Lahiri, he refined it in his Hindu Zodiac and Ancient Astronomy, to the 231 A.D., as zero Ayanamsa year with the value 44 minutes, more than that of the Ayanamsa of Lahiri.

The

aim

of

this

article

is

to

compile

the

ideas

of

Sri

Chandrahari as given in his Malayalam book Rasichakram in a systematic manner, keeping the continuity of his mathematical concepts and thoughts. While describing the mathematical

models of Sri Chandrahari on the Ayanamsa, ingrained in Surya Sidhantha, comprehend an his attempt insights has been the made in this article to In

into

Rasichakra

division.

Rasichakram, he proposes a Zero Ayanamsa Year 238 A.D., and this places his Ayanamsa value at a level exceeding that of Lahiri by 46 minutes.

Basic Rationale 1: The zodiac was conceptualized considering the revolution of the nodal points Rahu and Sikhi. fact Ra-Si chakra or Thus, the Rasichakra is in Chakra. He holds that

Rahu-Sikhi

rotation of these nodes is in rhythm with the movement of

equinox, if only we care to consider the duration required for precession of 360 degrees. [25758 years means 1385 Nirayana

revolutions of Rahu-Sikhi. i.e. Nirayana revolution period of Rahu = 6792.977 days]

Theoretically or by intuition, the author gives the following mathematical concept. Rate of precession of equinox per year

= 360 degrees/25758 = 120 degrees/8586 = 50.31446541 seconds of arc. He says that, the importance of these numbers can

also be proved, considering the modern values of Nirayana and Sayana years. Nirayana Year Sayana Year For example: = 365.2563625 (Modern value) = 365.24219 (Modern value)

The difference between 8586 Sayana and Nirayana years will be -121.684 days. be 11956 i.e. precession of equinox in 8586 years will

120

[This also indicates that the year length used in the old Suryasidhantha is slightly different. The year length For the

considered in old Suryasidhantha is 365.25875 days. why of it refer Rationale 4]

Using the above method we can prove that, 25758 Nirayana years are equal to 25759 Sayana years.

Basic Rationale 2: The importance of Yuga numbers is that they can also be taken as precessional seconds to form a pattern. Kaliyuga = 432,000 = 120 x 3600 = 120 We have already found that the time to traverse the arc of 120 would be 8586 Years

This holds good if and only if, this period contains the complete Sikhi. revolutions To prove of it, the he 7 planets the and the nodes table Rahuand

gives

following

emphasizes the importance of the number 8586. Complete-revolution & Nirayana-revolution Period -------------------------------------------------------------------Planet In Quarter Yuga In Mahayuga Kalpa Nirayana Rev Period (8586 years) 85860 years) (86546880 yrs) (Modern Value) -------------------------------------------------------------------Sun 8586 85860 86546880 365.2563624 365.2563624 365.2563624 365.2563624 -------------------------------------------------------------------Moon 114784 1147840 1157023263 27.32167486 27.32167486 27.32166204 27.3216615 (27d07h43m11.6s) (27d07h43m11.55s) -------------------------------------------------------------------Mars 4565 45650 46015614 686.9860082 686.9860082 686.9798274 686.97982 -------------------------------------------------------------------Mercury 35649 356498 359350528 87.97136 87.969389 87.9692559 87.969256 -------------------------------------------------------------------Jupiter 724 7238 7296284 4331.6175 4332.8144 4332.5888 4332.589 -------------------------------------------------------------------Saturn 291 2915 2938110 10776.94546 10758.46013 10759.22908 10759.23 -------------------------------------------------------------------Venus 13957 13567 140683961 224.6966488 224.7914787 224.7007998 224.70080 -------------------------------------------------------------------Rahu 461.5 4616 4653263 6795.430 6793.9582 6793.46934 6793.469 -------------------------------------------------------------------Vernal 120 deg 1200 deg Equinox (0.333..) (3.333..) (3360) 432,000 432,000,0 432,000,0x1008 Revolutions Revolutions Revolutions -------------------------------------------------------------------We see that Yuga numbers could actually mean precession seconds. Kaliyuga Therefore, we can say, = 432,000 = 120 x 3600 = 120 = 8586 Years = 17172 years

Dwaparayuga = 864,000 = 240 precessions Tretayuga Kritayuga

= 1,296,000 = 360 precessions = 25758 years = 1,728,000 = 480 precessions = 34344 years

Mahayuga = 4,320,000 =1200precessions = 85860 Nirayana years

Manvantara = 86400 precessions Kalpa = 3360 precessions Theoretically, this means that, each Yuga-pada (8586 years) starts and ends on a new moon day and that at the start and end of each Yuga-Pada, a solar eclipse occurs. does not happen. (However, it

The why of this is in rationale 4)

Basic Rationale 3: Kaliyugadi Ayanamsa is 4640 [The author depends on the story that the birth of Brahma was in Rohini Nakshatra. i.e., Brahma, in Vedas] Vernal equinox at the beginning of Kaliyugadi = 4640 Therefore, Zero Ayanamsa years (elapsed) = 4640x (8586/120) = 3339 years Here a striking similarity attracts our attention. the author draws our attention. to which Rohini was also praised as Prajapathi,

3339 is a Rigvedic number. If

Rigveda (3.9.9) says of 3339 Devas who worship Agni.

Agni really means vernal equinox, then this could mean, The vernal equinox is 3339 years away from zero point.

After 3339 Kali years the Sayana and Nirayana zodiacs conjoin. Whether we depend on the above calculation or on the Rigvedic statement, we arrive at the same conclusion. Kaliyuga beginning + 3339 = Zero Ayanamsa Year 3102 BC = -3101 AD i.e., - 3101 AD + 3339 = AD 238 i.e., Zero Ayanamsa Year = AD 238. Thus, the definite formula for determining the Ayanamsa of any year would be -

Ayanamsa for the year (Y) = (Y-238) x (120 deg/8586) Degrees. = (Y-238)/71.55 degrees. Here another striking similarity attracts our attention. Number of human heartbeat per minute is 71 or 72. The

It might be

possible that 71.55 is the actual value of the heartbeat for a human being. If so, we could also prove that the rhythm of

the universe and the biological clock in humans are mutually related. The biological clock, circadian rhythm etc., come

into consideration. Thus the author points out.

Example for calculating Ayanamsa for any year: Hari Ayanamsa for 1995 = (1995 - 238)/71.55 = 24.55625437 = 24 deg 33 min 22. Chaitrapaksha Lahiri Ayanamsa for 1995 = 23 deg 47 min 30 sec Difference = Hari Ayanamsa minus Lahiri Ayanamsa = 46 minutes. i.e., Hari Ayanamsa is 46 minutes more than that of Lahiri. If we subtract 46 minutes from the sputa arrived at by using Lahiri ephemeris, we can get the sputa based on Hari Ayanamsa. Sri Chandrahari does not stop here. He proves how the zodiac 52 sec

was divided into Rasis or Signs and Nakshatras or Stars, based on the fiducial star Moola (240), 108 divisions of Nakshatras (320each) and the above-said actual position of vernal

equinox at Kaliyugadi (4640).

For this, two new ideas are

introduced and the author dives deep into old Suryasidhantha to prove them.

Basic Rationale 4:

(i) Zodiac is considered and presented as a mathematical model in old Suryasidhantha, trying to comprehend the perfect rhythm of the universe. (ii) Even though the creator of Suryasidhantha (Mayan) knew about the actual vernal was equinox at Kaliyugadi as 60 (4640), (in old

Kaliyugadi

Ayanamsa

considered

Suryasidhantha), for the perfection of this mathematical model.

According to the precession considered in old Suryasidhantha: Precessional Cycle = 21600 years (instead of 25758 years) If we relate this to Yuga years 432000 (Kaliyuga) = 21600 x 20 4,320,000 (Mahayuga) = 21600 x 200 Mahayuga = 200 x 360 deg = 72000 years 120 precession=432000/600=7200 years (instead of 8586 Years) If we divide the number of revolution of planets in a Mahayuga by 600, we can get the number of revolutions of planets per 7200 years. Thus we get Sun = 4,320,000/ 600 = 7200.00 Mars = 296824/600 = 3828.04 Jupiter = 364200/600 = 607.033 Venus = 7022388/600 = 11703.98 Mercury = 17937000/600 = 29895.00 Rahu = 232226/600 = 387.0433 The results are very near to whole numbers. That means in

7200 years the mean values for planets complete, whole number of revolutions. If we consider little bigger period, for

example take, 7200 x 25 = 4320000/24 = 180000 years, we can prove that it contains whole number of revolutions.

The author says, As the old Surya Sidhantha takes all the revolution numbers of planets in whole numbers and multiples of 24, in 180000 years, the mean positions of planets conjunct at zero-point. This is the basic concept of Vedic astronomy.

Suryasidhantha relates the imaginary mean positions of planets at the start of Yuga to the actual planetary positions

occurring after 3600 years As Suryasidhantha takes 4320000 as a Mahayuga, the

precessional Cycle (for 360) becomes 21600 years. Thus, it necessitates vernal equinox to be at 60 deg in the beginning of Kali-Yuga (Instead of at 46 deg 40 min). In other words Kali-Yugadi Ayanamsa should be 60 deg (mathematically),

instead of (the real) 46 deg 40 min. If we compare with the actual data, one may feel that it is an error. But in

reality, the Precessional Cycle is a mathematical model put forward by the creator of Suryasidhantha. for such a model? What was the need

All these mathematical exercises were done

to relate the Yugadi Mesha-Sankranti with the new moon day. For this, the Mesha Sankranti at the beginning of Yuga was considered to happen, 9 days and 37 Ghatis ahead. (937)

For that only Nirayana year with length 365.25875 was chosen. It was not because that the author did not know the actual Nirayana year length. The actual precession according to

Suryasidhantha was 50.

How can we know that the year length used in Suryasidhantha was 365.25875 days? According to Old Suryasidhantha the

average number of days in a Mahayuga was 1577917800 days. One Mahayuga is 4,320,000 years. Therefore Year Length = 1577917800/4320000 = 365.25875 days

[Really I am not able to figure out how he got that the actual precession considered by Suryasidhantha as 50 sec. might be a sufficient reason.] There

This goes to clinch the first stellar division (first star) to Jyeshta that falls between the line joining the hypothetical Equinox line of old Suryasidhantha (the line joining 60 deg Vernal equinox and 240 deg fiducial star Moola) and the line joining the actual Equinox line at Yugadi (line joining 46 deg 40 min and 226 deg 40 min). The first rasi division (sign -

Cancer) falls between the line joining the hypothetical Sayana Rahu-Sikhi (line joining 300 Sayana-Sikhi / planetary

conjunction point and 120 Sayana Rahu) and the hypothetical Ecliptic (line joining 330 and 150) of Old Suryasidhantha. Thus, comes the Zodiac with stars 1320 each and Signs with 30 degrees each. It appears as if these facts led Sri Chandrahari to formulate the concepts such as Mooladhara Rahu-Sikhi-chakram and rhythm of the universe. (music of the stars or biological clock Some other striking similarities also Some of them are:

whatever be the name) have been found by him. (i)

Moola is the base of zodiac division - Mooladhara is the

base point from where yoga starts. (ii) Horoscope is also called Kundalini - In yoga Kundalini

(serpent power) is important. (iii) of Rahu-Sikhi (Serpents-Kalasarpa) is the underlying factor Kundalini in yoga is also symbolized as

Rasichakra

serpent. (iv) Kalapurusha is a concept in astrology - Sankhya and Yoga also speak about Purusha. (v) in The universe is Rhythmic - The human body also functions rhythm with the universe. [This needs further

clarification.

Prana means 4 seconds.

According to Yoga and 360 x 60 =

Upanishads, one day of a human means 21600 prana. 21600

We have to consider the importance of the number 71.55]

All these similarities must have prompted him to delve deep into the concepts such etc. as Tantra/Yoga We have to and Circadianthe

rhythm/Biological-clock

appreciate

efforts of Sri Chandrahari even though his concepts may be proved correct or not.

Conclusion: In the view of Chandrahari (i) The Yuga concept is nothing but an innate theory of

Ayanamsa. Old

That is why it was given this much importance by (Includes yuga in Panchasidhanthika is New included in of the of

Suryasidhantha The of

Varahamihira). Panchasiddhantika

concept

Varaahamihira,

Suryasidhantha

Aryabhatta I, the Epics and Puranas, and Dharma sasthras like Manusmrithi. (ii) Rasichakram by (Zodiac) which is a mathematical the model, of put a

forward

Rishis,

postulates

existence

Sidereal (Nirayana) Zero-point (Meshadi or Aswinyadi), as well as the conjunction of 8 planets at this zero-point in the beginning of every Yuga. (iii) The Sayana-Nirayana division is deep seated in Hindu

mythology and the Vedas have ample proof of this. Sayana and Nirayana systems existed in Vedic period.

Both the (Mayan

the creator of Suryasidhantha was only a genius compiler of the then prevailing knowledge) At the end, let me mention one more point taken form the book Rasichakram. In the first hymn of purushasuktha, sahasra

seersha

purusha

sahasraksha

sahasra

path.....,

purusha As

with 1000 heads, 1000 eyes and 1000 legs gets a mention.

everybody knows, 1000 heads may need 2000 eyes and 2000 legs for a superhuman form. It is evident that the meaning of the (One may escape the many) that Based on

word Sahasra as 1000, does not fit well. confusion sathapatha circle. by saying that some Sahasra scholars means say

Brahmana,

Sahasra

means

This is noteworthy.

Many astronomical terms are

used in this hymn. point.

The following elaboration can clarify the

Seersha Circle (Sahasra seersha purusha) = Prime meridian Aksha Circle (Sahasraksha) = Celestial Equator Patha Circle (Sahasrapath) = Nodal Circle Bhoomi Circle (Sa-Bhoomim) = Horizon Viswa Circle (Viswatho vrithva) = Ecliptic Now, if the interpretation of Sri Chandrahari is right, we may get ample proof for the fact that Vedic Knowledge is really amazing.

Note:

Sri

Chandrahari,

with

true

dedication

towards

astrological research, argues vigorously about the concepts he believes in. His ideas are stunning and are capable of

capturing the attention of those who are sincerely searching the truth of astrology. The aim of this dissertation is not It is an appreciation Sreenadh sreesog@yahoo.com

to advocate the views of Chandra-Hari. of his mathematical concepts.