Surya Siddhant

The provided text is the "Surya Siddhanta" (सूर्यसिद्धान्त), authored by Baldevprasad Mishra and published by Gangavishnukrishnadas. The catalog link points to a Jain resource, suggesting this particular edition might be within a Jain context or collection, though the Surya Siddhanta itself is a classical Indian astronomical treatise. The text includes a Sanskrit commentary ("Gudharthaprakasha") and a Hindi translation.

Here's a summary of the book's content as presented in the provided pages:

Overall Scope: The Surya Siddhanta is a foundational text on Hindu astronomy and mathematics. This edition presents the text with a Sanskrit commentary and a Hindi translation, aiming to make this complex knowledge accessible to scholars of astrology and the general public. The author, Baldevprasad Mishra, emphasizes the profound and ancient scientific knowledge of India, particularly in mathematics and astronomy, which he believes has been neglected.

Key Themes and Content (as revealed in the introductory and chapter overview sections):

• Importance of Mathematics: The preface highlights the quote "Just as the crest is on the peacock, the jewel on the serpent, so is mathematics at the head of the Vedic auxiliary sciences," underscoring the central role of mathematics in understanding these ancient texts.

• Neglect of Ancient Knowledge: The author laments the lack of interest and understanding among contemporary scholars and the public regarding ancient Indian scientific works like the Surya Siddhanta, attributing this to indifference and pride. He expresses hope that this annotated and translated edition will revive interest.

• Critique of Modern Practices: The text criticizes those who claim expertise without proper study, those who merely translate foreign astronomical concepts without understanding their origins, and those who rely on secondary sources without consulting the original "Surya Siddhanta."

• Structure of the Surya Siddhanta: The book outlines the 14 chapters of the Surya Siddhanta, providing a brief description of the topics covered in each:

  • Chapter 1 (Graha Anayana - Mean Motions of Planets): Covers the beginning of the treatise, time divisions, yugas, days, mean and apparent motions of planets, longitude differences, apogee and perigee, eccentricities, latitude, declination, house calculations, house divisions, and the tenth mansion.
  • Chapter 2 (Sphuta Adhikara - True Motions of Planets): Details the causes of planetary motion, types of motion, determination of latitude, calculations using sine and cosine, accurate planetary positions, corrections for equation of center and diurnal motion, equation of time, lunar days, asterisms, conjunctions, and lunar days.
  • Chapter 3 (Tritraprasna Adhikara - Three Problems): Deals with determining directions, calculating longitude and latitude, finding the equation of the ascending node, determining the solar declination, and finding the equation of time. It also covers the calculation of the ascendant and the tenth house.
  • Chapter 4 (Chandra Graha Adhikara - Lunar Eclipses): Focuses on the relative sizes of the Sun, Moon, and Earth, the calculation of eclipses, the measurement of parallax, and the determination of the time of the greatest phase of an eclipse.
  • Chapter 5 (Surya Graha Adhikara - Solar Eclipses): Discusses solar eclipses, including the calculation of the duration of the eclipse and the calculation of the phase of the sun.
  • Chapter 6 (Parilekha Adhikara - Diagrams): Explains how to draw astronomical diagrams.
  • Chapter 7 (Graha Yutty Adhikara - Planetary Conjunctions): Covers conjunctions of planets, their apparent positions, and the calculation of planetary warfare.
  • Chapter 8 (Nakshatra Graha Yutty Adhikara - Conjunctions of Stars and Planets): Deals with the positions of stars and their conjunctions with planets.
  • Chapter 9 (Udayasta Adhikara - Rising and Setting of Planets): Explains the rising and setting of celestial bodies and the determination of time.
  • Chapter 10 (Srungonnati Adhikara - Altitude of the Moon's Horns): Focuses on the calculation of the altitude of the Moon's horns.
  • Chapter 11 (Patay Adhikara - Eclipses): Covers various aspects of eclipses, including the determination of eclipses, conjunctions, and their timing.
  • Chapter 12 (Bhugola Adhikara - Geography of the Earth): Describes the structure of the Earth, its dimensions, the location of continents, mountains, oceans, and the underworlds. It also mentions the celestial spheres and the movement of planets.
  • Chapter 13 (Jyotisha Upanishad - The Upanishad of Astronomy): Presents the essence of astronomical knowledge, possibly with a philosophical or esoteric dimension.
  • Chapter 14 (Kalana Adhikara - Calculation of Time): Deals with the various units of time measurement, including divine, ancestral, human, and astronomical time divisions.

• Publisher's Note: The publication is noted as "Sambat 1980, Shake 1845," indicating its historical context.

• Translator's Dedication: The translator, Baldevprasad Mishra, dedicates this work to Seth Khemraj Shrikrishnadasji Gupta, acknowledging his significant contribution to the revival and propagation of Sanskrit and ancient Indian texts.

In essence, this edition of the Surya Siddhanta aims to be a comprehensive resource, combining ancient wisdom with accessible commentary and translation, addressing the perceived decline in understanding and appreciation of India's rich astronomical heritage.