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Ancient Star Wars and Human Calendar

Detailed study on Hindu Mythology and logic behind Hindu calendar

By: Arvind Bhagwath

Introduction:

Mythology of proto-Indo-Europeans, Sumerians, ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Persians, Indian and

Roman civilizations have influenced in development of several cultures and religions as of today. It is
very clear that the origin of mythology in almost all civilizations and cultures that we know as of today
started with Star myths.

Similar to mythological stories of ancient cultures of Sumerians, Egyptians, Greeks, Persians etc.,
the Vernal equinox, Solstices, Planets and star constellations in Hindu Astronomy supported in creation
of several mythological stories and also rituals associated with it. Most of God's in Hindu mythology are
associated with stars and corresponding constellations. Vedic astrology got developed based on celestial
movement of stars and planets in night sky and so as mythological stories based on these constellations
and Planets. With mythology, rituals got developed and below is reference for Hindu calendar:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_calendar

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hindu_festivals

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Mandala Concept
Origins of Mandala art comes from Axis Mundi/Mandala concept of circumpolar stars.

If you observe the night sky around Pole star from Arctic region or Northern Hemisphere night sky, it
appears that all visible planets that includes Sun and Moon, Saptarishi (Big Dipper) offers
circumambulation to Pole star. The concept of mandala has supported in development of Human
calendar and architecture concept for construction of almost all ancient religious structures.

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Earliest evidence of Mandala art is found in Arkaim, Russia.

Circumambulation (from Latin circum around and ambulātus to walk) is the act of moving around a sacred
object or idol has origins from this cosmology and is present in all human religions.

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Logic behind 30 days in a month

Note: The ancient Vedic civilization concept of the month was based on lunar cycle which was
approximately 28 days based on 28 Nakshatras (28th nakshatra was Abhijit) which was dropped later.
The earliest ancient Roman calendars also had months that were 28 or 29 days. Julius Caesar
supported in modification of the Roman calendar in 46 B.C. to make each month have either 30 or 31
days to sync with Solar cycle in 12 Zodiac, since the lunar cycle is approximately 29.5 days, which does
not divide evenly into the 365.25 days that make up a year. The current Gregorian calendar was a
modification of the Julian calendar.

Chandra (Hindu Moon God) and 27 Nakshatras in a month

In classical Hindu astrology, the 27 Nakshatras are the signs of a lunar-based zodiac, in compliment to
the twelve-sign solar-based zodiac. The Moon travels approximately 27.3 days to complete its orbit
around the Earth relative to the "fixed" stars (the Moon's sidereal period), about 13° 20' per day, hence
the 27 Nakshatras, also referred to as "Lunar Mansions".

In Hindu Mythology, Chandra (Moon God) is synonymous to Soma. Other names include Indu (“bright
drop”), Atrisuta (“son of Atri”), Sachin (“marked by hare”), Tārādhipa (“lord of stars”) and Nishakara (“the
night maker”). Chandra (Moon God) is married to Daksha’s 27 daughters who are 27 Nakshatras in night
sky and these are the 27 divisions of the zodiac based on the moon’s daily motion of 13 degrees and 20
minutes. 27 daughters of Daksha (Creator God) who got married to Moon God form 27 days of a month.

Moon God (Chandra) spends 1 day with each wife in a month that is equal to lunar mansion as shown
below.

In other words, 360 degree rotation is divided in to 27 nakshatra signs 13 degree and 20 minutes each.
Padas are 3° 20' extensions of each Nakshatra, which articulate and augment the expression of each
Nakshatras overall quality.

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As per ancient Hindu Puranic reference, Brihaspati (Jupiter), the Guru of the Gods had a very beautiful
wife named Tara. One day when she was moving in sky near Chandra’s (the Moon’s) house, Moon God
(Chandra) fell in love with her immediately, and she also fell in love with him. Brihaspati started to miss
Tara and started looking for her. When he found out that she was with Moon God (Chandra), he sent his
disciple to bring Tara back. But Tara would not come. Finally, Brihaspati decided to go himself could not
persuade Tara to come back to him. This made Brihaspati to become very angry and finally Indra and
other deities persuaded Moon God Chandra to return Tara. However, upon Tara's return to her husband,
Brihaspati discovered that she was pregnant who gave birth to Buddha (Mercury Planet). Budha's son
was Pururavas who established the Chandravanshi Dynasty (Lunar Dynasty) in Hindu mythology as
shown below.

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Details of 27 Nakshatras in Hindu Calendar

Aśvaḥ (अव) is the Sanskrit word for a horse, one of the significant animals finding references in the Vedas
as well as later Hindu scriptures. The Ashvins are mentioned 376 times in the Rig Veda, with 57 hymns
specifically dedicated to them: 1.3, 1.22, 1.34, 1.46-47, 1.112, 1.116-120 , 1.157-158, 1.180-184, 2.20,
3.58, 4.43-45, 5.73-78, 6.62-63, 7.67-74, 8.5, 8.8-10, 8.22, 8.26, 8.35, 8.57, 8.73, 8.85-87, 10.24, 10.39-
41, 10.143. Ašvieniai are divine twins in the Lithuanian mythology, identical to Latvian Dieva dēli and the
Baltic counterparts of Vedic Ashvins.

Reference as per Rig Veda:

Indra (King of the Gods in Vedas) had knowledge to produce elixir of immortality referred as Soma and he
did not want this knowledge to get into the wrong hands and had taught it only to sage Dadichi but laid a
curse upon him: “If you teach this to anyone your head must come off. “The Aśvinī twins wanted to learn
this secret and being master surgeons, they cut off the sage’s head and the head of a horse and
swapped the two. Through “the horse’s mouth” they learned this secret of Vedas and then they swapped
the heads back to their original owners.

However, in few Hindu scriptures, Asvini is one among 27 constellations as the Daughters of Daksha and
these Nakshatras were married to Chandra (Moon).

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They are referred as twin Gods of Health and the Prayer of Brahmavadin Gosha can be found in Mandala
10 of Rig-Veda. It is a story of miracle of Ashwini-Kumaras curing Gosha of her skin problem and
restoring her beauty.

आ वामगन सुमतिवाातिनीवसू नयतिना हर्त्ुा कामायंसि |

अभूिं गोपा तमथुना शुभस पिी परियायाम्णो दु याानशीमतह ||Rv. 10.40.12 ||
Explanation: O Ashwinikumaras full of wealth and food. Be pleased with us, be helpful to us in fulfilling
our desires, and be graceful to us. Let us decorate the home of husband by becoming his beloved.

There are several such hymns in the Rig Veda in praise of the Ashwini Kumaras and below are few more
references:

To he who was blinded, O Asvins, ye gave eyes. Great and weal-giving is your aid, O Asvins, ye made
whole the cripple. Ye saved Rebha from tyranny. Ye made the barren cow of Sayu stream refreshing
milk, and Vandana was helped with extended life. Doers of marvels, skillful workers, ye restored
Vandana, like a vehicle worn out with length of days. From earth ye brought the sage to life in wondrous
mode. As charioteers skilled in driving, ye then went to him who mourned in a far distant place, him who
was left forlorn by treachery of his sire. Rich with the light of heaven was then the help ye gave, and
marvelous your succor when ye stood by him.”

The name Bharaṇī comes from the word bharaṇa, which means, “to maintain, bear”. The vulva is symbol
for Bharaṇī because it symbolizes bearing children, which itself summarizes the main characteristic of this
star.

Bharani is seen as being under the domain of Yama, the god of death.

Reference in Bhagavad-Gītā (10.29):

तपिॄणामयामा चास्मि यमः संयमिामहम् ॥ २९॥

“Among enforcers I am Yama.”

In Jyotisha, Bharani is ruled by Shukra (the planet Venus). Also, it is classified as a Cruel or Active
nakshatra and under astrological beliefs, works of a harmful or deceptive nature are best conducted while
the moon is in Bharani.

Bharani is ruled by Yama, the God of Death. Its basis above is the removal of life from the body. Bharani
Nakshatra takes away that which has reached its term of life to a new condition. It shows the movement
of the soul away from the body. Yama guides the soul to the astral plane, where it can experience the
result of its karma from the present life and prepare for the life to come.

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As similar reference from Rig Veda (7.59.12), famous Mahāmrityunjaya Mantra can be effective for
dealing with Bharani if one chants it with the intention does not escape one’s difficulties, but to prosper
from them.

ॐ त्र्य॑म्बकं यजामहे सगन्ं ु॒ ॑ पष्टु॒वर्धनम्

॑ ।
उु॒ वाध र
ु॒ ु॒ कष्म॑वु॒ ब्॑नान् मत्योम
ु॒ ध क्ष ीयु॒ मा ऽम ता॑ त् ।
Explanation : ‘We worship the three-eyed One (Lord Shiva) who is fragrant and who nourishes all
beings; may He liberate me from death, for the sake of Immortality, even as the cucumber is severed from
its bondage (of the creeper.’

According to a legend, Markandeya was the only one on the earth who knew this mantra. The Moon was
once in trouble, when cursed by King Daksha. Markandeya gave the Mahamritryunjaya Mantra to Sati,
Daksha's daughter, for the Moon. This mantra is also called the Rudra mantra, because it is a component
of the "life-restoring" practice given to the primordial sage Shukracharya after he had completed an
exhausting period of austerity. This mantra is addressed to Shiva for warding off untimely death. It is also
chanted while smearing Vibhuti over various parts of the Body and utilized in Japa or Homa (havan) to
get desired results.

Krittika Nakshatra is the 3rd star in the Zodiac. It extends from 26.4 deg Aries to 10 deg of Taurus. The
star is named after the Lord Karthikeya, Son of Lord Shiva. Lord Karthikeya is also the commander of the
God.

In Hindu Puranic reference and when the demon Taraka was destroying the world and creating
tremendous problems for all creatures and the gods. To defeat demon Taraka, all the gods united and got
a seed from Lord Shiva and Shakti, the seed was thus cast in fire and protected by blue water. The
Krittika (six nurses of Karthikeya) were requested to nourish it in their womb. Since six women came to
feed him, he split (“Krittika”) into six forms to nurse from each mother simultaneously. He is known as
Karthikeya because he was nursed by the Krittika. Karthikeya was thereby born and on the seventh day
after his birth killed the mighty demon Taraka and thereby relieved the gods from the demons.

This star is also the name of its goddess-personification, who is a daughter of Daksha and Panchajani,
and thus a half-sister to Khyati. Spouse of Krittika is Chandra ("moon").

In few of Hindu scriptures, the seven stars of the Big Dipper represent the seven sages. The six main
stars of the Pleiades are their six divorced wives – unfortunate goddesses. The seventh wife, Arundhati
remains near her husband Vashistha as the star Alcor very close to Mizar.

Krittika is also known as the "Star of Fire" and is related to a commander, fighter, foster mother and glow
of power, physical and creative force. Krittika being a female nakshatra suggests passivity, indicating that
Krittika needs outer energy or life circumstance to activate their power.

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In ancient Mesopotamia they were simply known in Sumerian as MUL.MUL (𒀯𒀯) and people of Mexico
knew them as "Seed Stars”. In ancient Persian religions, the Pleiades is primarily known as Parvin
pronounced Parveen. It too is a common given name of Iranians, Afghanis and some Pakistanis.

In Greek mythology, the stars of Pleiades represented the Seven Sisters. Several of the most prominent
male Olympian gods (including Zeus, Poseidon, and Ares) engaged in affairs with the seven heavenly
sisters. These relationships resulted in the birth of their children.

Interesting fact is Vedic astronomers calculated that Pleiades was rising star at the horizon around 2950
BCE that helps to give date during the Satapata Brahmana.

However, this is also true in three below cases: The Shatapatha Brahmana mentions that the Krittika (the
Pleiades) "do not swerve from the east". This would have been the case with precision at 2950 BCE and
was true also about 2000 BCE but was still true to within 8-13 degrees (viz., East by north) around the 8th
to 6th centuries BCE, the assumed date of the text's composition.

Rohini (रोहिणी) is a goddess in Hinduism and the favorite consort of Chandra, the moon god. She is a
daughter of Daksha and sister of the 26 other Nakshatras.

As per Shiva Purana, when Daksha gave away his 27 daughters, he got an undertaking that Chandra
would not show favoritism towards any of his wives. However, Moon God (Chandra) is drawn to Rohini.
Daksha comes to know of Chandra Deva spending more time with Rohini gets cursed by Daksha.
However, Moon God (Chandra) prays to Shiva and gets a boon with a compromise. During
Krishnapaksha Chandra would wane and during Shuklapaksha, the bright part of the lunar fortnight,
Chandra would wax. This explains the waning and waxing moon.

The moon is exalted in this nakshatra and very powerful in this nakshatra. In Vedic theology the moon is
considered a manifestation of the mind of God.

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated as birth of Lord Krishna when Sun is in own sign and Moon in Rohini
Nakshatra.

In most of ancient Hindu Puranas, we have this famous word 'Rohini Sakata Bhedanam'. This
phenomenon was observed during the times of Ramayana when Ravana abducts Sita and also during
Mahabharata War. Great wars and destruction happened every time this peculiar phenomenon appeared
in the sky.

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In 46th chapter in Aranya Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, Rohini is mentioned as dear wife of the moon and
compared with Sita. Here bad planet would be Saturn when he abducts Sita.

Taam apashyat tato baalaam raaja putriim yashasviniim || 3-46-5

rohiNiim shashinaa hiinaam grahavat bhR^isha daaruNaH |
Explanation: Rohini is the principle star and dear wife of the Moon will be in lunar asterism of the same
name, and when she comes in the view of planets like Saturn and Mars astrology predicts earthly havocs.
Hence, Ravana is compared with such a planet and Sita with Rohini.

In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, King Dhritarashtra is the King of the Kuru Kingdom and we can find
similar comparison In Bhīṣmaparva 2, Vyāsa informs King Dhritarashtra on bad omens that happened
during Mahabharata war and explains about Saturn in Rohini.

Rohiṇīṃ pīḍayanneṣa sthito rājañśanaiścaraḥ

vyāvṛttaṃ lakṣma somasya bhaviṣyati mahadbhayam

Explanation: Saturn stands tormenting Rohini, O king. The (hare) sign of the Moon has disappeared.
There will be great danger/fear.

Sanskrit mṛgaśiraṣa (popularly spelled Mārgaśīrṣa/Mṛgaśira) (Devanagari: मृगशीर्ष) (Tamil:

மிருகசீரிடம் ) (Sinhalese: Muwasirasa) (Kannada: ಮೃಗಶಿರ) the 5th nakshatra or lunar mansion as
used in Hindu astronomy and astrology is the constellation Orion. The term Mṛgaśira (मृगहशर) a composite
of two Sanskrit words, mṛga (मृग) meaning animal/beast and śira (हशर) meaning head or precisely, the top
of the head. Thus Mṛgaśira (मृगहशर) is the correct name of the star, while Mārgaśīrṣa (मागषशीर्ष) is the
name of the month related to Mṛgaśira, i.e., the month in which moon will be in conjuncture with the
Mṛgaśira nakshatra. In Malayalam it is called Makayeeram.

Mahabharata (Vana.221.15) tells us that Soma’s brother is Agni, and his sister is Rohini. The two
brothers, Soma and Agni stand on both sides of their sister. To one side of Rohini is Soma’s star,
Mṛgaśīrṣā. To the other side is Agni’s star, Krittika.

B G Tilak in his ‘Orion and antiquity of Vedas’ mentions on Bhagvad Gita with Lord Krishna saying:
'Among Nakshatras I am Mrigashirsha' (Among the asterisms on ecliptic, I am the Orion). In Vedic
thought the two stars Rohini and Mrigashirsha are thought to be the most sacred region in space and are
described as the head of Prajapati.

In Vedic tradition, soma (Sanskrit: सोम) is a ritual drink] of importance among the early Vedic Indians. In
both the ancient religions of Historical Vedic religion and Zoroastrianism, the name of the drink and the

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plant are the same. The Rigveda mentions it particularly in the Soma Mandala. Several section of Ṛig
Veda (9) is dedicated to Soma as giver of immortality (Amrita). Rig Veda 9.42 goes refers Soma the
“immortality of the immortals” and the “godhood within the gods.” Elixir made from the Soma plant is
known for giving legendary power for several Rig Vedic Gods to fight against evils.

Below is famous Mrigashirsha Mantra from Nakshatra Suktam praising arrival of Soma (Moon God)

Ardra is the name of a nakshatra in Hindu astrology, the sixth depending on numbering scheme used.
The Sanskrit name Ārdrā translates to "green" or "the moist one". It is associated with the
star Betelgeuse (α Ori). The presiding deity is Rudra, its symbol is a teardrop, and the ruling planet is
Rahu. In Tamil and Malayalam, Ardra is referred to as Tiruvātirai and Tiruvātira respectively.

Thiruvathira or Thiruvathirai or Arudhra Darisanam is a Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian states of
Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In Thillai Chidambaram 10-day Festival is held during Thiruvathirai. On the 9th
day night Maha Abhishekam will be done to Lord Nataraja. It takes place on the full moon night in the
Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) and this is also the longest night in a year. If you observe
the moon and its Nakshatras crossing one by one, we understand the significant days of these festival
and uncover new layers of meaning. It starts with Rohini‑Hyades on the 8th day, and of
Mriga‑shiras‑Labda Orionis on the 9th day and finally during the night after the 9th day we see the full
moon in Arudra--Betelgeuse.

Winter Chariot Festival is Margari Tiruvadirai that happens in the holy Ardra in the month of Margari.
Margari being the month of the middle of December till the middle of January. It is same time during
Winter Solstice, even Christmas is celebrated, and this is also the longest night in a year.

Most of the temples around the world with Lord Nataraja and Shiva as deity perform the Arudhra Darshan
during this day.

Arudra or cosmic dance of Nataraja represents five activities – Creation, Protection, Destruction,
Embodiment and Release. It is essentially a Shaivite festival and celebrates the cosmic dance of Lord

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Shiva, which is represented by the Nataraja form. Arudhra (Thiruvathirai in Tamil) signifies the golden red
flame and Shiva performs the dance in the form this red-flamed light. Lord Shiva is supposed to be
incarnated in the form of Lord Nataraja during the Arudra Darshan day.

Thiruvathira is the nakshatra or "star" of Lord Shiva as per the Malayalam calendar. It is believed that on
this day, the Goddess Parvathi finally met Lord Shiva after her long penance and Lord Shiva took her as
a saha-dharma chaarini (equal partner). Both Parvathi and Shiva present this ideal to devotees in the
form of Ardhanarishvara (half male, half female form).

The Skanda Purana also mentions that Brahmā once had an argument with Rudra, during which Rudra
decapitated one of Brahma’s heads (originally, he had five). Rudra threw the head into space, and it
became the stars of Mṛgaśīrṣā, the nakshatra which comes after Brahma’s Rohini. Searching (mṛga) for
the head (śira), Rudra came to reside in the nakshatra next to Mṛgaśīrṣā, Ārdrā.

Punarvasu) is a Nakshatra in Hindu astrology, which refers to the two brightest stars in the constellation
of Gemini: Castor and Pollux. The stars Castor and Pollux (or in Greek, Polydeukes) were twin half-
brothers in Greek and Roman mythology, known together as the Dioscuri. In Latin the twins are also
known as the Gemini (literally "twins")

The word Punarvasu is derived from Puna+ Vasu, which means return, renewal, restoration or repetition.
The goddess of Punarvasu is Aditi (Mother of all Sun Gods)

As per Mahabharata (Śānti.34.96-98), Budha (Mercury God) came to Aditi’s home for food and not
getting served when he was hungry, he curses her to take re-birth again and again. She was mother for
Vivasvān second time. Yima was son of Vivasvan.

If you observe correctly, Sanskrit Yama is also interpreted as "the twin," perhaps reflecting an Indo-
Iranian belief in a primordial Yama and Yami pair. We can locate parallels between Avestan Yima and
Sanskrit Yama, for instance, Yima was the son of Vivaŋhat, who in turn corresponds to the
Vedic Vivasvat, "he who shines out", a divinity of the Sun.

The Gods, the children of Aditi, are basically and essentially are different from children of Diti, who are
demons. This nakshatra is all about getting things back to it.

This is the birth nakshatra of Lord Rama as captured in Valmiki Ramayana.

“On completion of the ritual six seasons have passed by and then in the twelfth month, on the ninth day
of Chaitra month [April–May,] when the presiding deity of ruling star of the day is Aditi, where the ruling

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star of day is Punarvasu (Nakshatra), the asterism is in the ascendant, and when five of the nine planets
viz., Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus are at their highest position, when Jupiter with Moon
is ascendant in Cancer, and when day is advancing, then Queen Kausalya gave birth to a son with all the
divine attributes like lotus-red eyes, lengthy arms, roseate lips, voice like drumbeat, and who took birth to
delight the Ikshwaku dynasty, who is adored by all the worlds, and who is the greatly blessed epitome
of Vishnu, namely Rama.”
- Book I: Bala Kanda, Ramayana by Valmiki, Chapter (Sarga) 18, Verse 8, 9, 10 and 11

Pushya nakshatra (Cancri) is the 8th of the 27 Nakshatras. Puṣya’s primary symbol is a lotus.

The Presiding of this nakshatra is Brihaspati Planet Jupiter himself. He is the Guru of the Gods (has been
guru of Ganesh and Karthikeya himself etc.), main priest of the gods court, lord Shiva had made
Brihaspati into Planet Jupiter. Therefore, Jupiter is exalted in Pushya Nakshatra.

Rig Veda (4.40.1) mentions Brihaspati as the son of Angiras

As per ancient Hindu Puranic reference, Brihaspati (Jupiter), the Guru of the Gods had a very beautiful
wife named Tara. One day when she was moving in sky near Chandra’s (the Moon’s) house, Moon God
(Chandra) fell in love with her immediately, and she also fell in love with him. Brihaspati started to miss
Tara and started looking for her. When he found out that she was with Moon God (Chandra), he sent his
disciple to bring Tara back. But Tara would not come. Finally, Brihaspati decided to go himself could not
persuade Tara to come back to him. This made Brihaspati to become very angry and finally Indra and
other deities persuaded Moon God Chandra to return Tara. However, upon Tara's return to her husband,
Brihaspati discovered that she was pregnant who gave birth to Buddha (Mercury Planet). Budha's son
was Pururavas who established the Chandravanshi Dynasty (Lunar Dynasty) in Hindu mythology as
shown below.

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Ashlesha (Sanskrit: आश्लेर्ा or Āśleṣā) is the 9th of the 27 Nakshatras in Hindu astrology. Ashlesha is also
known as the Clinging Star or Nāga. It is known as the Hydra

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (10.16) mentions story of Powerful Naga named Kāliya. As per mythology, Kāliya
had made his near Vrindavan (Krishna’s place) fearing Garuda. However, his toxicity made the lake
poisonous killing several animals nearby. Hence Lord Krishna challenged Kāliya and evicted him. Below
is Lord Krishna fighting Kāliya (serpent) and its parallel can be drawn with Greek and Roman myths with
Hercules and Draco Constellation.

In famous Samudra mantan mythology of Hindu scriptures and during churning the Ocean of Milk for elixir
of immortality, Vasuki, the king of serpents became the churning rope for Devas and Asuras.

The Greek constellation of Hydra is an adaptation of a Babylonian constellation: the MUL.APIN includes a
"serpent" constellation (MUL.DINGIR.MUŠ) that loosely corresponds to Hydra. It is one of two Babylonian
"serpent" constellations (the other being the origin of the Greek Serpens), a mythological hybrid of
serpent, lion and bird.

In Chinese astronomy, the stars that correspond to Hydra are located within the Vermilion Bird and the
Azure Dragon.

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Magha Nakshatra is 10th out of 27 Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology.

The symbol of Maghā, a throne, is an image of inherited power. Indra, the king of the gods, seated on the
throne of paradise is known as Maghavan.

Deity of Magha are Pitrs tells about the forefathers, departed ancestors. The Manu-Smṛti’s third chapter
tells us that Pitṛ are divine beings who are the “forefathers” of us all. As per Hindu scriptures, at the
beginning Lord Brahma manifested 10 sons, called the Prajapatis to create and operate the world. They
are the original Pitris as all creation originated from them.

In Hindu astrology, when the Moon transits Magha Nakshatra it is extremely auspicious and important to
remember and honor our ancestors and express our gratitude to them.

Brihat Jataka of VārāhaMihira mentions that one born in Magha will enjoy great wealth, enjoyments,
respecter of elders

Taittiriya Brahmana an ancient Vedic text says Magha is ruled by the Ancestors.

In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, King Dhritarashtra is the King of the Kuru Kingdom and Bhishma Parva
talks about all these astronomical movements to King Dhritarashtra particularly mentioning all
astronomical bad omens during Mahabharata War. This below shloka particularly mentions Magha
Nakshatra and Planet Mars.

Senayoraśivaṃ ghoraṃ kariṣyati mahāgrahaḥ

Maghāsvaṅgārako vakraḥ śravaṇe ca bṛhaspatiḥ (6.3.13)

Explanation: This great planet will cause frightful mischief to both the armies. Mars wheeleth towards
Magha and Brihaspati (Jupiter) towards Sravana

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Purva phalguni nakshatra is the 11th nakshatra out of the total 27 nakshatras. In Leo sun sign this
nakshatra extends from 13-degree 20 minute to 26-degree 40 minute. The deity God of this nakshatra is
‘Aryaman’, who is one of the 12 sons of Sun’s mother Aditi.

Aryaman is one of the early Vedic Hindu deities. His name signifies "Life-Partner", "close friend",
"Partner", "play-fellow" or "companion". He is the third son of Aditi, the mother of the Adityas and is
depicted as the mid-morning sun disk.

Aryaman is commonly invoked together with Varuna-Mitra, Bhaga, Bṛhaspati, and other Adityas and
Asuras. According to Griffith, the Rigveda also suggests that Aryaman is a supreme deity alongside Mitra
and Varuna. According to the Rig Veda, Indra who is traditionally considered the most important deity in
the Rig Veda is asked to obtain boons and gifts from Aryaman. Hindu marriage oaths are administered
with an invocation to Aryaman being the witness to the event.

Purva Phalguni in the Vedic order is ruled by Aryaman, the God of contracts and unions. It gives the
power of procreation (prajanana shakti). Its basis above is the wife or the female partner. Its basis below
is the male or masculine partner. These together bring about the creation of the fetus

As per ancient reference in Hindu scriptures, the deities of Purva Phalguni (Aryaman) and Uttara
Phalguni (Bhaga) and both are closely linked. Both are intimately connected with marriage and its
associated rewards and responsibilities. Aryaman upholds societal traditions and contracts made
between two people, such as the wedding ceremony.

In the Avesta, Airyaman (or airiiaman) is both an Avestan language common noun as well as the proper
name of a Zoroastrian divinity. Divinity Airyaman, who is the yazata of health and healing. The
third Yasht, which is nominally a hymn to Asha Vahishta is for the greater part a praise of the airyaman
ishyo, which in Zoroastrian tradition is an invocation of the divinity Airyaman.

The common meaning of airyaman/aryaman as "member of community" is preserved in both Avestan and
Vedic sources.

In Indian Hindu wedding rituals, the wedding fire is referred to as the Aryaman fire. In any Hindu marriage
rituals, you can find that newly wedded couples hold hands by circumambulating the Aryaman fire with
seven steps and together they pledge each other “With these seven steps you have become my life
partner. May I deserve your love and support and make you one with me.”

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Uttara phalguni nakshatra is the 12th nakshatra out of the total 27 nakshatras. The deity God of this
nakshatra is ‘Bhaga’, who is one of the 12 sons of Sun’s mother Aditi.

Bhaga is the God of happiness. This god is also referred as chayani shakti, power is the giving of
prosperity (through marriage or union). Its basis above is the wealth gained from one’s own family or from
one’s partner. These together bring about the accumulation of wealth.

In the Rigveda, the personification of Lord Bhaga is attested primarily in RV 7.41, which is devoted to the
praise of the Bhaga and of the deities closest to him, and in which the Bhaga is invoked about 60 times,
together with Agni, Indra, the dual Mitra-Varuna, two Ashvins, Pusan, Soma and Rudra.

The 5th/6th-century BCE Nirukta (Nir. 12.13) describes Bhaga as the god of the morning. In the Rigveda,
the Bhaga is named as one of the Adityas, the seven (or eight) celestial sons of Aditi, the Rigvedic mother
of the gods. In the medieval Bhagavata Purana, the Bhaga reappears with the Puranic Adityas, which are
by then twelve solar gods.

Bhaga God is referred Sauptika Parva of Mahabharata in which Rudra by anger plucks Bhaga’s eye
when surplus shares of sacrifices were not shared correctly by Gods like Savitur, Pusha. Rudra cut of
Savitur hands and he took the teeth of the God Pushan

Hasta Nakshatra is the 13th Nakshatra as per Hindu astrology. The Hasta Nakshatra ranges from degrees
10 – 23:20 and falls in the Virgo sign.

The presiding deity of Hasta Nakshatra is Savitur – the Sun God. It is said and believed that this God
helps in imparting transforming and creative energy. Sun God is also believed to be the inspiration giver

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He is sometimes associated with Surya or at other times distinguished from Surya, "the Sun". When
considered distinct from the Sun proper, he is conceived of as the divine influence or vivifying power of
the Sun. The Sun before sunrise is called Savitur, and after sunrise until sunset it is called Sūrya. Savitur
is celebrated in eleven whole hymns of the Rig Veda and in parts of many others, his name being
mentioned about 170 times in aggregate.
Savitur disappeared as an independent deity from the Hindu pantheon after the end of the Vedic period,
but in modern Hinduism his name occurs in the well-known Gayatri mantra (taken from book three of the
Rigveda; RV 3.62.10), which is therefore also known as the Sāvitur. The Gāyatrī mantra is dedicated
to Savituṛ, a Vedic Sun deity.
oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ
tat savitur vareṇyaṃ
bhargo devasya dhīmahi
dhiyo yo naḥ prachodayāt
– Rigveda 3.62.10
Explanation: May we attain that excellent glory of Savitur the god: So, may he stimulate our
prayers

According to Yaska, Sanskrit scholar of the 5th century BCE, who made various attempts to interpret
difficult Vedic mythologies in his work Nirukta (Etymology) (12, 12), the time of Savitr’s appearance is
when darkness has been removed. Sayanacharya (on Rig Veda) remarks that before his rising the sun is
called Savitr, but from his rising to his setting, Surya.

Savitr has golden arms and is broad-handed or beautiful-handed. He has a golden chariot with a golden
axle, which is omni-form, just as he himself can assume all forms. Savitr has been attributed to as
upholding the movables and immovable, which signifies the maintenance of Ṛta (Cosmic Order). Savitr is
a beneficent god who acts as protector of all beings, who are provident and guard the world of spirits.
Being an Aditya, Savitr is true to the Eternal Order and act as the score exacter.

Chitra Nakshatra is the 14th Nakshatra as per Hindu astrology.

Chitra is ruled by Tvastar, the Cosmic craftsman. Vishwakarma is the divine draftsman of the
whole universe and the official builder of all the gods’ palaces. Below are some of his
contributions as per Hindu mythological scriptures.

• Indra’s Palace: After Indra became the king of the devas, he requested Vishwakarma to make
palace for him. After Indra killed Vritra, Indra had Vishwakarma redo the palace and make it more
grand multitudinous times.

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• Palace for Kubera: This palace near Alakapuri is said to be most beautiful gardens in the
universe. These were created by Vishwakarma.
• On an invitation of Lord Krishna, He also built the city “Indraprastha” for Pandavas.
• Lankapuri: This city, made entirely of gold, was originally created by Vishwakarma and as per
mythology, demons like Sumali and his brothers seized the city from Vishwakarma and later,
Ravana took over and started ruling. After Ravana’s death in the Ramayana, Vibhishana, his
righteous brother, ruled for a very long time.
• Dwaraka: When Jarasandha kept attacking the Yadavas at Mathura, Krishna and the Yadavas
moved to an island near Saurashtra. There, Krishna invoked Vishwakarma to build a beautiful
city.
• Yamapuri: Vishwakarma also created Yamapuri for God Yama and his other advisors and
ministers.
• Shraddhavati: This is the city of Varuna. It was built by Vishwakarma in the ocean.
In the Yajurveda, Purusha Sukta and the tenth mandala of the Rigveda, his character and attributes are
merged with the concept of Hiranyagharbha/Prajapathy or Brahma. Tvastar is mentioned 65 times in
the Ṛgveda and is the former of the bodies of men and animals,' and invoked when desiring offspring,
called garbha-pati or the lord of the womb.

As per the Ṛgveda, Tvastar, also known as Rathakāra, belongs to the clan of the Bhṛgus. Similarly, as
mentioned in the epic Mahabharata, Tvastar or the Rathakāra is Śukrācārya's son, Śukrācārya (the
mentor of the asuras) is Bhṛgu's grandson and Vāruṇibhṛgu's son. He is the father of Saranyu, who twice
bears twins to Vivasvat (RV 8.26.21), including Yama and Yami, also identified as the first
humans. Tvastar is a solar deity in the Mahabharata and the Harivaṃśa. He is mentioned as the son
of Kāśyapa and Aditi and is said to have made the three worlds with pieces of the Surya.

Swati Nakshatra is the 15th Nakshatra as per Hindu astrology in Bootes constellation.

Swati is ruled by Vayu, the God of the Wind. The word for air (Vayu) or wind (Pavana) is one of
the classical elements in Hinduism.

Pavan is also a common Hindu name. Pavana played an important role in Anjana's begetting Hanuman
as her child so Hanuman is also called Pavanaputra "son of Pavana" and Vāyuputra.
In the hymns, Vayu is "described as having 'exceptional beauty' and moving noisily in his shining coach,
driven by two or forty-nine or one-thousand white and purple horses. A white banner is his main
attribute." Like the other atmospheric deities, he is a "fighter and destroyer", "powerful and heroic."

“Vayu, in his aspect of up lifter of oblation. This elevation of the heart is also worship, and thus
the devas come near to faith, inspired by Vayu.”

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Rig Veda 10, 151

Vāyu-Vāta is the Avestan language name of a dual-natured Zoroastrian divinity of the wind (Vayu) and of
the atmosphere (Vata). The names are also used independently of one another, with 'Vayu' occurring
more frequently than 'Vata', but even when used independently still representing the other aspect.

Both the words Vāta and Vāyu have almost identical meanings in Sanskrit or Vedic traditions. Although
there is no god representing Vata in Vedic religion, there is the god Vayu representing air as mentioned
above. The word Vata is still used today in many Indian languages to denote atmosphere. Atmosphere in
Hindi, Marathi etc., is called Vatavaran.

In East Asian Buddhism, Vāyu is a Dharmapala and often classed as one of the Twelve Devas grouped
together as directional guardians. He presides over the northwest direction.
In Japan, he is called "Fūten". He is included with the other eleven devas, which include Taishakuten
(Śakra/Indra), Katen (Agni), Enmaten (Yama), Rasetsuten (Nirṛti/Rākṣasa), Ishanaten (Īśāna),
Bishamonten (Vaiśravaṇa/Kubera), Suiten (Varuna) Bonten (Brahmā), Jiten (Pṛthivī), Nitten
(Sūrya/Āditya), and Gatten (Candra).

Vishakha Nakshatra is the 16th Nakshatra as per Hindu astrology in Librae constellation.
Vishakha is ruled by Indra and Agni, who represent the powers of heat and lightning in the atmosphere.

Indrāṇī is considered, “Queen of the Gods.” Among the Navagraha, she is associated with Śūkra (Venus)
as his overruler. She is the consort of Indra and daughter of the Asura.

She is called the goddess of anger, wrath, and jealousy. She is also named Sachi/Shachi (Śakti), as well
as Aindri, Vajri, Mahendri, Pulomaja, and Poulomi. A hymn in the Rigveda describes her jealousy of
rivals. Being the goddess of jealousy, she is believed to help in destroying jealousy.

According to ancient Vedas, she was a female shadow of Indra, but other Vedic literature suggests that
she actually developed the idea of Śakti (what a fantastic “shadow”) and became the role model for all
Devi in the later period. Unlike most other devi, Shachi/Indrāṇī is an independent force. In fact, rather
than Indrāṇī being named after Indra, it’s Indra who was named after Indrāṇī.

Indrāṇī rides/is associated with lions and elephants and, like Indra, rides a charging white elephant. She
is the essence of beauty and was referred to as “The Endless Beauty” in Hindu epics and very beautiful in
the Rigveda, with exceptionally beautiful eyes (one thousand of them). According to the Taittiriya
Brahman, Indra desires Indrāṇī as his wife above all others [simply] because of her captivating,
voluptuous features. She’s dark-skinned, with two, four, or six arms and is armed with the Vajra

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(thunderbolt), goad, noose and lotus stalk. Adorned with variety of ornaments, she wears the kiriṭa
mukuṭa.

Indrāṇī’s consort, Indra, killed her own father, Puloman, as he was an Asura. Indrāṇī and Indra were
parents to Jayanta, Jayanti, Midhusa, Nilambara, Rbhus, Rsabha, and Chitragupta.

Anuradha Nakshatra is the 17th Nakshatra as per Hindu astrology in Scorpionis constellation.

Anuradha is ruled by Rig Vedic God Mitra, the Divine Friend. Mitra is a divinity of Rig Vedic
culture, whose function changed with time. In the Mitanni inscription of ancient Babylonian
kingdom, Mitra is invoked as one of the protectors of treaties as captured below:

In the Rigveda, Mitra appears primarily in the dvandva compound Mitra-Varuna, which has
essentially the same attributes as Varuna alone. In the late Vedic texts and the Brahmanas,
Mitra is increasingly associated with the light of dawn and the morning sun (while Varuna
becomes associated with the evening, and ultimately the night). In the post-Vedic texts – in
which Mitra practically disappears – Mitra evolved into the patron divinity of friendship, and
because he is "friend", abhors all violence, even when sacred.
índram mitráṃ váruṇam agním āhur / átho divyáḥ sá suparṇó garútmān

ékaṃ sád víprā bahudhâ vadanty / agníṃ yamám mātaríśvānam āhuḥ

"They call him Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni / and he is heavenly nobly-winged Garutman."

"To what is One, sages give many a title / they call it Agni, Yama, Matarisvan." (trans. Griffith)

– Rigveda 1.164.46

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In the Atharvaveda, Mitra is associated with sunrise, and accordingly, Mitra is worshipped in the
sunrise prayers of the Hindus. The morning upasthaana prayer, recited to the risen sun after
contemplation on the sacred Gayatri mantra, is a collection of Vedic verses addressing Mitra.
Mitra is also the name of an Indo-Iranian divinity from which the names and some characteristics of
Rigvedic Mitrá and Avestan Mithra derive. The name Mithra was adopted by the Greeks and
Romans as Mithras, chief figure in the mystery religion of Mithraism.

Jyeshtha Nakshatra is the 18th Nakshatra as per Hindu astrology in Scorpionis constellation.

Jyeshta is ruled by Indra, the ruler of the Gods. Indra is praised as the highest god in 250 hymns
of the Rigveda

इन्द्रस्य नु वीययाणि प्र वोचं ययनन
चकयर प्रथमयनन वज्री ।
अहन्द्नहहमन्द्वपस्ततर्ा प्र वक्षिय
अभिनत्पवातयनयम ् ॥१।।
अहन्द्नहहं पवाते भिश्रिययिं त्वष्टयस्मै
वज्रं स्वयं ततक्ष ।
वयिय इव धेनवः स्यन्द्र्मयनय अञ्जः
समुरमव जग्मुरयपः ॥२।।
1. Now I shall proclaim the heroic deeds of Indra,
those foremost deeds that the mace-wielder
performed:
He smashed the serpent. He bowed out the waters.
He split the bellies of the mountains.
2. He smashed the serpent resting on the
mountain—for him Tvaṣṭar had fashioned the
resounding [sunlike] mace.
Like bellowing milk-cows, streaming out, the waters
went straight down to the sea.

—Rigveda, 1.32.1–2

In the Brahmavaivarta Purana, Indra defeats Vritra and releases the waters. In post-Vedic texts, Indra’s
importance declines, and he evolves into a minor deity in comparison to others in the Hindu pantheon,
such as Shiva, Vishnu, or Devi. In Puranic mention, he becomes a source of nuisance rains sent out of
anger with an intent to hurt mankind and Krishna as an avatar of Vishnu, comes to the rescue by lifting
Mount Govardhana on his fingertip, and letting mankind shelter under the mountain till Indra exhausts his
anger and relents. In the post-Vedic period, he rides a large, four-tusked white elephant called Airavata.
The Sangam literature also describes Indhira Vizha (festival for Indra), the festival for want of rain,
celebrated for one full month starting from the full moon in Chitrai and aspects of Indra as a deity are
cognate to other Indo-European gods; they are thunder gods such as Thor, Perun, and Zeus who share
parts of his heroic mythologies, act as king of gods, and all are linked to "rain and thunder".

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Mula Nakshatra is the 19th Nakshatra as per Hindu astrology in Scorpionis constellation.
The Mula constellation is at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy (Galactic Center). Mula (or Moola)
Nakshatra is the Vedic constellation which translates as “the root.” It is that this location during winter
solstice (Dec 23rd, 24th and 25th), the sun rises to its lowest point for people of northern hemisphere and
appears as reborn from the darkness, symbolizing rebirth and the renewal of life. Ancient Egyptians
believed that the Sun God (RA) dies and is reborn during this time of winter solstice.

In Hindu mythology, Mula is ruled by Nirriti, the Goddess of destruction. It has the power to ruin or
destroy. Nirriti is the Hindu goddess of deathly hidden realms and sorrows, one of the dikpāla ("guardians
of the directions"), representing the southwest. The name Nirriti has the meaning of "absence of ṛta",
meaning 'disorder', or 'lawlessness', specifically the absence of divine or cosmic order.

Nirṛtī is a Ketu-ruled nakshatra in the Vedic astrology, strongly associated with Kali in the form
of Dhumavati. Nirṛtī is mentioned in a few hymns of the Rigveda, mostly to seek protection from her or
imploring for her during a possible departure. In one hymn (X.59), she is mentioned several times. This
hymn, after summing up her nature, also asks for her in departure from the sacrificial site.
In the Atharvaveda (V.7.9), she is described as having golden locks.
In the Taittiriya Brahmana (I.6.1.4), Nirṛtī is described as dark, dressed in dark clothes and her sacrificial
shares are dark husks.
In the sacred Shatapatha Brahmana (X.1.2.9), she is associated with the southwest quarter as her region.
In the Vedas, Nirṛti represented the lightless realm of disorder that was held at bay by ṛta and the Vedic
rituals. In later Hindu thought, this realm of non-existence was replaced with various hell realms, and Nirṛti
was re-conceptualized as a deity- the daughter of Adharma (the embodiment of non-dharmic behavior)
and mother of Naraka, a personification of the hell realms.
In Puranic story, Nirṛtī is known as Alakshmi and below is Srisukta mantra.
kṣhutpipāsāmalāṁ jyeṣṭhām alakṣmīṁ nāśayāmyaham,
abhūtimasamṛddhiṁ cha sarvāṁ nirṇuda me gṛihāt.
I shall venerate the elder sister of Lakshmi, Alakshmi, the embodiment of inauspiciousness and such evil
as hunger, thirst, and the like for extinguishing such qualities from me. O Lakshmi! Drive out from my
abode all misfortune and poverty.

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Purva Ashadha Nakshatra is the 20th Nakshatra as per Hindu astrology in Sagittarius constellation.

Purvashadha is ruled by the Waters (Apas). Ap (áp-) is the Vedic Sanskrit term for "water.

Apas is also the Avestan language term for "the waters” and Āb (plural Ābān) is the Middle Persian-
language form. The ape zaothra ceremony—the culminating rite of the Yasna service (which is in turn the
principal act of worship)—is literally for the "strengthening of the waters. The Indo-Iranian word also
survives as the Persian word for water, āb, e.g. in Punjab (from panj-āb "five waters"). In Tamil, Ap means
water, and has references in poetry.

In the Rigveda, several hymns are dedicated to "the waters" (āpas): 7.49, 10.9, 10.30, 10.47. In the oldest
of these, 7.49, the waters relate to the drought of Indra. Agni, the god of fire, has a close association with
water and is often referred to as Apām Napāt "offspring of the waters". In Vedic astrology, the female
deity Apah is the presiding deity of the Purva Ashadha asterism, meaning "first of the aṣāḍhā", with
aṣāḍhā "the invincible one" being the name of the greater constellation.
In the most celebrated hymn of creation – Nasadiya Sutktha which occurs in the Tenth Book of Rig Veda,
as also in the Vak Suktha (RV.10.8.125) and in the Hiranya-garbha Suktha (RV. 10.121 ) the
terms Salila and Apah represent Great Waters or the primeval waters or the primeval matter of creation.
They stand for the manifest as also for the un-manifest primeval matter: Prakrti or Vak or Aditi or Viraj.

The Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa, refers to water as the first creation. In the be-ginning there was only a creator
from whom the water formed, from it, the foam was formed- Prajāpatirvā idamagra āsīt / tasmāt
puruṣāttaptāpo jāyante, apāṁ taptānāṁ pheno jāyate (VI-1.3)

Apam Napat is a deity in the Indo-Iranian pantheon associated with water. In Yasht 19 of the Zoroastrian
Avesta Apąm Napāt appears as the creator of mankind. However, since in Zoroastrianism Ahura Mazdā
is venerated as supreme creator, this function of Apąm Napāt has become reduced.

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Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra is the 21st Nakshatra as per Hindu astrology in Sagittarius constellation.

Uttarashadha is ruled by the Universal Gods (Vishvedevas).

The Visvedevas are the various Vedic gods taken together as a whole. In the Rigveda a number of
hymns are addressed to them, including (according to Griffith) 1.89, 3.54-56, 4.55, 5.41-51, 6.49-52, 7.34-
37, 39, 40, 42, 43, 8.27-30, 58, 83 10.31, 35, 36, 56, 57, 61-66, 92, 93, 100, 101, 109, 114, 126, 128,
137, 141, 157, 165, 181.
RV 3.54.17 addresses them as headed by Indra: This is, ye Wise, your great and glorious title, that all ye
Deities abide in Indra. (trans. Griffith)
Though many devas are named in the Rig Veda only 33 devas are counted, eleven each of earth, space
and heaven. In later Hindu scriptures, they form one of the nine ganadevatas (along with the Adityas,
Vasus, Tushitas, Abhasvaras, Anilas, Maharajikas, Sadhyas, and Rudras). According to the Vishnu
Purana, they were the sons of Vishvā, a daughter of Daksha, enumerated as follows: 1. Vasu 2. Satya 3.
Kratu 4. Daksha, 5. Kala 6. Kama 7. Dhrti 8. Kuru 9. Pururavas 10. Madravas, with two others added by
some, 11. Rocaka or Locana, 12. Dhvani Dhuri
Sometimes it is unclear whether a reference to Vishve-devas refers to all Devas collectively, as in the
Rigveda, or to the specific group as enumerated in the Puranas.
According to Manu (iii, 90, 121), offerings should be made daily to the Visvedevas. These privileges were
bestowed on them by Brahma and the Pitri as a reward for severe austerities they had performed on the
Himalaya.
The Viswadevas incarnated on Earth due to the curse of sage Vishwamitra, as the 5 sons
of Draupadi with the Pandavas - the Upapandavas. They returned to their original form after being killed
by Ashwatthama at night.

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Sravana Nakshatra is the 22nd Nakshatra as per Hindu astrology in Aquilae constellation.

Shravana is ruled by Vishnu, the preserver among the great trinity of Hindu deities.

In the Vedic hymns, Vishnu is invoked alongside other deities, especially Indra, whom he helps in killing
the symbol of evil named Vritra. His distinguishing characteristic in Vedas is his association with light.
Two Rigvedic hymns in Mandala 7 refer to Vishnu. In section 7.99 of the Rigveda, Vishnu is addressed as
the god who separates heaven and earth, a characteristic he shares with Indra. In the Vedic texts, the
deity or god referred to as Vishnu is Surya or Savitr (Sun god), who also bears the name Suryanarayana.
Again, this link to Surya is a characteristic Vishnu shares with fellow Vedic deities named Mitra and Agni,
wherein different hymns, they too "bring men together" and cause all living beings to rise and impel them
to go about their daily activities.
In the Yajurveda, Taittiriya Aranyaka (10.13.1), "Narayana sukta", Narayana is mentioned as the supreme
being. The first verse of "Narayana Suktam" mentions the words paramam padam, which literally mean
'highest post' and may be understood as the 'supreme abode for all souls'.

Shravana or Śravaṇa (Sanskrit: श्रवण) is derived from the root श्रवः (hearing or the ear), and means – 'the
ear', 'the hypotenuse of a triangle', 'the act of hearing', 'study', 'fame', 'glory', 'that which is heard or
revealed'.
In Hindu philosophy and rituals, the hearing of the secrets of the Upanishads from the Guru is called
Shravana which secrets are meant to be reflected upon to gain intellectual conviction. One learns by
hearing, it is the first stage of learning, the initiation when the traditional Vedic doctrines are passed on by
the teachers.

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Dhanishta Nakshatra is the 23d Nakshatra as per Hindu astrology.

Dhanishta is ruled by the eight Vasus, the Gods of abundance that rule the earthly sphere. Aditi
(Daughter of King Daksha) with sage Kashyapa (Son of Marichi) had 33 sons who are referred as
Devas. Twelve are called Aditya including Surya that form 12 months of Hindu calendar, eleven are
called Rudras and eight are called Vasus. Aditi (Sanskrit: अदिति "limitless") is mother of the gods
(devamata) and all twelve zodiacal spirits from whose cosmic matrix, the heavenly bodies were born. She
may be seen as a feminized form of Brahma and associated with the primal substance (mulaprakriti) in
Vedanta. She is mentioned nearly 80 times in the Rigveda.

The deities which preside over Dhanishta are the eight Vedic devas known as the Vasus, personifications
of the cosmic energies: Agni, Prithvi, Vāyu, Antariksha, Āditya, Dyaus, Chandramas, and Nakṣatrani.
Vasu translates as “good,” “superb,” or “beneficent,” as well as “wealthy” or “possessing property,” and so
all these things, as well as valuable naturally occurring materials, are associated with Dhaniṣṭha. The
Vasus are assigned to Dhaniṣṭha in their role of energy sources. For example, charity and a capacity to
control or command are also innate features of the Vayus and impart appropriate characteristics on
Dhaniṣṭha.

Each Vasu is a star (sun) and each has a special domain on the different realms of existence. None of
them can exist along with materialism. They are the very antithesis of matter. Dhaniṣṭha, therefore
completely yet gradually eliminates material attachments from the individual and enables the soul to
express itself freely and directly.16

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Shatabhishak Nakshatra is the 24th Nakshatra as per Hindu astrology.

Shatabhishak is ruled by Varuna, the God of the cosmic waters. Varuna is a Vedic deity associated
initially with the sky, later also with the seas as well as Ṛta (justice) and Satya (truth). He is found in the
oldest layer of Vedic literature of Hinduism, such as hymn 7.86 of the Rigveda. He is also mentioned in
the Tamil grammar work Tolkāppiyam, as the god of sea and rain. He is said to be the son of Kashyapa
(one of the seven ancient sages)

In the Hindu Puranas, Varuna is the god of oceans, his vehicle is a Makara (crocodile) and his weapon is
a Pasha (noose, rope loop). He is the guardian deity of the western direction. In some texts, he is the
father of the Vedic sage Vasishtha.
Varuna is found in Japanese Buddhist mythology as Suiten. He is also found in Jainism
In the earliest layer of the Rigveda, Varuna is the guardian of moral law, one who punishes those who sin
without remorse, and who forgives those who err with remorse. He is mentioned in many Rigvedic hymns,
such as 7.86–88, 1.25, 2.27–30, 8.8, 9.73 and others. His relationship with waters, rivers and oceans is
mentioned in the Vedas.]Vedic poets describe him as an aspect and one of the plural perspectives of the
Agni, one of the Primary deity. For example, hymn 5.3 of the Rigveda states:
You at your birth are Varuna, O Agni.
When you are kindled, you are Mitra.
In you, O son of strength, all gods are centered.
You are Indra to the mortal who brings oblation.
You are Aryaman, when you are regarded as having
the mysterious names of maidens, O Self-sustainer.

— Rigveda 5.3.1–2

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Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra is the 25th Nakshatra as per Hindu astrology.

Purva Bhadra is ruled by Aja Ekapad, the one-footed serpent or goat. Ajaikapada Bhairava Temple is
dedicated to Ekapada Bhairava - an aspect of Shiva

Aja Ekapada is also worshiped as a form of Lord Shiva and a transport vehicle of Agni, the god of fire. It
gives the fire to raise a spiritual person up in life (yajamana vdyamana shakti). Aja Ekapada represents
the unborn, transcendent cosmic energy. The goat is a simple, harmless milk-producing animal which
requires almost nothing for its sustenance. However, in the Vedas this deity has been extolled to great
heights. He is considered as infinity, an entity without emotion or speech. As Aja, the unborn, he is
worshipped as a form of Śiva and is a vehicle of Agni (fire).

The Agama text Amsumadbhedagama mentions that Ekapada-Trimurti is like the Ekanetra and Ekarudra
aspects of Shiva and is one of the Vidyeshvara aspects. He wears a jata-mukuta (a headdress formed of
piled, matted hair) and white silken garments. He has three eyes and a pacific appearance. He holds a
trishula (trident) and a tanka (small hammer) in two of his four arms and gestures in varada mudra (the
boon-giving gesture) and abhaya mudra (the gesture of reassurance.

Another Agama text, the Uttara-Karanagama, also describes Ekapada-Trimurti as one of the
Vidyeshvaras. He stands erect (the samabhanga posture) on his one leg on a lotus pedestal (padma
pitha). He has three eyes and four arms and is clear as crystal in color. His back hands carry a trisula or
mriga (deer) and a tanka and his four hands gesture in varada mudra and abhaya mudra. He wears
ordinary kundala earrings or pearl ones and the jata-mukuta. From the right and left of his body emerge
Brahma and Vishnu respectively.

The Linga Purana describes Shiva as "the lord who has one foot, four arms, three eyes and a trident and
who is stationed after creating Vishnu from his left side and four-headed Brahma from his right side.

Ekapada icons are found in most of the important Shiva temples in South India.
In Orissa, Ekapada-Bhairava is essentially a Tantric deity. Tantric texts explicitly associate him with the
Vedic Aja Ekapada, fire/Agni, sacrifice, the cosmic pillar of the universe, and the Yogini goddesses, who
are also linked to the Saptamatrikas.

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Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra is the 26th Nakshatra as per Hindu astrology.

Uttara Bhadra is ruled by Ahir Budhnya, the serpent of the depths of the atmosphere.

Ahir Budhnya, the benefic serpent of the depths of the Atmosphere, symbolizes fertility, kundalini energy,
and need for seclusion that is experienced in this nakshatra. It brings the power of rain and stability
and connects us with the creative powers at the foundations of the world. There can be tremendous
psychic ability and a snake-like quality that allows Uttara Bhādrapadā people to explore all the nooks and
crannies of life. This serpent of the primeval depths, which can also refer to the depths of the sky, suggets
both movement and seclusion (or maybe even movement in seclusion or secrecy), as well as an
implication of solitude and retirement. Like Ajaikapada, Ahirbudhnya can reference the power that the
Tantrikas call the Kundalini Shakti, an energy which once activated initiates a process of spiritual
evolution which climaxes in supreme wisdom, knowledge, enlightenment, and sometimes extraordinary
abilities or awareness.

The Ahirbudhnya Saṃhitā belongs to the Pancharatra religion, is a Vaishnava tantrika composition, and
was composed possibly over several centuries within the 1st millennium of the Common Era, after 300
CE. Ahirbudhnya-Saṃhitā literally means a compendium (Samhita) of the serpent-from-the-depths (from
ahi for serpent and budhna for bottom / root). In the Ahirbudhnya Samhita, Vishnu emanated in 39
different forms. The Samhita is characteristic for its concept of Sudarshana. It provides mantras for Shakti
and Sudarshana and details the method of worship of the multi-armed Sudarshana. Its chapters include
explanations on the origin of astras (weapons), anga (mantras), Vyuhas, sounds, and diseases, how to
make Sudarshana Purusha appear, how to resist divine weapons and black magic, and provides method
for making and worshipping the Sudarshana Yantra

The Ahirbudhnya recognizes one of the eleven Rudras; that is Shiva himself in his Satvik form, in the
form of a teacher. In the Veda ahi budhna (serpent of the bottom) is an atmospheric god who Schrader
says merged with Rudra-Siva (Pashupati); with Ahi Budhanya in later Vedic texts connected to Agni
Grahapatya, suggesting this was a benevolent being and not the malevolent Ahi Vritra. Ahirbudhnya and
Aja-Ekapada had their share of allocated ghriya (Grihyasutra) rituals. In later puranic literature,
Ahirbudhnaya becomes one of the 11 Rudras.

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Revati Nakshatra is the 27th Nakshatra as per Hindu astrology.

Revati is governed by Pushan, the nourishing form of the Sun God, sometimes identified with the power
of seeing. It has the power of nourishment symbolized by milk (kshiradyapani shakti). Its basis above is
the cows. Its basis below is the calves. These three bring about the nourishment of the entire world.

Pushan, “the nurturer,” is one of the 12 Ādityas and regarded as the protector of flocks and herds and
invoked in the Vedas for safe travel. He also helps to recover lost items and animals. Therefore, this is a
good nakshatra for the Moon to be residing in when one is beginning a search for starting a long journey.
Pushan is associated with fertility, rapid growth, abundance and providing shelter. He is the keeper of the
sacred cows of the gods and provides nourishment and protection to all animals. Thus, a love of animals
can be experienced in Revati.

Pushan, who is also associated with finding lost creatures and articles, is the keeper of the cows of the
gods, and his nurturing signifies breeding and foster care.
Ten hymns in the Rigveda are dedicated to Pūṣan (including one jointly to Soma and Pūṣan and another
to Indra and Pūṣan). Some of these hymns appeal to him to guard livestock and find lost livestock. His
chariot is pulled by goats. Sometimes he is described as driving the Sun in its course across the sky. He
seems to represent the sun as a guardian of flocks and herds. Pushan is also regarded as Kavi, who in
turn became an epiphet of several gods and further a title signifying "king".
According to a narrative found in the Taittiriya Samhita, Rudra was excluded from the Daksha yajna, an
important sacrifice in honor of various deities. He, in anger, pierced the sacrifice with an arrow and
Pushan broke his teeth as he attempted to eat a part of the oblation. The later versions of this narrative
are found in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Puranas. In these versions, Rudra (or Shiva) was
angry because his father-in-law, Daksha, the sacrifice, did not invite him. Shiva, in anger, kicked Pushan
and knocked out his teeth as he was eating the oblation. In the Puranic versions, Virabhadra, created
by Shiva from a lock of his matted hair, knocked out Pushan's teeth.

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Let us now study on Origin of Solar Dynasty - 12

Zodiac and 12 Sun Gods (12 Months of a
calendar Year)
As per Vedic astrology, the 12 Adityas (Sun Gods) are the energies of the Sun placed in various zodiac
signs that forms 12 months of a year.

Sage Kashyapa is the father of all the Asuras and Devas that gave birth to all-star constellations and
planets with wife Diti and Aditi. In Vedic astrology, some planets and star constellations are considered
“good” and some “bad” that form Devas and Asuras.

Rig Vedic verse "Daksha sprang from Aditi and Aditi from Daksha" is a reference to "the eternal cyclic
re-birth of the same divine Essence". Aditi was attributed the status of first deity by the Vedic culture and
she gave birth to Daksha and in re-birth, she is again daughter of Daksha married to Sage Kashyap.

Aditi (Daughter of King Daksha) with sage Kashyapa (Son of Marichi) had 33 sons who are referred
as Devas. Twelve are called Aditya including Surya that form 12 months of Hindu calendar, eleven are
called Rudras and eight are called Vasus. Aditi (Sanskrit: अहिहि "limitless") is mother of the gods
(devamata) and all twelve zodiacal spirits from whose cosmic matrix, the heavenly bodies were born. She
may be seen as a feminized form of Brahma and associated with the primal substance (mulaprakriti) in
Vedanta. She is mentioned nearly 80 times in the Rigveda.

Diti (Other Daughter of King Daksha) with the sage Kashyapa gave birth to the Daityas (Sanskrit:
िै त्य). These are a clan or race of Asura . They are referred as Danavas. Below are notable Daityas or
race of Asuras.

• Hiranyakashipu - eldest son of Kashyap and Diti

• Hiranyaksha - second son of Kashyapa and Diti
• Holika - daughter of Kashyapa and Diti

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The Age of Aries commenced around 2000 B.C and it was during this time the Ram became sacred
to Amon, the solar deity of Egypt and same goes with Hindu calendars too. If you notice Hindu
rituals, Mesha Sankranti (also called Mesha Sankramana or Hindu New Year) refers to the first day
of the solar cycle year that is the solar New Year in the Hindu luni-solar calendar. Mesha
Sankranti falls on 13 April usually, sometimes 14 April. This day is the basis for major Hindu, Sikh
and Buddhist festivals, of which Vaisakhi and Vesak are the most well-known.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesha_Sankranti

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In the Egyptian book of the Underworld called Amduat there are twelve divisions indicating
the zones of the zodiac through which the soul, as sun, must journey on its way back to its sacred
seat. Sun God with RAM head (Aries) is shown travelling in a boat. Vedic Astrology and energies
of Adityas (The Sun GOD) that forms 12 months of a year starts from Aries (Mesha) and below is
reference of Rig Veda.

“Dhatar, the great Creator, then formed in due order Sun and Moon.He formed in order Heaven
and Earth, the regions of the air, and light.”– Rig Veda

Ancient Egyptian deities have almost complete similarities in terms of stories, usage of lotus, vahanas
with that of Hindu Deities based on star constellations. Daksha with RAM head (Aries) is creator God in
Hindu mythology and his counterpart in Egypt is the creator god Khnum (shown with RAM head as
below).

Star Myths have influenced development of religions and also human writing system. Just check the
evolution of Letter A from Taurus (Sacred Bull)

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Coming back to Star Mythology, Asuras (Sons of Diti) were evil and as per Hindu mythology, whenever
evil prevails, Lord Vishnu is said to descend in form of an avatar to restore cosmic order. More
information of Avatars can be found @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashavatara.

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When the Sun resides on the gates at an equinox or solstice, it represents a Galactic Alignment and
Great Celestial Conjunction. In Greek myth, the Gate of Man corresponds with the crossing of the Milky
Way and ecliptic at 5° Gemini/Taurus (sidereal zodiac) while the Gate of God corresponds with the
crossing of the Milky Way and ecliptic in 5° Sagittarius/Capricorn (Makara).
Understanding ancient astronomy, it appears that in most of ancient myths, the Milky Way formation or
Solstice axis was visualized as path to heaven. In some myths, it was believed to be Tree of life (path of
souls). We can see similar representation even in Indus valley seals as shown below.

In Puranic reference, Lord Yama as represented from Orion constellation shown below with his two
dogs(Canis major and Minor) was lord of Naraka(Underworld) and his vahana(vehicle)
was Taurus(represented as Buffalo or Bull) and his duty was to direct the soul to a Swarga (heaven) or
return it to Bhoomi (earth) based on human deeds(God or Bad Karma).If one’s soul were to rise to
heaven after death to the Milky Way(path of soul) it had to pass through a gate(via constellations) and
again we should note that the position of this gate(constellation) changes based on earth's axial
precession.

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Currently in Hinduism, it is during same period of Winter Solstice, the Vaishnava (Worshipers/Followers
of Vishnu of Hinduism) celebrate Vaikuntha Ekadashi and as per Vaishnava sect, they believe that
‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to the Lord's Inner Sanctum’ is opened on this day. The Shaiva sect
observes the day as Trikoti Ekadashi. In same coincidence, we also have Christmas being celebrated at
same time all over world during Winter Solstice. It was during same day, ancient Egyptians believed that
the Sun (RA) dies and is reborn in winter solstice. During winter solstice, the sun rises to its lowest point
in the norther hemisphere sky and stands still for three days which symbolizes death and then after
midwinter, the sun is reborn from the darkness, symbolizing rebirth and the renewal of life.

Star Wars between Devas and Asuras:

Shukra (Venus Planet) is the name of a son of Sage Bhrigu (one of the Saptarishis (Big Dipper
constellation)). He was the guru of Daityas / Asuras, and is also referred to
as Shukracharya or Asuracharya in various Hindu texts. When Shukra was young, Shukra (Venus
Planet) and Brihaspati (Jupiter Planet) studied under the same guru, Sage Angirasa, who
was Brihaspati's father. Shukra was known to be more knowledgeable than Brihaspati, but he was
disturbed by Angirasa's favoritism for his son Brihaspati.

During this period Brihaspati (Jupiter) became the Guru of the Devas. Due to the hatred Shukracharya
(Venus) became the Guru of Asuras. He helped them achieve victory over the Devas and used his
knowledge to revive the dead and wounded among them. The planets Mercury and Saturn are
considered friendly to Shukra, the Sun, the Moon and Jupiter are hostile, and the rest are considered
neutral. Lunar nodes like Rahu and Ketu are also referred as bad planets (Asuras). You can find
several such mythological stories like Samudra mantan under Milky Way mythologies captured in my
blog with reference link given below.

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With reference to Samudra mantan(churning the Ocean of Milk for elixir of immortality) particular, Lord
Hari(Vishnu Avatar) decided to mix up a the elixir of immortality with Gods on one side and Demons on
other side. The gods were to drink the elixir to become immortal, however, the gods needed help from the
demons to stir up the oceans to produce the elixir. As per this mythological story and during churning
oceans, Hari took charge of distributing the freshly made soma to the gods but while it was being passed
out the demons started battling with the gods for a taste of the elixir and in the confusion one of the
demons, Rahu, disguised himself as a god and drank some of the elixir. When Hari (Vishnu Avatar)
noticed this, he sliced off Rahu's head with a sword, however elixir had already passed Rahu's throat and
made him immortal. Demon Rahu is enemy of Sun and Moon and the head Rahu chases the Sun and
Moon across the sky and tries to eat them causing eclipse.

If we bring science in picture, the place where the path of the Moon crosses the ecliptic moving northward
is called the ascending node (becomes Rahu) and the place where the path of the Moon crosses the
ecliptic moving south is called the descending node (becomes Ketu). Thus the Moon crosses the ecliptic
at the ascending node, roughly 14 days later crosses the ecliptic again at the descending node, and
roughly 14 days later it is back to the ascending node crossing.

Coming back to deities, Chhaya is the Hindu personification or goddess of shadow, and the consort
of Surya (Sun God). She is the shadow-image or reflection of Saranyu (Sangya), the first wife of
Surya. Chhaya was born from the shadow of Saranyu and replaced Saranyu in her house, after the
latter temporarily left unable to bear Surya's fierce splendor.

Chhaya is usually described as the mother of Shani, the god of the planet Saturn.

Haéusōs has been reconstructed as the Proto-Indo-European goddess of the dawn and Twenty-one
hymns in the Rigveda are dedicated to the dawn goddess Uṣás (Ushas).

Saranyu and her sister Chhaya (Shadow Goddess) are the wives of Lord Surya (Sun god). Children of
Surya (Sun God) by Saranyu are Yama/Yamani/Ashwins and Manu (Creator of Mankind). If we study
PIE mythology - Proto-Indo-European mythology - Wikipedia and look at Vedic Ashvins, the
Lithuanian Ašvieniai and almost all other Vedic Deities of Hinduism, we can see a Proto-Indo-European
origin.

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Navagrahas and logic behind seven days in a week:

Navagrahas are nine heavenly bodies (as well as deities) that influence human life on Earth in Hinduism
and Hindu astrology. The term is derived from Nava (Sanskrit: नव "nine") and Grahas (Sanskrit: ग्रि
"planet, seizing, laying hold of, holding".

Navagrahas in Hindu temples are devoted to Navagrahas—the nine (Nava) major celestial bodies
(Grahas) of Hindu astronomy. These temples are made of stones and are very beautiful. These celestial
bodies are named Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter),
Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node). Many temples
in South India contain a shrine dedicated to the Navagrahas.

Out of those nine planets, seven are named after the planets in the Solar System and the other two
(Rahu and Ketu) are demons in Hindu mythology.

Ancient people believed that each hour of the day was governed by one of the deities associated with the
celestial bodies. Hindu texts used the lunar cycle for setting months and days, but the solar cycle to set
the complete year. As per Hindu astrology Rahu and Ketu have an orbital cycle of 18 years and are
always 180 degrees from each other orbital. If you remove these two lunar nodes (Rahu and Ketu), you
can arrive at 7 days week as represented below:

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Order of weekdays was done with speed at which these planets crossed the sky and concluded that
the fastest object must have the shortest distance to the Earth, while the slowest object was believed to
be farthest away. These details are captured in Surya Siddhanta.

The Surya Siddhanta is an ancient Indian text on astronomy and time keeping, an idea that appears
much earlier as the field of Jyotisha (Vedanga) of the Vedic period. The text is known for some of earliest
known discussion of sexagesimal fractions and trigonometric functions. Parallax angle was used to
measure distance. It uses sine (jya), cosine (kojya or “perpendicular sine”) and inverse sine (otkram
jya) and contains the earliest use of the tangent and secant when discussing the shadow cast by a mid-
day sun with Vedic Sundial.

In Hindu Astrology, it is believed that combination of Nakshatras and Navagrahas affects a person’s
happiness, success and all-round prosperity. The good and bad, positive and negative influences of each
of these nine planets are results of factors like the specific location of the planets on the birth chart, etc.

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Planets possessing good (Sattva nature) are Jupiter, Sun and Moon. Planets bearing rajas (either good
or bad) are Venus and Mercury while planets with Bad (Tamas nature) are Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu.

The Rig-Veda also mentions an eclipse-causing demon, Svarbhānu, however the specific term Grahas
was not applied to Svarbhānu until the later Mahabharata and Ramayana. Here I would touch verses
from Ramayana and Mahabharata and refer the mention of Rohini Nakshatra and ancient observations
that is very significant.

In Hindu astronomy, Aldebaran is Rohini nakshatra and Planet Saturn is referred as Shani. The mention
of ‘Rohini Sakata Bhedanam’ in Indian literature is an event of great significance. This event occurs when
Saturn or Mars is near Rohini Nakshatra. These events are mentioned in Ramayana and during great
Mahabharata wars. Destruction happened every time this peculiar phenomenon appeared in the sky and
below is mention in Ramayana.

It forebodes evil and destruction

When Saturn leaves Krittika and nears Rohini
Sages call this “Breaking of Rohini’s wain”
It brings great sorrow and misery
Brihat Samhita XLVII// 14 // captures this event as below:

Explanation: When Saturn, Mars or a comet cuts the Wain of Rohini, what shall I say, the whole world
will perish being plunged in the ocean of misery/disaster

Maharishi Vyasa has sketched out complete mention of astronomical events leading up to the start of the
great Mahabharata war. These details have now proved extremely useful for astronomers and
researchers to ascertain possible dates for the key events of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

For example, in the Hindu epic Mahabharata, King Dhritarashtra is the King of the Kuru Kingdom and we
can find similar comparison In Bhīṣmaparva 2, Vyāsa informs King Dhritarashtra on bad omens that
happened during Mahabharata war and explains about Saturn in Rohini.

Rohiṇīṃ pīḍayanneṣa sthito rājañśanaiścaraḥ

Vyāvṛttaṃ lakṣma somasya bhaviṣyati mahadbhayam

Explanation: Saturn stands tormenting Rohini, O king. The (hare) sign of the Moon has disappeared.
There will be great danger/fear.

Moon getting disappeared in above verse refers lunar eclipse during that time.

Below is the event that I was able to locate in Stellarium in about 3066 BCE as per this verse. We can
find similar event in about 5500 BCE using Stellarium which could be reason of this event mentioned in
Ramayana verse or this could also be the older Hindu Puranic event of Great Flood. We have clear
archaeological proofs of Great Flood during these times and astronomical observations by these ancient
civilizations place a very important role to get timeline when these epics were composed.

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References:
Star Myths: https://ancientstarmyths.blogspot.com/

Night Sky Planetarium: Stellarium - https://stellarium.org/

Verses are taken from Sacred Texts: https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m06/m06003.htm

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