Surya Siddhanta is a revered Hindu text, stands as a testimony to the deep-rooted intellectualism that characterized ancient Bharat.
The ancient Bharatiya texts on Astronomy are classified broadly into two main types:
1. Works of distinguished pioneers of astronomy like Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, etc. whose compilations are well known around the world and most popular in the field of astronomical sciences.
2. Works of authors, who preferred anonymity with a definite motive of representing these as a direct transmission from their Supreme Gods. These were called Siddhantas.
Written thousands of years ago, around the 5th century CE, this treatise on astronomy and mathematics remains a treasure trove of information, insight, and innovation. In fact, some scholars believe that it may have even been composed as early as the 3rd century BCE.
The name of the text is derived from the Hindu sun god, Surya, while “siddhanta” refers to an established doctrine. The Surya Siddhanta is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the movements of celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and planets.
It also provides intricate details about eclipses and the phases of the moon, making it an essential read for astronomers and astrology enthusiasts alike.
Moreover, the text includes a wealth of mathematical calculations that enable the precise determination of the positions of celestial bodies at any given time.
Perhaps one of the most noteworthy contributions of the Surya Siddhanta is its accurate calculation of the length of a tropical year. This refers to the amount of time it takes for the Earth to complete one orbit around the sun.
The text estimates that a tropical year lasts approximately 365.2563627 days, which is strikingly close to the modern value of 365.2421904 days. This highlights the remarkable accuracy of ancient Bharatiya astronomers and mathematicians.
The Surya Siddhanta also delves into the intricacies of trigonometry and geometry, with a particular focus on the use of sine and cosine functions.
This knowledge would later be used to develop the revolutionary concept of zero, which transformed the field of mathematics and was eventually adopted by cultures across the globe.
Overall, the Surya Siddhanta remains a significant text that reflects the advanced knowledge and intellectual prowess of ancient Bharatiya astronomers and mathematicians.
Its precise calculations and detailed explanations of celestial movements continue to inspire and inform the fields of astronomy and mathematics, even centuries after its creation.
Surya Siddhanta mentions that how Maya, a powerful demon, practiced Sun worship to gain complete knowledge of Astronomy, which is regarded as the superior Vedic science.
The Surya Siddhanta may not have explicitly described the concept of gravitation, its detailed observations of celestial movements and mathematical calculations demonstrate a deep understanding of the natural world and the forces that govern it.
The Surya Siddhanta also provides calculations for determining the positions and movements of celestial bodies, which rely on an understanding of the forces acting on them.
(This article has been compiled from the tweet thread originally tweeted by 𝐒𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐑𝐚𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐚 ζ(1/2 + i σₙ )=0 (@SrinivasR1729) on March 11, 2023.)
