Understanding Origin of Mythologies
A blog on myths related to Solstices and Constellations along with comparative analysis with other cultures
Star Myths
By : Arvind Bhagwath
Festivals in Hinduism like Vaikunta Ekadashi during winter solstice (Dec-Jan) haunted me to find the connection between human and God via Heaven Gate. The Vaishnava (Worshipers/Followers of Vishnu) sect believes that 'Vaikunta Dwaram' or 'the gate' to the 'Lord's Inner Sanctum' is opened on this day. We see chariot festivals in almost every major temples and millions visit their respective temples in India during this day. People believe that the dwaram (passage) is opened only on Vaikuntha Ekadashi and it is believed that any person who passes through this `Vaikuntha Dwaram' on this particular day attains salvation. The Shaiva sect observes the day as Trikoti Ekadashi, a religious observance where all the deities in the Hindu pantheon pay obeisance to Lord Sri Shiva. In same coincidence, we also have Christmas being celebrated at same time all over world and something made me feel that this coincidence is also related to Egyptian pyramids in which they believed that 'scared gate' enabled the deceased and mummified pharaoh to be transformed to God at same time during Winter Solstice. The idea is basically resurrection of God and this made me to investigate all the ancient symbols of Proto-Indo Europeans, Egyptians, Indus Valley,Sumerian cultures etc and was able to see almost similar myths in every culture.
Let us start with findings from one of the most ancient archaeological remains at Gobekli Tepe (Turkey) of around 11,500BCE. From the image below, you can clearly see proto-Vedic astrology carved on stone pillars as these ancient civilization located circumpolar constellations (Draco/Shishumara and Cygnus) around pole star of Northern night sky. These circumpolar constellations never seem to set and they simply rotate around the pole star that basically supported concept of Heaven/God for people of ancient civilizations. It appeared for them as these circumpolar constellations was controlling the movement of all stars and planets around it . In Hindu mythology, these circumpolar constellations are referred as Shisumara planetary system and other stars are also fixed on different sides of the Śhiśumāra planetary system according to the calculations of ancient Vedic astronomers. Even in current world and to concentrate their minds, Vedic sages worship the Śhiśumāra planetary system, which is technically known as the Kuṇḍalini-cakra. All these archaeological remains clearly show a proof that humans were aware of Astrology or Astronomy even 12000 years back that basically supported them to build culture, religion and deities based on constellations/cosmic formations in sky.
YouTube link on locating Vega using Stellarium : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RapS1LeaH08
Ancient Vishnu Sahasranamam and commentary from Adi Shankara is very interesting which refers Dhruva(Pole star) at Shishumara's tail end. This was possible only when Pole star was Thuban( 2800 - 2400 BCE). Below is night sky of 2800 BCE visualized using Stellarium. Stellarium is a planetarium software that shows exactly what you see when you look up at the stars.
Reference link for SB 5.23.3: purport: https://vedabase.io/en/library/sb/5/23/3/
Dhruvaloka(Pole Star), the abode of Lord Viṣṇu within this universe, is situated 1,300,000 yojanas from the seven stars(Big Dipper). In the planetary system of Dhruvaloka are the planets of the fire-god(Agni), Indra, Prajāpati, Kaśyapa and Dharma, all of whom are very respectful to the great devotee Dhruva, who lives on the polestar. Like bulls yoked to a central pivot, all the planetary systems revolve around Dhruvaloka, impelled by eternal time. Those who worship the virāṭ-puruṣa, the universal form of the Lord, conceive of this entire rotating system of planets as an animal known as śhiśhumāra. This imaginary śhiśhumāra is another form of the Lord. The head of the śhiśhumāra form is downward, and its body appears like that of a coiled snake. On the end of its tail is Dhruvaloka, on the body of the tail are Prajāpati, Agni, Indra and Dharma, and on the root of the tail are Dhātā and Vidhātā. On its waist are the seven great sages. The entire body of the śhiśhumāra faces toward its right and appears like a coil of stars. On the right side of this coil are the fourteen prominent stars from Abhijit to Punarvasu, and on the left side are the fourteen prominent stars from Puṣyā to Uttarāṣāḍhā. The stars known as Punarvasu and Puṣyā are on the right and left hips of the śhiśhumāra, and the stars known as Ārdrā and Aśleṣā are on the right and left feet of the śhiśhumāra. Other stars are also fixed on different sides of the Śhiśhumāra planetary system according to the calculations of Vedic astronomers. To concentrate their minds, yogīs worship the Śhiśhumāra planetary system, which is technically known as the kuṇḍalini-cakra.
Refer this link for locating Saptarishis(7 Sages) using Stellarium : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q19gZiVKy9w
NOTE: Two photos above and below are edited for explaining Mandala concept using Iconography of original photos from below site for non-commercial purpose and they have Copyright from Mark Schumacher-https://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/mandala1.shtml
Egyptologist Toby Wilkinson explained the naming as apt metaphor in Egyptian ideology. "Circumpolar stars are a very good metaphor for the afterlife because when viewed, they never seem to set: they simply rotate around the pole star. They are the undying stars, or in Egyptian terminology, the "Indestructibles", a perfect destination for the soul of the dead king".
Egyptian pyramids are precisely orientated to North pole star (Thuban during 2800 till 2000 BCE) and the Pyramids were constructed in a way that aligned with the sun's rising at the exact point of Summer and Winter Solstice. Milky Way represented Nile River and it looks exact mimic of night sky. Deities of ancient Egyptian religion were constellations or as actual stars. This cosmology helped them to identify yearly flooding of the Nile coordinated with the summer solstice, carry out religious rituals associated with respective Gods(Constellations) and further supported them as crucial event for growing crops. Below is East - West view using Stellarium application that gives clear idea on reason behind construction of ancient Pyramids.
Ancient Hindu temples too follow exactly same logic. Due to earth's precession cycle, Gemini constellations are current star gate and are represented as Dvarapalaks/Temple Guards in ancient Hindu temples.
Lion gate ( 2800 BC) acted as star gate to Heaven(the afterlife).Circumpolar stars near Draco acted as "indestructible" stars which were a constant reminder of eternity for ancient Egyptians, the afterlife location
Constellations near North Pole Star and concept of God and Heaven mythology:
As mentioned below, Earth axis encounters a motion called precession which causes our axis to trace out an imaginary circle on the celestial sphere every 26,000 years. This is the same calculation which ancient Vedic astrologers referred as Yugas.
VārāhaMihira who was the most famous Indian astronomer from ancient times identified North Pole as the location of Holy Meru in his work Pancha-Siddhāntikā and same goes with the ancient Hindu astronomical text known as the Suryasiddhanta, locates Meru as the 'Navel of the Earth'.
Many famous Buddhist and as well as Hindu temples have been built as symbolic representations of this mountain and several myths have been associated with this holy mountain. If we refer Hindu Puranas in particular, it describes that Gods reside at north direction. In one of reference to Lord Brahma's day and night, it is mentioned that his one day is equivalent to one year for humans and this appears to be based on idea that north pole has six months of sunlight and six months of darkness, which makes it day and night for one year.
Further, in Hindu rituals, the symbol with arms pointing clockwise (卐) is called swastika. If you try to locate the ancient Ramayana verse on 'Dhruvam sarve Pradakshinam' it refers Dhruvam as the pole star and these seven sages(Saptarishis) (Big Dipper) offer Pradakshinam. The word swastika is derived from the Sanskrit root swasti, which is composed of –
Su (सु) - good, well, auspicious
Asti (अस्ति) - to be or there is
Most of Hindu rituals in which devotees doing pradaskshina around God, pradaskhina in temples, holy hills, pradakshina around Agni God(Fire) during Hindu marriage rituals have been associated with this cosmology. We can find these circumpolar constellations such as Big Dipper(Swastica) and Draco in several ancient cultures as shown below:
Most of ancient scriptures describe Mount Meru/Lingam as the Central Pivot of the Universe and the entire cosmos revolves around it. 7 Sages(Big Dipper), Draco, the Sun, Moon and Stars paying obeisance while circumambulating the Holy Mountain Meru or around Shishumara Planetary system.
In ancient Hindu tantric texts, it is believed that Shakti, the feminine aspect called Kundalini lives in Human body and this energetic force rests at the base of the spine in the sacrum. The Tantric practice of Kundalini yoga is about igniting this powerful cosmic energy to ascend through the chakras that live along the axis of the spine where conscious thought is born(The Moola) and finally unite with Shiva, pure consciousness. The same symbol is even depicted within Egyptians, Mayans, Sumerians, Greek and Roman several other mythologies. This symbolism also appears in Bible as Holy Spirit.
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kundalini_yoga
Reference : Vibhuti Pada - The third chapter of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras
ध्रुवे तद्गतिज्ञानम् ॥२८॥
dhruve tadgati-jñānam ॥28॥
Explanation : Meditating on the polestar(Dhruva) engenders knowledge (jnana) ||28||
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficus_religiosa
Origin of worship around Peepal tree can be traced in Indus Valley and in Hinduism, Women circumambulate the peepal tree to be blessed with children or any desired wishes. The Skanda Purana also considers the peepal a symbol of Vishnu who is believed to have been born under this tree. Some believe that the tree houses the Trimurti, the roots being Brahma, the trunk Vishnu and the leaves Shiva. The gods are said to hold their councils under this tree and so it is associated with spiritual understanding. Bhagvad Gita particularly mentions them in more details and it's importance.
Vrukshaanaam ashwatthoham,
Ashwattah pujitoyatra pujita sarva devta;
Among trees, I am the Ashwatha (the peepal tree); If one worships the Ashwatha, he gains the benefit of worshiping all gods at once) ~ Lord Krishna(Bhagvad Gita)
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashvattha
ऊर- ध्वमूलमधः शाखमश्वत्थ- प्राहुरव्य- यम्‌ ।
छन्दांसि यस्य पर्णानि यस्तं वेद स वेदवित्‌ ॥-15.1
TRANSLATION(Chapter 15.1):
The Blessed Lord said: There is a banyan tree which has its roots upward and its branches down and whose leaves are the Vedic hymns. One who knows this tree is the knower of the Vedas.
Apart from Hinduism, this Peepal tree is associated in almost every religion either as Tree of Life or Tree of Souls like the concept you might have seen in "Avatar"- Hollywood movie which are similar in lines of ancient Hindu philosophy as mentioned above. Understanding ancient Greek astronomy, the Milky way formation as shown below during solstice was visualized as path of Souls to Heaven. 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. More details are covered in Avatar concept below:
Below is representation of Bodhi tree in Buddhism as shown below with Draco symbolism.
The concept of tree of life is a fundamental widespread archetype in many of the world's mythologies, religious and philosophical traditions. It is closely related to the concept of the sacred tree in center and constellations or sometimes Sun Gods that form 12 months of Zodiac performing circum-ambulation around sacred tree or God.
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_of_life
Pole star now is located at end of Ursa Minor as shown below.
Unlike Hindu cosmology, even Jain and Buddhist scriptures mention the Mount Meru model as shown above, but Dhruvaloka is particularly not mentioned. In Norse mythology, they talk about a World Tree that connects Heaven, Earth and Hell just like Meru. For Egyptians, Meru was something like Pyramid that supported God re-birth Myth as the Egyptians believed that the unmovable area the stars circled was heaven, the pyramids were built to align north with a single, perfectly aligned vent.
Greeks referred the location of union from earth to Heaven(circumpolar constellation) with structure of omphalos, "the navel" of the earth and they localized Omphalos(Stone of Delphi) as the central point from which terrestrial life originated in ancient Greek temples of Delphi and for Hinduism, it is referred as Linga(Union between Purusha and Prakrati).
Almost every religion has the same philosophical concept and the ideas looks exactly identical. Below image shows very close similarities like milk offering rituals to Axis mundi/mandala stone structure in ancient Greek and current Hindu religion.
Reference : Axis mundi - Wikipedia
The five central towers of Angkor Wat symbolize the peaks of Mount Meru, which according to Hindu mythology is the dwelling place of the gods. The famous Brihadeeswara Temple of Tamil Nadu is referred as "Dakshina Meru" - the Meru Mountain of the South. Every Hindu temple is built on a cosmic plan and the roof tower crowning the shrine refers to Kalasha (The Purna-Kalasha is considered a symbol of abundance and "source of life" in the Vedas) and temple Shikara represents Meru which reaches the ground and extends into the heavens pointing towards the world axis.
Ancient Avestan scriptures refers Hara mountains(Alborz) as Sumeru near south coast of Caspian Sea. The name Alborz is derived from Harā Barazaitī, a legendary mountain in the Avesta, the main text of Zoroastrianism.
It is Mt Meru in Jainism and Buddhism. 'Su' means good in Sanskrit and thus the name Mount Sumeru. Vedic tribes have localized this mountain and associated cosmogony in whichever place they migrate. Some researchers identify Mount Meru or Sumeru with the Pamirs, northern part of Afghanistan.As per current local Hindu cosmogony, SUMERU PARBAT(6351m) is present Kedārnāth mountain in the Garhwal district of Uttaranchal, India and below is Shiva Lingam alignment to Holy Sumeru. Constructing Shiva temples along the Madhyamrekha have mythological significance. Ancient Purnanas explains the significance and origin of Lingam along this Meridian(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_meridian_east)
Reference: https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/madhyarekha
Below are most ancient Shiva temples in India that are perfectly aligned in straight line - 79° Meridian East
· Kedarnath - 79.066900° E
· Kalpeshwar - 79.449108° E
· Rudranath - 79.318445° E
· Madhya Maheshwar - 79.221632° E
· Baijnath Dham - 79.615734° E
· Kaleshwaram, Telangana - 79.904528° E
· Mallikarjun Jyotirling, AP - 78.868031° E
· Kalahasti, AP - 79.698279° E
· Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu - 79.696243° E
· Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu - 79.066688° E
· Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu - 79.693521° E
· Thiruvanakoil, Tamil Nadu - 78.705673° E
· Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu - 79.317787° E
In similar way, you can locate most of ancient Sun temples in Tropic of Cancer (ancient Karkrekha) like Sun temples of Orissa, Ujjain, Egypt(Abu Simbel), Ankor Wat till Mexico with Polaris as Pole star.
When Pole Star was in Thuban(3000 BCE till 2400 BCE), we had ancient Tropic of Cancer passing through ancient Mohanja-daro(Indus Valley sites) along with Sumerian and Egyptian sacred religious sites. Hence all these ancient religious structures of Indus Valley, Great Pyramid, Sumerian ziggurats were constructed in ancient Tropic of Cancer that was perfectly aligned to Thuban as Pole star and I have given several Hindu puranic references in this blog. These sites were lush green with plenty of rainfall, since they fell below Tropics. Now Pole star is Polaris due earth's axial precession and current Tropic of Cancer passes through Angkor Wat, Ujjain till Mexico. The places above Tropics have changed to deserts as the climate becomes dry with less rainfall. These places would change back to lush green as earth's axial precession changes back alignment to pole stars like Thuban till Vega and they will fall back under Tropics in 12000 years from now. Sahara desert, Thar desert with Saraswati Basin will be lush green with abundant water in about 12000 years from now.
All these ancient structures are perfectly aligned to North Star and these locations supported in birth of several religions. The day of Sun Solstice when the Sun is exactly over head in Tropic of Cancer is auspicious in every religion. Vedic astronomers have used ancient Sun Dial to locate Pole star something like shown below and you find them in Ved Shala in Ujjain, India.
The upper planes of the two walls on the sides of the steps in the middle of the instrument are parallel to the axis of the earth. In the direction of the planes the pole star is visible which primarily helped them to align ancient religious structures to perfect North Star(Heaven). Normally these measurements were done during Akshaya Tritiya when Sun is exactly overhead which will help to get accurate measurement of right angle to locate the North Star.
The Ancient Babylonians knew about a form of trigonometry and they discovered their own unique form of trigonometry during the Old Babylonian period (1900-1600BCE), more than 1,500 years earlier than the Greek form. These calculations were used to find the distance of stars, construction of perfectly star aligned ziggurats and pyramids.
The Surya Siddhanta is a 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 also contains the earliest use of the tangent and secant when discussing the shadow cast by a mid day sun with Vedic Sundial.
A yojana (Sanskrit: योजन) is a measure of distance that was used in ancient India. A yojana is about 8 miles in Surya Siddhanta
Reference : https://sanskritdictionary.org/yojana
Hindu Mythology and logic behind Hindu Calendar:
Egyptian calendar is a wonderful example of the mythology of Ancient Egypt.The ancient Egyptian calendar was a solar calendar with a 365-day year and consisted of three seasons of 120 days each. Mythology of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Indus Valley 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 and you will find Heaven near North Pole star in almost every religion/cultures as of today. Get a complete list of all mythologies @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mythologies and get comparison with method used @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparative_mythology. You can easily locate the similarities in mythologies of every culture and religions as of today and it is all same and originated from same source of ideas.
- Similar to mythological stories of ancient Egyptians, Sumerians and also as we see in different cultures like ancient Greeks, Persians etc. The Vernal equinox, Solstices and star constellations in Hindu Astrology 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
As per Hindu mythology, Hiraṇyagarbha (Sanskrit: हिरण्यगर्भः ; literally the 'Cosmic womb' or 'golden egg/Womb' is the source of the creation of universe or the manifested cosmos. The Upanishad calls it the Soul of the Universe or Brahman. Hiraṇyagarbha is the term used in the Vedanta for the "creator". Hiraṇyagarbha is also Brahmā and is known as Svayambhu (self-born). Ten Prajapatis, who are believed to be the fathers of the human race were also sons of Brahma. A list of ten includes Marichi, Angiras, Atri, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Vasishtha, Daksha, Bhrigu and Narada.
Below image is representation of complete Hindu Mythology Family Tree :
In ancient Indian astronomy, the constellation of the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) is called saptarishi, with the seven stars representing seven rishis, namely "Vashistha", "Marichi", "Pulastya", "Pulaha", "Atri", "Angiras" and "Kratu".
NOTE : Due to Earth's precession cycle, location of Pole star(Dhruva) appears to have changed from earlier Puranic reference from tail of Shishumara(Draco) to tail of Ursa Minor(Current Polaris).
Reference : Viṣhṇu Purāṇa, Part 2, Chapter 9
The basis and support of this constellation of Śhiśhumāra is Mahā Viṣhṇu, who is the support of all light and effulgence. Dhruva, son of Uttānapāda came to be installed at the tail-end of Śhiśhumāra as he had worshiped Viṣhṇu. Śhiśhumāra is dependent upon Viṣhṇu, the Lord of all, and Dhruva is dependent upon Śhiśhumāra. Sūrya is dependent on Dhruva.
Reference : https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/shishumara
Tārāmaya; the eternal deity; Uttānapāda is the upper jaw, Yajña is the lower lip, Dharma is the head, heart is Nārāyaṇa, Sādhya and Aśvins front feet, Varuṇa and Aryama is the hind feet, the samvatsara, child; Mitra is Apāna; tail is Agni, Mahendra, Marīci and Kaśyapa and Dhruva; all the planets are centered in Dhruva.
Even AtharvaVeda Parishishta also indicates that North Pole star was in the Draco (Shishumara) constellation as mentioned above.
To check accuracy of Vishnu Purana, I tried Stellarium application and moved the night sky date back to 2800 BCE and I was perfectly able to locate Thuban at end of 14 star Draco constellation(Shishumara). Thuban was Pole star during 3000 - 2500 BCE.
Below is the Symbolism of the Kundalini serpent(Channel to Root)
This Symbolism of the Kundalini serpent(Channel to Moola - The Root) is present in every ancient mythology. Mostly represented with Cygnus/Swan constellation(Northern Cross) as Mother Goddess or God with Draco(Serpent) symbolism near Pole star..
NOTE : Sikha was worn by ancient Egyptians, Hittites, Persians and now Buddhist and Hindu priest signifies one-pointed (ekanta) focus on a spiritual goal to Sahasrara or Heaven Point(devotion to God).
If you understand cosmology of ancient scriptures, we find that heavens in ancient mythologies along with deities in almost all religions/civilizations are associated with constellations in Northern Sky and some visible stars like Lepus, Taurus from Southern sky which were visible for civilization in Northern Hemisphere. Heavens in almost all religions lie near North Star(Saptarishi Mandala). This gives understanding that most of ancient Vedas and Puranas was primarily developed by civilization in Northern Hemisphere. Arctic Home in the Vedas is a very nice read which has beautifully covered Vedic Astronomy.
However, we have story in Hindu mythology about Sage Vishwamitra supporting in creation of a parallel heaven in a portion of the southern sky near South Pole during a fight with Lord Indra when Vishwamitra's disciple Trishanku was not allowed by Indra in Heaven(Indra Loka) located near North Pole. Trishanku corresponds to the collection of three crosses around Crux, also known as the Southern Cross.Canopus is named after the great seer Agastya.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trishanku
In ancient Hindu epic Ramayana, Maharishi Valmiki has also referred to Trishanku and it mentions that Sage Vishvamitra has replicated Southerly Ursa Major in southerly direction and still remaining amidst of sages that highly reputed sage Vishvamitra further started to replicate the stars sequentially, resorting to the southern hemisphere, as he is convulsed in anger at Indra.
For the fact, ancient puranas were composed was primarily based on looking Northern Hemisphere skies and we can never locate Southern Cross/Trishanku from ancients towns of Northern Hemisphere. Trishanku heaven is visible only from extreme southern parts of India and similarly Sapta Rishi(Big Dipper) pradakshina and North Pole star cannot be seen by people living in Southern Hemisphere. Then how did Maharishi Valmiki in Ramayana, composers of Bhagavatha Purana and other sacred scriptures mention Trishanku and the star system near South Pole. It is debatable and some people mention that these stories of Trishanku got added later in Hindu mythology.
Modern science answers this mystery and we get the truth to this topic when we try to stimulate ancient sky to 4000 years back by using few astronomical stimulation tools like Stellarium, we find out that Trishanku was visible for people from Northern Hemisphere during the time when Puranas or Vedas was composed and as the earth's precession is getting changed, it is only in the last 1000 years that these stars in Southern sky is not been visible. Now the constellation of Trishanku lies at the exact cardinal South which was not the case in Southern sky during 3000-2000 BCE.
Coming back to constellations of Northern sky, Atharvaveda Parishishtha also mentions Brahmarishi as a circumpolar constellation. Cygnus constellation was referred to as Brahmarishi in Atharvaveda Parishishta. If you note above, Galactic center of Milky Way is location of Cygnus constellation that acts as vahana for Lord Brahma. Brahma's consort Goddess Saraswathi is associated with the Lyra (Veena) in her hands. Practicing veena(musical instrument) in Indian school of arts during Brahma Muhurtham comes under the influence of Cygnus constellation.
It appears that ancient Sages might have precisely practiced the Big Dipper movement in form of Yoga as shown below.
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").
In Hindu mythology, Chandra(Moon God) met Tara, the wife of Brihaspati (planet Jupiter) and abducted her. From their union, Tara became pregnant, giving birth to Budha (planet Mercury). Brihaspati, being upset, declared a war but the Devas intervened and Tara was returned to Brihaspati. Budha's son was Pururavas who established the Chandravanshi Dynasty as shown in Hindu mythology chart above under Atri.
Chandra(Moon God) later pursued 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. According to the Puranas, Daksha (Creator God -Prajapati) had several daughters from his wife Prasuti and Virani. Daksha and his wife Virani had 62 daughters. 10 of those daughters were married to Dharma, 13 to sage Kashyapa (like Aditi, Diti etc), 27 to Chandra(Moon God), 4 to Arishtanemi, 1 to Kama, 1 to lord Shiva, 2 to sons of sage Bhrigu, 2 to sage Angiras, 2 to Krisasva and according to Vishnu Purana and Padma Purana, Daksha and his wife Prasuti had 24 daughters. The names of these 24 daughters are :Sradda,Srilakshmi(Prosperity), Dhriti (Steadiness), Thushti (Resignation),Pushti (Thriving), Medha (Intelligence), Kriya (Action,devotion), Buddhika (Intellect),Lajja (Modesty), Vapu(Body),Santi (Expiation), Siddhika (Perfection), Kirtti (Fame), Khyati (Celebrity), Sati (Truth), Sambhuti (Fitness),Smriti (Memory),Priti (Affection),Kshama(Forgiveness),Sannati (Humility),Anasuya,Urjja (Energy),Swaha (Offering),nd Swadha (Oblation).
Divine mother Goddess is an aspect of Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Parvati, all three in one form, a form of Adi Shakti, as she is the human form of the Gayatri writings of the Vedas, hence called Gayatri meaning 'Gaya' to sing and 'tri' referring to the three Goddess, is the source of Brahma's power.The Gāyatrī Mantra is also known as the Sāvitrī mantra, is a highly revered mantra from the Rig Veda and dedicated to praise the glory of the universe creator
oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ
tatsaviturvareṇyaṃ
bhargo devasyadhīmahi
dhiyo yo naḥ prachodayāt
– Rigveda 3.62.1
Gayathri Mantra : We meditate on the glory of that Being who has produced this universe; may He enlighten our minds.
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.
Kaśyapa alternatively kacchapa, means "turtle" in Sanskrit. This constellation is Casyapi (Kasyapi, similar to Cassiopeia or Kassiopeia).
A rich section of the Milky Way runs through Cassiopeia, stretching from Perseus towards Cygnus. According to Michael Witzel, it is related to Avestan kasiiapa, Sogdian kyšph, New Persian kašaf, kaš(a)p which mean "tortoise". The Kassites (/ˈkæsaɪts/) were also people of the ancient middle east Asia, who controlled Babylonia after the fall of the Old Babylonian Empire c. 1531 BC and until c. 1155 BC (short chronology). The endonym of the Kassites was probably Galzu, although they have also been referred to by the names Kaššu, Kassi, Kasi or Kashi. Similar to Mitanni dynasty, Kassi dynasty deities closely resemble deities of ancient Vedic civilization.
Kurma (Sanskrit: कूर्म; Kūrma, 'turtle', 'tortoise'), also known as 'KurmaRaja' ('Tortoise King') is an avatar of the RigVedic god Vishnu. Originating in Vedic literature such as the YajurVeda as being synonymous with the Saptarishi called Kasyapa, Kurma is most commonly associated in post-Vedic literature such as the Puranas with the legend of the churning of the Ocean of Milk, referred to as the Samudra manthan
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashyapa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurma
As per Hindu mythology during Samudra mantan(churning the Ocean of Milk for elixir of immortality), Lord Hari(Vishnu Avathar) 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 Avathar) 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.
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.
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 Kashyappa.
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.
Diti (Other Daughter of King Daksha) with the sage Kashyapa gave birth to the Daityas (Sanskrit: दैत्य). These are a clan or race of Asura . They are referred as Danavas. Below are notable Daityas or race of Asuras. Asuras 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.
Hiranyakashipu - eldest son of Kashyapa and Diti
Hiranyaksha - second son of Kashyapa and Diti
Holika - daughter of Kashyapa and Diti
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 Sukracarya(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 this blog below.
NOTE : 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).
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 splendour.
Chhaya is usually described as the mother of Shani, the god of the planet Saturn.
Saranyu and her sister Chhaya(Shadow Goddess) are the wives of Lord Surya(Sun god). Children of Surya(Sun God) by Saranyu are Yama/Yamini/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.
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.
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
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 counter part 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)
Logic behind creation of 30 days in a month.
NOTE : I have covered detailed mythology of Nakshatras @ https://stardeities.blogspot.com/
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) as shown in below chart.The earliest ancient Roman calendars also had months that were 28 or 29 days. Julius Caesar modified 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.
In Hindu mythology, 27 daughters of Daksha(Creator God) are 27 Nakshatras and these 27 sisters had one brother and that brother is Abhijit Nakshatra of sky. 27 daughters of Daksha(Creator God) who got married to Moon God form 27 days of a month. Nakshatras are the 27 divisions of the zodiac based on the moon's daily motion of 13 degrees and 20 minutes. The Moon travels the zodiac in 27.3 days spending roughly one day in each Nakshatra.
Moon God(Chandra) spends 1 day with each wife in a month that is equal to lunar mansion. As per ancient myth, Moon God initially was interested in marrying Rohini (Rohini Nakshatra) only. He had reluctantly married to other 26 Nakshatras on Daksha's request. Realizing this, Chandra spends more time with Rohini and neglects the other 26 wives. This upsets the wives, and they complained to Daksha. Daksha got furious and cursed Chandra that he will slowly lose his splendor and perish which is nothing but waning of Moon. The Moon having this curse tried to please Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva could not reverse Daksha's curse. However he softened the curse for Moon. From Shiva's blessings the Moon now increases in size for 15 days and then begins decreasing in size that are waxing and waning of Moon.
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Nakshatras
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: ग्रह "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 actually demons in Hindu mythology.
If you observe Vedic calendar, you can find that 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:
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.
Heaven in Ancient Cosmology:
In Hindu scriptures, the 7 lokas above earth are referred to as Bhu: Bhuva: Suva: Maha: Jana: Thapa: and Satya Loka. Each door opens to next level loka/gate and after passing through the 7th door, you reach Satya Loka or the Brahman or Lord Vishnu and all religions refer GOD at same Satya loka location - Moola (the root). Largest functioning Hindu temple - Sri Rangam temple of South India which has been mimicked as Vaikunta(Lord Vishnu's abode) on earth has seven enclosure walls that gives same representation of planetary system and Vaikuntha Sagar is represented as milky way. Same way, we have seven hills, seven ocean concept to reach God.
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Heavens
Seven heaven/Gates concept could possibly be seven ancient planetary systems above earth till milky way rift. This is the reason why we organize our lives around a 7-day week and this is based on these identified ancient seven planets above our heads. This 7-day structure has also supported in popular creation myths of Greeks, Hinduism, Book of Genesis etc. The seven celestial bodies visible to the naked eye during ancient times were Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn.
The earliest idea of "egg-shaped cosmos" comes from some of the Sanskrit scriptures. The Sanskrit term for it is Brahmanda(ब्रह्माण्ड) which is derived from two words - 'Brahma (ब्रह्मा) the creator god in Hinduism and 'anda' (अण्ड) meaning 'egg'. - World egg - Wikipedia
Purusha Suktam(Sanskrit with meaning) - RigVeda 10.90
तस्माद्विराळजायत विराजो अधि पूरुषः ।
स जातो अत्यरिच्यत पश्चाद्भूमिमथो पुरः ॥५॥
Tasmaad-Viraadda-Jaayata Viraajo Adhi Puurussah |
Sa Jaato Atya[i-A]ricyata Pashcaad-Bhuumim-Atho Purah ||5||
English Translation: From Him (Sacrificial Fire),was born the Virat; (the Virat came into being) from the presence of the Shining Purusha (Who remained as the background or substratum of Virat);
He (i.e. the Virat) created the Earth, by manifesting Her from His own being as substratum.
यत्पुरुषेण हविषा देवा यज्ञमतन्वत ।
वसन्तो अस्यासीदाज्यं ग्रीष्म इध्मः शरद्धविः ॥६॥
Yat-Purussenna Havissaa Devaa Yajnyam-Atanvata |
Vasanto Asya-Asiida-Ajyam Griissma Idhmah Sharad-[d]Havih ||6||
English Translation:With the Purusha as the (Sacrificial) Fire, the Deva (the Shining One, referring to Virat) continued the Yagya (Sacrifice of creation),
Spring was (created as) the clarified Butter (of that Yagya), Summer was (created as) the Fuel (of that Yagya), and Autumn was (created as) the Havis (Sacrificial offering of that Yagya).The First Divine Men were created as the Holy Water sprinkled with the Kusa Grass in that Yagya (Sacrifice of Creation).
The First Divine Men were the Sadhya Devas and the Rishis, Who were created by Him, the Deva (the Shining One, referring to Virat), Who performed the Yagya. (These Rishis were not human but divine Rishis like Saptarshis created directly by Virat).
तं यज्ञं बर्हिषि प्रौक्षन्पुरुषं जातमग्रतः ।
तेन देवा अयजन्त साध्या ऋषयश्च ये ॥७॥
Tam Yajnyam Barhissi Pra-Ukssan-Purussam Jaatam-Agratah |
Tena Devaa Ayajanta Saadhyaa Rssayash-Ca Ye ||7||
English Translation: The First Divine Men were created as the Holy Water sprinkled with the Kusa Grass in that Yagya (Sacrifice of Creation).
तस्माद्यज्ञात्सर्वहुतः सम्भृतं पृषदाज्यम् ।
पशून्ताँश्चक्रे वायव्यानारण्यान् ग्राम्याश्च ये ॥८॥
Tasmaad-Yajnyaat-Sarvahutah Sambhrtam Prssadaajyam |
Pashuun-Taashcakre Vaayavyaan-Aarannyaan Graamyaash-Ca Ye ||8||
English Translation: From the Complete Offering of His (i.e. Virat's) Yagya (Sacrifice of Creation) was obtained Ghee mixed with coagulated Milk,which (i.e. the Ghee and Milk) are (the created) Animals, both of Air (Birds) and of Forests (Wild Animals) and Villages (Domestic Animals).From the Complete Offering of His (i.e. Virat's) Yagya (Sacrifice of Creation) was born the Rigveda and Sama Veda,
The Chandas (Vedic Meters) were born from Him, and the Yajurveda was born from Him.
'तस्माद्यज्ञात्सर्वहुत ऋचः सामानि जज्ञिरे ।
छन्दांसि जज्ञिरे तस्माद्यजुस्तस्मादजायत ॥९॥
Tasmaad-Yajnyaat-Sarvahuta Rcah Saamaani Jajnyire |
Chandaamsi Jajnyire Tasmaad-Yajus-Tasmaad-Ajaayata ||9||
English Translation:From the Complete Offering of His (i.e. Virat's) Yagya (Sacrifice of Creation) was born the Rigveda and Sama Veda, the Chandas (Vedic Meters) were born from Him, and the Yajurveda was born from Him.
तस्मादश्वा अजायन्त ये के चोभयादतः ।
गावोः ह जज्ञिरे तस्मात् तस्माज्जाता अजावयः ॥१०॥
Tasmaad-Ashvaa Ajaayanta Ye Ke Co[a-U]bhayaadatah |
Gaavoh Ha Jajnyire Tasmaat Tasmaaj-Jaataa Ajaa-Vayah ||10||
English Translation:From Him (i.e. Virat) was born the Horses, and all those animals who has teeth in both (jaws): From Him (i.e. Virat) was born the Cows, and from Him was born all types of Goats.
Similar to Virat Purusha as mentioned above, the Vedas and other ancient scriptures describe the "Kala Purusha" the "Divine cosmic being" as personification of time, being the 12 zodiac representation of his different body parts. Further, the association of body parts with zodiac signs also remained relatively consistent from ancient era till today. The Zodiac Man or Kala Purusha appeared most frequently in calendars, devotional books and treatises on philosophy, astrology and medicine in the Medieval era. Below are presentation of Kala Purusha and Vastu Purusha. Vastu Shastra gives the directive principles regarding construction of buildings so as not to displease the Vastu Purusha. We can find these parallels in almost all religions and faith.
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiac_Man
Mythology of Vastu Purusha : As per ancient Puranas, during Vedic period there lived a demon called Andhakasura. Lord Shiva was requested to fight with demon to protect the world and while fighting with the demon, the Lord Shiva was very much tired and began to sweat profusely. When the sweat fell down on the earth, a child was born of the drops of Shiva's sweat.The child looked very cruel and horrifying and consumed all the blood from the body of the demon Andhakasura. His hunger was still not satisfied and felt very hungry. He began to grow steadily, eating all that came near his mouth. He occupied almost all the surface of the earth, killing all the inhabitants and destroying the nature. All the Five Elements of the galaxy namely Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Sky suffered by the growth of this child and could not carry on their functions.
This terrified even the Gods in heaven. All of the Gods in heaven grouped together planned to kill the child that was grown up so largely. They attacked it from all sides, laid it face down and they then sat on different parts of its body and pressed it inside the earth. Being bound like that, the child lay submerged (buried).
In order to mollify the child the Gods bestowed the child with a boon that that he will be known as 'VASTUPURUSHA'. Since then the worship of Vastu-Purusha has been in practice and it has become compulsory to follow certain rules so as to make the Vasthu Purush happy and comfort. Soma/Homa is normally done during house warming ceremony as gesture to offer Soma to Vastu Purusha. Homam or havan is the offering of different types of poojas to various deities for fulfillment of wishes by welcoming the power of Agni, The Fire of God. Gruhapravesam puja pleases the Vastu deity overall.
Below are some similarities in different religious cosmology:
All Hindu temples will have barrel-vault roof that is normally represented as Vault of Heaven. You can find Kalasha, the vase on top of every Hindu temple.It is also referred as Amrita-kalasha that emerged out of the milky ocean when it was churned. The Dome structure in all religious place represents Vault of Heaven and in some ancient traditions, skull cap - kippah (Hebrew: כיפה) is worn. Kippah literally means "dome". Kippah is worn on the head like a dome to have divine presence of heaven always over head.
Sun Solstices, Earth's axial precession and Avatars
When earth revolves around the SUN, two solstices occur annually, on about 21 June and 21 December and along with this earth also have axial precession and the period of precession is 26,000 years. Solstices are opposite on either side of the equator, so the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere and vice versa.
We all know that the seasons of the year are directly connected to both the solstices and the equinoxes.. During winter solstice, the sun rises to its lowest point in the norther hemisphere sky and stands still for three days which symbolizes death. Then after midwinter, the sun is reborn from the darkness, symbolizing rebirth and the renewal of life.
In the Hindu calendar, two sidereal solstices are named Makara Sankranti which marks the start of Uttarayana and Karka Sankranti which marks the start of Dakshinayana. As per Hindu calendar(most of them emphasize the lunar cycle), Makara Sankranthi festival normally occurs during 14th January when zodiacal sign corresponds with Capricorn. Makara is the Capricorn zodiac. Sankranthi means change over, transit into. This day marks the Sun moving into Makara Constellation and is celebrated as Makara Sankranthi festival in India which is basically harvest festival. It is during this time, Sun God's birthday is celebrated and we find birth of Sun God at same time in almost every culture across the world based on Lunar or Solar calendar followed.
Ratha Saptami is celebrated in Hindu temples as Ravi or Surya Jayanti (the Sun-god's birthday).Sun God Ravi or Surya turning his Ratha (Chariot) drawn by seven horses (representing seven colors) towards the northern hemisphere, in a north-easterly direction. Rath yatras are held at various temples to mark the movement of sun towards northern hemisphere
Ancient Egyptians also had Rath yatras(Deities processions in Chariot) similar to what we have currently in Indian Temples. Below is such example.
Understanding ancient astronomy, it appears that in most of ancient myths, the Milky way formation as shown above during solstice was visualized as path to heaven. In some myths, it was believed to be Tree of life(path of souls) to Galactic center.
Lord Yama as represented from Orion constellation shown above with his two dogs(Canis major and Minor) was lord of Naraka(Underworld) and his vahana 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.
Distinctive pattern of constellations along with zodiac path( Sun Transit) have supported in development of mythological stories as per astrological ages and most of them can be found in Hindu Puranas. Below are few avatars(incarnations) of Lord Vishnu as carved in ancient Hindu temples.
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrological_age
During summer solstice, constellations like Leo, Cancer, Gemini (changes as per earth's axial precession) acted as Gate to humans in many ancient religious beliefs where they believed that the souls ascend after death during this time of Sun Transit. On other opposite zodiac side near Sagittarius/Capricorn(Makara) we can find other side of star-gate which is near the galactic center. Galactic center is located close to Sagittarius and hence they were referred as Gate of God.
As per Hindu mythology, whenever evil prevails, Lord Vishnu is said to descend in form of an avatar to restore cosmic order as per astrological ages(Yugas). More information of Avatars can be found @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashavatara.
When the Sun resides on the gates of the Sun 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).
Constellations like Gemini or Sagittarius are often depicted as Gate keepers or dwarapalakas and you can see them in every Hindu temples. Temples or Pyramids were constructed next to river representing Milky way(Cosmic River). Based on changes in earth's precession cycle, gate keepers or dwarapalakas used to change like Lion(Sphinx), Gemini etc.
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvarapala
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.
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.orgis/wiki/Vaikuntha_Ekadashi
Ancient Hindu astrology supported representation of animals as deities vehicle(vahanas) as they saw these constellations of stars in cosmic sky near galactic center or on the path of galactic equator when Avatar's originate.
Below is August sky ( Aquila Constellation) and can be easily identified as character with the half-eagle half-human form. In Hindu mythology, we have Garuda who is vahana of Lord Hari or Vishnu(Sun God in RigVeda). Ancient Egyptians referred this as Sun God HERU/HARU/Horus(Resurrection of Osiris) during Winter Solstice. They believed that the Sun dies and is reborn in the precession cycle at the very same place of Galactic center.
Cygne constellation can be identified as swan. In Hindu mythology we have Goddess Saraswati in Swan along with musical instrument(Lyre constellation).Goddess Saraswati represents goddess for music and wisdom in Hindu myth.
Below is Murugan/Skanda with peacock as his Vahana (Pavo)
In similar fashion, different deities have different vahanas and you can find the serpent(hydra) below the leg of pavo in night sky
Yazidi's Peacock Angel is almost similar to Murugan/Kartikeya.
Reference : http://murugan.org/research/yezidis.hindus.malik.taus.htm
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. Ancient Egyptians believed that the Sun(RA) dies and is reborn in winter solstice.
In later Egyptian dynasties, Ra's identity was often combined with other gods, forming an interconnection between deities based Sun transit as per ancient astronomy/astrology as shown in below chart.
In Age of Aries, the ram became a symbol for several deities in ancient past ( 2000BCE till 100BCE). Below is RA-AMUN (God with RAM head) - Ra transit in Aries
Below is scene at Abu Simbel which depicts Ramses II fighting with ten-armed Hittite(Hatti) or often depicted as ten headed Hittite king at battle of Kadesh. Egyptians and Hittites entered into peace treaty in 1269 BCE
Battle of Kadesh : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Kadesh
Hittite kings are often referred as Labarnas ( I, II, II so on). Labarna was also a title of early Hittite rulers.
Ram-ses reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramesses_II
Ram-ses II was most powerful Egyptian Pharaoh of all times. The Indian Prabhu (Sanskrit "ruler, master, lord"), is equivalent to the Egyptian Paraa or "Pharaoh."
In Age of Aries, even Moses is shown with RAM head
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_(Michelangelo)
During Age of Taurus(4500BCE till 2000BCE), Bull worship was common in many cultures . Below is Moses destroying Golden Calf that can be marking End of Taurus age and beginning of "Age of Aries"
Golden calf - Wikipedia
In similar way during end of Age of Aries, the Ram - the lamb of God was sacrificed to bring in the new order for Age of Pisces.
Jesus Christ incarnation symbolizes the movement of the Sun God into Age of Pisces(100 BCE till 2700 AD)
The age of Pisces began around 100 BCE and will end c. 2700 AD. With the story of the birth of Christ coinciding with this date, many Christian symbols for Christ use the astrological symbol for Pisces. Jesus bears many of the temperaments and personality traits of a Pisces, and is thus considered an archetype of the Piscean. Moreover, the twelve apostles were called the "fishers of men," early Christians called themselves "little fishes," and a code word for Jesus was the Greek word for fish, "Ikhthus". With this, the start of the age, or the "Great Month of Pisces" is regarded as the beginning of the Christian religion.
Reference : Astrological age - Wikipedia
Coming back to Age of Aries(2000BCE till 100BC) and in Hindu mythology, Lord Ram is supposed to have taken birth in Age of Aries as mentioned in Mahabharata 348.19 and also in Valmiki Ramayan below:
Sandho tu samanupraptre tretayaam dwaparisya cha |Ramo daasrathirbhutva bhavishami jagatpati || (Mahabharata 348.19)
Explanation : tretayaam dwaparisya cha means timeline of Lord Ram's birth is between Age of Taurus(Treta Yuga) and Age of Aries(Dwaparayuga) and same is captured in Vedic calendar(Refer Vedic calendar in this blog).
Epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata of Hindu Mythology is similar to epics of Illiad and Odysseus of Greek Mythology. It is almost same.
Greek Epics Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odysseus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliad
Valmiki Ramayana mentioning birth of Lord Ram when the Sun was in Aries
When Sun was in Mesha (Aries) Bhagavan Sri Jagannaath (the Supreme Lord of Universe was born; then sweet-scented flowers rained profusely for one muhurtha (duration of 12 minutes) from the sky on the castle where Sri Rama was born !! (Valmiki Ramayana)
Comparative Mythologies:
Mythologies of early Sumerians, Assyrians, Persians, Romans, Greeks, Slavs are almost similar like Hindu mythology. There is considerable interest in study of ancient flood related to these 7 sages and shocking is, this tale appears in almost all the belief system that we know with maximum similarities. There is a great flood in the epic of Gilgamesh of Sumerians and we find similar tale of Matsya-avatar(Matsya Puranas) in Hindu belief system that happened almost same time during creation of these epics. Greeks have similar story about the Great Flood referring Zeus and to finally add, tale about great flood is also present in Bible ansed Quran as Noah and his ark.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noah%27s_Ark
Flood myth or deluge myth is a narrative in most of belief system in which a great flood, usually sent by a deity or deities, destroys civilization, often in an act of divine retribution
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_flood_myths
The first King/ancestral figure in Hindu mythology is Manu (Creator of Man Kind) who saved 7 sages from Great Flood. It is almost similar to Egyptian ancestry too. First King/Pharaoh of Egyptian dynasty is Menes/Manu around (3200–3000 BC)( Reference : Menes - Wikipedia). All the below ancestral figure are associated with Great Flood myth ( Matsya Avatar in Hindu Mythology).
Menes (Manu) was praised the first law giver of Egypt by the Greek Historian Diodorous Siculus and same goes with Hindu Mythology too in which Manu is first law giver( Refer - Manusmriti - Wikipedia)
Manu/Mannus, ancestral figure in Germanic mythology ( Reference : Mannus - Wikipedia) and also refer ( Tuisto - Wikipedia) - Tuisto, Tvastar
Minos, king of Crete, son of Zeus and Europa
Manu (Hinduism), Progenitor of humanity
Nu'u, Hawaiian mythological character who built an ark and escaped a Great Flood
Nüwa, goddess in Chinese mythology best known for creating mankind
Noah, ancestral figure in all Abrahamic religions mentioned in Genesis flood narrative (Noah's Ark - Wikipedia) Reference : List of flood myths - Wikipedia
In Southern Sky - Orion is a prominent constellation located on the celestial equator and visible throughout the world. The distinctive pattern of Orion has been recognized in numerous cultures around the world with several myths have been associated with it. Ancient civilizations including Egyptians, Sumerians, Indus valley, Persians, Greeks, Romans etc paid tribute to the gods formed by Orion constellation and started constructing monuments/temples by placing them in specific locations on Earth mimicking the sky. Few of them started referring respective civilization/culture as Orion/Aryan race.
According to BG Tilak in his Arctic Origins of Vedas, Rigvedic hyms were composed in the 'Orion Period' when the vernal equinox was almost on the right shoulder of 'Orion". Sacred thread/cloth worn by few communities of India represents stars alignment in Orion Belt. In fact, Greek word Orion is derived from "Aryan" which is often referred as Aryan race. Below is chronology of the post-glacial period as given by BG Tilak
10,000 to 8000 BC – The destruction of the original Arctic home by the last Ice Age and the commencement of the post-Glacial period.
8000 to 5000 BC – The age of migration from the original home. The survivors of the Aryan race roamed over the northern parts of Europe and Asia in search of lands suitable for new settlements. B G Tilak calls it the Pre-Orion Period.
5000 to 3000 BC. - The Orion period, when the vernal equinox was in Orion.
3000 to 1400 BC – The Krittika period, when the Vernal equinox was in Pleiades.
1400 to 500 BC – The Pre-Buddhistic period, when the Sutras and the Philosophical systems made their appearance.
For Hindus, Yajnopavita which is referred as sacred was born with Daksha Prajapati and this 'girdle' is the Orion's belt in Orion constellation. Coming to thread wearing, it is also common to Zoroastrianism of ancient Persia(Aryan Homeland), Greeks and several others.
http://www.heritageinstitute.com...
Dr. B R Ambedkar(Father of Indian Constitution) has done very in-depth analysis of Vedas and has very beautifully explained these myths and associated creation of races(Varnas) in his book - Who Were the Shudras? - Wikipedia
Soft copy can be found from Indian Government(MEA) Website : https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/at...
B.G Tilak has covered astronomy of ancient past very well and below book can be referred for detailed analysis on Orion/Aryan Race.
Soft copy : http://www.cakravartin.com/wordp...
Among stars, Sirius is the brightest star system in the night sky. Star Sirius(night Sun) along with Orion and Taurus constellation forms as Mrgavyadha "deer hunter" and this constellation(Orion) represents Rudra (Shiva) as per RigVeda. This Story of Shiva as Mrgavyadha is found in the 65th chapter of Brahmanda Purana.
Deities formed by Orion constellation was only god powerful enough to remove Taurus, the bull, from the path of Sun Transit in Vernal Equinox. In India, bull fighting ritual or sport happens during Makara Sankranthi and this kind of ritual or sport is found in almost every cultures of world with similar mythological stories available from Epic of Gilgamesh, mythological stories of ancient God Mithra.For Sumerians, which refers Epic of Gilgamesh, Bull of Heaven - Gugalanna was sent by the gods to take retribution upon Gilgamesh.Gilgamesh and his companion Enkidu fight with bull of heaven. It most of ancient beliefs including Mithra religion, religion of ancient Egyptians, Sumerians, it was believed that blood of cosmic bull fertilized all vegetation and animals. Hence Mithra's slaying of the bull became the ritualistic prototype of fertility in Mithraic cult and most of later religious belief system. Sacrificial ceremonies continues even today in many cultures and religions based on these Orion and Taurus star myths, however for economical purposes, the goats have replaced the bull or buffalo.
Below is Sumerian Icon Gilgamesh(Orion) fighting with Taurus(Bull of Heaven).
SUN GOD worship prevailed in ancient Europe during solstice, Mithraism of Romans was practiced before Christianity. Mithra is also a judicial figure, an all-seeing Protector of Truth referred by ancient Persians. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithra ( Mithra is also Sun GOD in RigVeda of Hinduism)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithraism
In Mithraism, it was the worship of Mithra, the Iranian god of the sun, justice, contract and war in pre-Zoroastrian Iran. Known as Mithras in the Roman Empire during the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, this deity was honored as the patron of loyalty to the emperor.
Orion is Cosmic Dancer and this formation of Orion happens during Winter Solstice(Dec-Jan), Arudra Darshan is celebrated and Shiva is represented as Nataraj. In some of south Indian states, it is celebrated as Birthday of Lord Shiva. In ancient Egypt, same day was celebrated as resurrection of Osiris(representing Orion Constellation). Several ancient cultures like Sumerians, Persians, Greeks, Romans including Christianity have birthday or resurrection of God during same day of Winter Solstice. This 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.
Reference : http://www.chidambaramhiddentreasure.com/orion-chidambaram/
Comparative mythology is done by scholars and have used the relationships between different myths to trace the development of religions and cultures, to propose common origins for myths from different cultures, and to support various psychological theories - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparative_mythology
Below are Egyptian priests performing hymns, prayers, ringing bells to deities. You can find a very clear parallels on current deities worship in Hindu belief system.
Indra. ( King of Gods) in Hindu Mythology can be compared to Asshur ( King of Gods) in Assyrians mythology. Sumerians reference can be found @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashur_(god)
Lord Yama in Sanskrit can also be interpreted to mean "twin" that has Indo-European parallel.
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yama
Yamah and the related Sanskrit Yama are 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. Both Yamas in Iranian and Indian myth guard Hell with the help of two four-eyed dogs ( Canis Major and Canis minor constellations).
In Norse mythology, Ymir was the primordial being, a giant(ORION constellation) and together with Ymir a primeval cow Auðumbla(TAURUS constellation) was born and her milk fed Ymir. The Giant Ymir then created the first male and female from the pits of his arms. Their names were Ask and Embla, the Nordic equivalent of Adam and Eve or Yama and Yami pair in Hindu Mythology (corresponds to Gemini Constellation)
Example : The name Jamshid is originally a compound of two parts, Jam and shid, corresponding to the Avestan names Yima and Xšaēta, derived from the proto-Iranian *Yamah Xšaitah. Xšaitah meant "bright, shining" or "radiant". Sumerians referred Yama as Namtar. In Chineese mythology, he is called as Yan. Japan, he is called Enma. In Korea, Yan is known as Yeomna. In Norse mythology, he is known as Yimir.
Greek god Ouranos (Uranus in Latin) is equivalent of Vedic God Varuna and both share same mythology. He is the most prominent Asura in the Rigveda, and lord of the heavens and the earth which is same as Ouranos of Greeks.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varuna
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uranus_(mythology)
All these ancient Indo-European myths are common and have clear parallels with myths of Orion constellation. "Buffalo" of Yama is Taurus and his two dogs are Canis Minor and Canis Major constellations. The river separating hell and heaven was Milky way.
Other good example is creation myth as shown below. RA(Egyptian) or Brahma(Hindu mythology) would be SUN God, Water God would be NU(Egyptian) or Vish-NU(Hindu mythology) and Sirius star could represent Saraswati/Aditi/Lakshmi or mother goddess. If we closely look, Egyptian creation myth based on cosmological formations in night sky is almost similar like what we know from Hindu creation myth. It is very clear that ideas are same. As per Hindu Mythology, creation started from nothing. Vishnu, was reclining on the Serpent and Serpent(Sesha) is floating on water. Lotus sprouted forth from Vishnu's navel created God sitting on the lotus who was Brahma. Brahma opened his eyes, created mankind.If you closely look at Dendera Temple of Egypt, we have almost similar representation here as shown below.
The earliest idea of "egg-shaped cosmos" for creation of universe is almost similar like we know from Hindu scriptures:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_egg
Deities of almost all cultures of ancient world look very similar - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_deities
Similarities in Dharma/Cosmic Order/Justice in ancient religions:
In the Vedic religion, Ṛta (/ˈrɪtə/; Sanskrit ऋत ṛta "order, rule; truth") is the principle of natural order which regulates and coordinates the operation of the universe and everything within it. In the hymns of the Vedas, Ṛta is described as that which is ultimately responsible for the proper functioning of the natural, moral and sacrificial orders. Conceptually, it is closely allied to the injunctions and ordinances thought to uphold it, collectively referred to as Dharma, and the action of the individual in relation to those ordinances, referred to as Karma – two terms which eventually eclipsed Ṛta in importance as signifying natural, religious and moral order in later Hinduism.
Feather being light in weight, it was ancient symbol to show emptiness(free from sin, lust, desires, misdeeds etc.) and represented as the symbol of truth, law, order and justice in several ancient civilization including Egyptians.
In ancient hieroglyphics(before the origin of formal human writing), the best way to represent this emptiness was symbol of feather since it does not have any weight and for Egyptians, this symbol showcased soul that is free from sin, lust, desires etc. and was placed on various deities of ancient Egypt and several civilizations took this representation later that you can refer. You can also find deities with feather on crown even in Mayan, Sumerian cultures too.
Below is one such comparison with Egyptian deity and Lord Krishna.
Reference : Maat - Wikipedia
Other closest similarity would be with Nut of ancient Egyptian with Kamadhenu(Cosmic Cow) of Hindu mythology. Nut (Ancient Egyptian: Nwt) was the goddess of the sky in Egyptian myth. She was seen as a star-covered woman arching over the earth. Nut is also depicted in the form of a cosmic cow whose great body formed the sky and heavens similarly like Kamadhenu(cosmic cow) in Hindu mythology where all deities reside in cosmos. This makes cow as sacred animal for Hindus, ancient Persians and ancient Egyptians.
Cosmological formations in milky way has supported several mythological stories of ancient past like Dragons of sky, Nagas of Hindu mythology and other best example is Kurma Avathar myth and here we identify the earth as its lower shell, the atmosphere as its body and the vault of heaven as its upper shell and same goes with the churning of the Ocean of Milk in which Vasuki, the king of serpents became the churning rope. Draco constellation near Polaris plays role of Vasuki(Serpent).
Hinduism has different traditions as below. Goddess Durga is a central deity in Shaktism tradition of Hinduism, where she is equated with the concept of ultimate reality called Brahman.One of the most important texts of Shaktism is Devi Mahatmya, also known as Durgā Saptashatī, which celebrates Durga as the Goddess, declaring her as the Supreme Being and the creator of the universe.
In Vaishnava traditions, Lord Vishnu is central deity. Lord Vishnu is revered in one of many distinct incarnations. Below is Lord Vishnu(Hari) as Krishna fighting kaliya(serpant) and its parallel can be drawn with Greek and Roman myths with Hercules and Draco Constellation.
Origin of Sanatana Dharma
Origin of Sanatana Philosophy(referred as Hindu Philosophy) can be regarded as completely reformed as of today with changes and reforms brought by several scholars from past till date. However when we speak of culture or rituals followed by Hindus, it is mix of several traditions and the practice of rituals, Idol worship that are almost 11000 years old that includes cultures of Proto-Indo-Europeans, Sumerians, ancient Egyptians, ancient Persians and several others. Ancient rituals that have been followed from several generations got included with several waves of people migration here into Indian culture. It is this great culture that has digested any kind of cultural invasion and regarded them as its own. It accepted everything and rejected none. This is the power of Indian culture and greatness of India.
Avestan and Sanskrit relation : There are several passages in the Vedas, especially the Atharvaveda and Avesta that are identical, except that they are in the different languages of Avestan and Vedic Sanskrit. Ahura Mazda, whom the Zoroastrians worship as the Supreme Lord is the Avestan equivalent to Vedic Sanskrit's Asura Medhira.
Ṛgveda / Avesta
Vakshanah Asuramedhasya idam kshethram avayam. Vashna Ahuramazdaaha imam kshathram akunavam. By the grace of Ahuramazda I made this city/realm.
Ṛgveda/ Avesta
mahaantaa mitraa varunaa samraajaa devaav asuraaha sakhe
sakhaayaam ajaro jarimne agne martyaan amartyas tvam nah
mahaantaa mitraa varunaa devaav ahuraaha sakhe ya fedroi vidaat
patyaye caa vaastrevyo at caa khatratave ashaauno ashavavyo
O Ahura Mazda, you appear as the father, the ruler, the friend, the worker and as knowledge.
It is your immense mercy that has given a mortal the fortune to stay at your feet.
Further, there are striking similarities between the Eastern Iranian language of Avestan and Sanskrit, which may support the notion that the split was contemporary with the Vedic civilization living in Afghanistan at a very early stage. It is believed that King Vishtaspa was early follower of Zoroastrianism and and instrumental in the diffusion of the prophet's message - Zarathustra
Ceremonies using a sace or ses which is a tray that holds various ceremonial utensils is almost similar to rituals done by Brahmin priests in Hindu community.
http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/ceremonies/sace.htm
Even Thread ceremony of Brahmins is similar to Navjot of Zoroastrianism.
http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/navjote/index.htm
Inside house Brahmin ceremonies like Havana, Hoama is almost similar like rituals of Zoroastrianism:
http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/ceremonies/liturgy.htm
http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/death/page2.htm
RigVedic Soma Yajna Ceremony is almost similar to Haoma(Hom) of Zoroastrians. Haoma is Persian word.
http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/haoma/index.htm
Old Persian cuneiform(one of the oldest form of human writing) and Sanskrit pronunciation has striking similarities.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behistun_Inscription and correct way to pronounce them can be found in below YouTube reference : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYcsuEpxyHM
DNA study clearly shows rare R1a1 Y-haplogroup (Y-HG) L657 clade subtype designated as LPKSTR is found in most male members of a clan of "founder" families within the Pancha Gaud Brahmin(RigVedic Brahmin community) and several others.
DNA Reference: Genetic and Cultural Reconstruction of the Migration of an Ancient Lineage of Saraswat Brahmins or Brahmins of Saraswati river
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/651415/
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avestan_geography
From Indian side, Kambojas are included in the Uttarapatha. In ancient literature, the Kamboja is variously associated with the Gandhara, Darada and the Bahlika (Bactria) and is also referred in the Rigveda. The Mahājanapadas (Sanskrit: महाजनपद, lit. 'great realm', from maha, "great", and janapada "foothold of a people") were sixteen kingdoms or oligarchic republics that existed in Northern ancient India from the sixth to fourth centuries BCE during the second urbanization period. The 6th–5th centuries BCE is often regarded as a major turning point in early Indian history; during this period India's first large cities arose after the demise of the Indus Valley Civilization. Archaeologically, this period has been identified as corresponding in part to the Northern Black Polished Ware culture.
NOTE : Logically, Sumeru is at the North Pole and Kumeru at the South pole and most of ancient scriptures describe Meru as the Central Pivot of the Universe and the entire cosmos revolves around it. 7 Sages(Big Dipper), the Sun, Moon and Stars paying obeisance while circum-ambulating the Holy Mountain. In Hindu cosmology, above Meru is Brahmalok or the 'Abode of Brahma'. In Norse mythology, they talk about about a World Tree that connects Heaven, Earth and Hell just like Meru. However every ancient scriptures have localized this mountain to location towards North Star.
In the ancient Zoroastrian scriptures of the Avesta, Harā Bərəzaitī is the source of all mountains of the world. Harā Bərəzaitī came to be identified with Harborz and also Alborz, Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus range. In Avestan cosmogony, High Harā is the geographic center of the universe, immediately surrounded by the steppes of the Airyanem Vaejah, the first of the seven lands created by Ahura Mazda. From these high Hara mountains, waters rush down from the mountain as the mighty world river Arədvī Sūrā Anāhitā ( Vedic Saraswati Equivalent), which in turn feed the great sea Vourukaša.
According to H. Lommel, the original name of the divinity in Indo-Iranian times was Sarasvatī, which also means "she who possesses waters".In Sanskrit, the name आर्द्रावी शूरा अनाहिता means "of the waters, mighty, and immaculate". Similar to Hindu mythology Sarasvatī, Anāhitā of Avestan myths mentions this river that nurtures crops and herds; and she is hailed both as a divinity and as the mythical river which she personifies, "as great in bigness as all these waters which flow forth upon the earth" (Yasht 5.3)
As per (Yasht 10.88) ....Harā is tall and luminous. The sacred plant haoma(Soma in Vedic) grows on Harā. It is also the home of the yazata Mithra. It is the site in legend of sacrifices (yasnas) to the yazatas Mithra, Sraoša, Arədvī Sūrā Anāhitā, Vayu, and Druvāspa, by sacrificers such as the divine priest Haoma (epitome of the sacred plant) and kings like Haošyaŋha and Yima.
In same context, the older Sumerian civilization was also referred as Land of holy Gods in ancient Mesopotamia. 'Su' means good in Sanskrit and thus the name Mount Sumeru. It is this civilization that invented first Human writing.
Other examples of Sumerian technology include: the wheel, cuneiform script, arithmetic and geometry, irrigation systems, Sumerian boats, lunisolar calendar, bronze, leather, saws, chisels, hammers, braces, bits, nails, pins, rings, hoes, axes, knives, lancepoints, arrowheads, swords, glue, daggers, waterskins, bags, harnesses, armor, quivers, war chariots, scabbards, boots, sandals, harpoons and beer.
Sumeru/Sumerian civilization is old Mesopotamia(current Iraq/Iran).
Kumeru/Khmer could be from India till South East Asia.
Pameru is current Pamir Mountains which is the roof of the world located in Tazkistan, Kyrgystan, Afghanistan
Most important of all rivers in Central Asia are Oxus and Jaxartes that run parallel. Ancient Persian/Avestan texts refer these rivers as Yakhsha and Vakhsha. Oxus is corrupted from Sanskrit word for Vaks ( Vaksh River). The Greek name for river Jax-artes or Iax-artes is derived from Old Persian name "Yakhsha Arta"
Details about Oxus and History:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amu_Darya
Vakhsh in its eastern parts(Vak means Speech in Sanksrit)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vakhsh_River
Many agree that early Vedic civilization being centered around Oxus/Vakhsh (Vaku) rivers. These rivers signifies sharp/sight and speech. There is a relationship with Iksh-vaku (Sharp sight-speech), the well-known sage. Iksh-vaku is the great grandson of sage Kashyapa. Lord Rama, Lord Buddha and great Suryavanshi kings belong to Ikshvaku dynasty.
These rivers(Yakhsha and Vakhsha) flows for a length of 2400 km across modern Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan into Lake Aral. There are evidences that earlier, it used to meet Caspian sea(Kaspische Zee) and the river course got changed possibly due to earth quakes. In ancient maps of Strabo, we can clearly see that Caspian Sea was known as 'Kasyap Meer' or 'Kaspische Zee/Sea' named after Rishi Kashyap - the father of the devas, asuras, nagas and all of humanity as per Hindu Mythology.
The Saka was the term used in Persian and Sanskrit sources for the Scythians dwelled on the Eurasian Steppe. The Sakas were Indo-Europeans with dialect similar to Sanskrit.The Sakas migrated into Central Asia and then to the northwest of the Indian subcontinent where they were known as the Indo-Scythians.
Siddhartha Gautama is also referred Sakyamuni Buddha and he belonged to the Shakya clan of India that has been identified as Sakas. In Serbian, "Vede" is knowledge, tat(a) - father (I) and mat(a) = root for mother in Slavic languages. TATAMATA also means someone who knows all and can do all. In same way in ancient Slavic, Sanskrit or Pali, Gata "gone" and Āgata "come" and in this interpretation, Tathāgata means literally either "the one who has gone to suchness" or "the one who has arrived at suchness" and referred to Lord Buddha himself
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Scythians
The Kalasha(Sanskrit: कलश kalaśa; literally "pitcher, pot") is considered a symbol of abundance and "source of life" in the Vedas and known from the time of Rigveda. The Kalasha is believed to contain amrita(Soma), the elixir of life, and thus is viewed as a symbol of abundance, wisdom, and immortality.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalasha
You can still find ancient Kalash people/pantheon( Dardic Indo-Aryan indigenous people residing in the Chitral District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan) and this tribe is one of last living representatives of Indo-European religion. Kalash mythology and folklore has been compared to that of ancient Greece, but they are much closer to Indo-Iranian (pre-Zoroastrian-Vedic) traditions.Based on their shared genetic drift, it is considered that they may be an ancient drifted North Eurasian stock
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalash_people
Ancient Vedic deities were revered only in Kalash community or tribe, the ancient Hindu god Yama Râja is referred as Imr'o in Kâmviri, Imra (*Yama Rājan), Māra 'death' (Nuristani). According to Sanskrit linguist Michael Witzel, the traditional Kalash religion shares many of the traits of myths, ritual, society, and echoes many aspects of Rigvedic, but not of the post-Rigvedic religion that developed in India.
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_position
Padmasana or lotus position (Sanskrit: पद्मासन) is a cross-legged sitting asana originating in meditative practices of Hinduism.It is an ancient predating hatha yoga, and is commonly used for meditation, in the Yoga, Jain, and Buddhist contemplative traditions. Shiva, the meditating ascetic God of Hinduism, Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, and the Tirthankaras (Ford-Makers) in Jainism have been depicted in the lotus position.
Concept of Lingam, Sacred Bull(Nandi) (Taurus constellation), God re-birth myth during winter solstice and other related myths of star constellations is clearly visible in World's First temple, Gobekli Tepe, Turkey around 11500-11000BCE.
8500BCE - Nevali cori figurines(Reference : Nevalı Çori - Wikipedia) closely matches with ancient Egyptian and Hindu priests. The Sikha signifies one-pointed (ekanta) focus on a spiritual goal, and devotion to God. It is also an indication of cleanliness, as well as personal sacrifice to God. According to ancient smriti shastras, it was mandatory for all Hindus to keep Sikha - Wikipedia ( Currently we can see mainly among Brahmins and temple priests).
Early Egyptian religion which is almost similar to Hinduism had mandate for all to wear Sikha including prince and they did this to differentiate people with knowledge of scribe/writing.
Culture of Hindus of India and Yezidis of middle east, Russia,Turkey etc are almost similar. Yezidis also pray deities with peacock angel like Hindus. The Yezidis or Yazidis are a Kurdish speaking people who live principally in northern Iraq. Yezidis claim that during and after a great flood around 4000 BCE, the Yezidis dispersed to many countries including India,hence they consider Hindus as brothers. Below is one such image where Yezidis request help from India during persecution by militants.
Reference : http://www.yeziditruth.org/yezidis-and-hindus-re-uniting-as-one-people
In Hindu mythology, Asuras are described as powerful superhuman demigods or demons with good or bad qualities. The good Asuras are called Adityas and are led by Varuna, while the malevolent ones are called Danavas and are led by Vritra. In the earliest layer of Vedic texts Agni, Indra and other gods are also called Asuras, in the sense of them being "lords" of their respective domains, knowledge and abilities. In later Vedic and post-Vedic texts, the benevolent gods are called Devas, while malevolent Asuras compete against these Devas and are considered "enemy of the gods" or demons.
Looking at below map of central Asia, the Sura and Asura Split - could be the basis for countries being named Syria and Assyria. Several sources indicate that the name Syria is derived from the 8th century BC Luwian term "Sura/i", and the derivative ancient Greek name: Σύριοι, Sýrioi, or Σύροι, Sýroi, both of which originally derived from Aššūrāyu (Assyria) in northern Mesopotamia. Mainstream modern academic opinion strongly favors the argument that the Greek word is related to the cognate Ἀσσυρία, Assyria, ultimately derived from the Akkadian Aššur.
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Aryan_superstrate_in_Mitanni
The Hittite archives of Àattušašhave revealed the oldest known horse-training manual.
Several Indo-Aryantechnical terms for horse training are mentioned in this manual: aikawartanna 'one turn (of the course)' (Sanskrit eka-vartana-), terawartanna 'three turns', panzawartanna 'five turns' (Sanskrit pañca-),sattawartanna 'seven turns' (Sanskrit sapta-), and nawartanna (for nawa-wartanna) 'nine turns' (Sanskrit nava). The first time historically the word Ratha is used as chariot is around 1650BCE with the Hurrians of the Middle East. These Hurrian's had hundreds of Vedic Sanskrit loan words. (Assuwa) is name of an Anatolian landscape in Hittite and Assyrian sources of the 15th century BCE.
Deities of Kassite Dynasty near Mittani have striking similarities of Vedic Gods.
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kassite_deities
In same context, Bag'van related names appears as far as Russia, Romania and most of European countries. This is used by automobile companies like Bogdan group, famous football players and other great personalities. 'Bogdan' or Bohdan is derived from the Slavic words Bog/Boh (Cyrillic: Бог), meaning "god", and dan (Cyrillic: дан), meaning "gift. Either Bogdan or Bohdan may be used in Poland.
Just as example, take name Baghdad (/ˈbæɡdæd, bəɡˈdæd/; Arabic: بغداد‎ [baɣˈdaːd]) which is the capital of Iraq and you find close similarities with Indo-European languages. Bagh refers "GOD" and dad "given", translating to "God-given" and both of these civilization refer this town with same meaning from ancient days till today. Baghvad Purana is "God given epic" in our Hindu Mythology. Again, we refer GOD as 'Bhag' for Bhagvan Buddha, Bhagvan Rama, Bhagvan Krishna etc. A devotee of Bhagvan Krishna is called a Bhagavata. This is my current surname :-).
'Dan' is gift in Sanskrit, Kannada, Hindi and almost all India languages even today and Bhag is god for referring Bhagvad Gita, Bhagvan and Bhag followers like us as 'Bhagwath'
Check list of names from Bogdan that are linked to famous personalities across the world:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bogdan
Just take below example of nouns and verbs used by Russians. It is almost similar like Sanskrit that is used here in India.
Nouns ( Russian)
Sanskrit Equivalent
English Meaning
Kogda
ubha
Vsegda
Togda
pathika
Estestvo
astitva
Dham
Matr
Snoha
Snusa
Svoystvo
svatva
Zyat
Jata,Jati
Bhratah
Verbs (Russian)
vad – vadit
vad – vadati
to confer or dispute about; to contend, quarrel
pros – prosit
prach – prachhati
to ask, to question, interrogate
vɨspra – vɨsprašivaet
viprach – viprcchati
to ask various questions, make various inquiries
peč – pečyot
pас – pacati
to cook, bake, roast, boil
lay – laet
rai – rayati
to bark
bɨ – budet
bhū – bhavati
to become, be
tuz – tuzit
tuj – tojayati
to hurt
gor – gorit
ghṛ – ghаrati
to shine, burn
las – laskaet
las – lasāti
to play, sport, frolic; to embrace
voz – vozit
vah – vahati
to carry, transport, convey
lov – lovit
labh – labhate
to take, seize, catch
lel – lelyeet
lal – lālayati
to caress, fondle, foster, cherish
bav – bаvit
bhū – bhavayati
exist, be found, live, stay, abide, happen, occur; to cause to be or become; to cherish, foster
kasl – kaslyaet
kās – kāsate
to cough
svet – svetaet
śvit – śvetate
to be bright or white
mer – mryot
mṛ – marati
to die, decease
pi – p'yot
pī – piyate
to drink
suš – sušit
śuṣ – śuṣyati
to dry, become dry or withered
mor – morit
mṛ – mārayati
to cause to die, kill, slay
pad – padyot
pad – padyate
to fall
perd – perdit
pard – pardati
to break wind downwards
boya – boitsya
bhyas – bhyasate
to fear, be afraid, tremble
otda – otdayot
uddā – uddadāti
vɨd – vɨdayot
vidā – vidadāti
to give out, distribute, grant
po – poit
pa – pāyayati
to cause to drink, give to drink, water (horses or cattle)
i – idyot
iṭ – eṭati
bɨv – bɨvaet
to happen, occur
mes – mesit
miśr – miśrayati
to mix, mingle, blend, combine
zna – znaet
jña – jānāti
to know, have knowledge
liz – ližet
lih – lihati
to lick
vɨliz – vɨlizɨvaet
vilih – vilelihat
to lick continually or repeatedly
živ – živaet
jīv – jīvati
to live, be or remain alive
ver – veraet
vṛ – varati
to cove, screen, veil, conceal, hide, surround, obstruct, to close (a door)
lyub – lyubit
lubh – lubhati
to desire greatly or eagerly, long for, be interested in
vorot – vorotit
vṛt – vartayati
to cause to turn or revolve
top – topit
tap – tapati
to make hot or warm
mer – merit
mi – miroti
to measure, meter, out, mark
do – doit
dhe – dhayati
to suck, drink
val – valit
val – valiti
to turn, turn round
vɨlup – vɨlupit
vilup – vilumpati
to tear or break off or to pieces, wound, lacerate pull out or up; to tear away
slav – slavit
śram – śramyati
sound, shout, loud praise
tyan – tyanet
tan – tanoti
to stretch (a cord), extend
ri – rinet
rī – riṇāti
to release, set free, let go
vert – vertit
vṛt – vartate
to turn, turn round, revolve, roll
rev – revyot
ru – ravīti
to roar, bellow, howl, yelp, cry aloud
val – valyaet
val – valate
vid – vidit
vid – vidati
to notice, observe; to know, understand, perceive, learn, become or be acquainted with, be conscious of
isk – iščet
iṣ – icchati; eṣati
to seek, search; to desire, wish, long for, request
proda – prodast
pradā – pradatte
to give away, give, offer, sell
oddel – oddelyaet
uddal – uddalati
to split away, break away
tryas – tryasyot
tras – trasyati
to tremble
bles – bleščet
bhlāś – bhlāśate
to shine, beam, glitter
sid – sidit
sad – sīdati
to sit upon or in or at smth.
spa – spit
svap – svapiti
to sleep, fall asleep
rɨd – rɨdaet
rud – rodati
to weep, cry, howl, roar, lament, wail
klešč – kleščit
kliś – kliśnati
to torment, cause pain
bde – bdit
budh – budhyati
to be awake
lip – lipnet
lip – limpyati
to be smeared; to be attached to, to stick, to adhere
lep – lepit
lip – lepayati
the act of smearing, daubing, anointing, plastering
vɨtyan – vɨtyanet
vitan – vitanute
to spread out, to stretch, extend, to unfold, display, exhibit, manifest
vɨživ – vɨživaet
vijīv – vijīvati
to revive, return to life
slad – sladit
svad – svadati
to make sweet or pleasant or agreeable
plav – plavaet
plu – plavate
to float, swim
bra – beryot
bhṛ – bharati
to hold, possess, have, keep
mni – mnit
mna – manate
to think, believe, imagine
pɨt – pɨtaet
piṭh – peṭhati
to inflict or feel pain
kas – kasaet
kaṣ – kaṣati
to test, try; to rub
vɨver – vɨvernet
vivṛti – vivartate
to turn back or away
vert – vertaet
vrt – vartayati
bud – budit
budh – budhyate
to wake up
vol – volit
vṛ – vṛṇoti; varayati
to choose, select, choose for one's self, choose as; to like, love well
Kandalaksha is Russian town and port of Kandalaksha Gulf on the White Sea, north of the Arctic Circle. In Sanskrit Kandal is also referred as Milk.
Samarkand is best example that appears to be named after Hindu Sage Marakand. Greeks referred Samarkand as Marakand.
Below are list of English words that have Sanskrit connection
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_English_words_of_Sanskrit_origin
Root Sanskrit Word Latin/ Greek Current English Word
Manu (means First Human) NA Man/Men/Human
Pithr (meaning Father) Pater (Latin) Father
Bhrathr (meaning Brother) Phrater (Greek) Brother
Gau (meaning Cow) Bous (Greek) Cow
Matr (meaning Mother) Mater (Latin) Mother
Jan (meaning Generation) Genea (Greek) Gene
Aksha (meaning Axis) Axon (Greek) Axis
Navagatha (meaning Navigation) Navigationem (Latin) Navigation
Sarpa (meaning Snake) Serpentem (Latin) Serpent
Naas (means Nose) Nasus (Latin) Nose
Anamika (means Anonymous) Anonymos (Greek) Anonymous
Naama (means Name) Nomen (Latin) Name
Ashta (meaning Eight) Octo (Latin) Eight
Barbara (meaning Foreign) Barbaria (Latin) Barbarian
Dhama (meaning House) Domus (Latin) Domicile
Danta (meaning Teeth) Dentis (Latin) Dental
Dwar (meaning Door) Doru Door
Dasha (meaning Ten) Deca (Greek) Deca
Madhyam (meaning Medium) Medium (Latin) Medium
Kaal (meaning Time) Kalendae (Latin) Calendar
Kri (meaning To Do) Creatus (Latin) Create
Mishra (meaning Mix) Mixtus (Latin) Mix
Ma (meaning Me/My) Me (Latin) Me
Loka (meaning Place) Locus (Latin) Locale
Maha (meaning Great) Magnus (Latin) Mega
Mala (meaning Dirt/Bad) Malus (Latin) Mal as in Malicious
Makshikaa (meaning Bee) Musca (Latin) -Fly Mosquito
Mrta (meaning Dead) Mortis (Latin) Murder
Na (meaning No) Ne No
Nakta (meaning Night) Nocturnalis (Latin) Nocturnal
Paad (meaning Foot) Pedis (Latin) Ped as in Pedestrial, Pedal etc
Pancha (meaning Five) Pente (Greek) Penta, Five
Parah (meaning Remote) Pera (Greek) Far
Patha (meaning Path) Pathes (Greek) Path
Raja / Raya (meaning King) Regalis (Latin) Royal
Sama (meaning Similar) Similis (Latin) Similar
Sapta (meaning Seven) Septum (Latin) Seven
Sharkara (meaning Sugar) Succarum Sugar / Sucrose
Smi (meaning Smile) Smilen (Latin) Smile
SthaH (meaning Situated) Stare (Latin) (meaning To Stand) Stay
Svaad (meaning Tasty) Suavis (Latin) Sweet
Tha (meaning That) Talis (Latin) That
Tva (meaning Thee) Dih Thee
Vachas (meaning Speech) Vocem (Latin) Voice
Vahaami (meaning Carry) Vehere (meaning to Carry) (Latin) Vehicle
Vama / Vamati (meaning Vomit) Vomere (Latin) Vomit
Vastr (meaning Cloth) Vestire (Latin) Vest
Yauvana (meaning Youth) Juvenilis (Latin) Juvenile
Narangi (meaning Orange) Naranj Orange
Pippali (meaning Pepper) Piperi (Greek) Pepper
Chandana (meaning Sandalwood) Santalon (Greek) Sandalwood
Chandra (meaning Moon) Candela (Latin) Candle
Chatur (meaning Four) Quartus (Latin) Quarter
Shunya (meaning Zero) Cipher (Arabic) Zero
Nava (meaning New) Novus (Latin) Nova – New
Kafa (meaning Mucus) Coughen Cough
Mithya (meaning Lie) Mythos (Greek) Myth
Thri (meaning Three) Treis (Greek) Three
Mush (meaning Mouse) Mus (Latin) Mouse
Maragadum (meaning Emerald) Smaragdus (Latin) Emerald
Srgalah (meaning Jackal) Shagal (Persian) Jackal
Nila (meaning Dark Blue) Nilak (Persian) Lilac
Nara (meaning Nerve) Nervus (Latin) Nerve, Nervous
Prati per (Latin) per
Srgalah Shagal (Persian) Jackal
Upalah (meaning Precious Stone) Opalus (Latin) Opal
Vrihis (meaning Rice) Oriza (Latin) Rice
Barbar (meaning stammering) Barbaros (Greek) Barbarian
Jaanu (meaning knee) Genu (Latin) Knee
Sunu (meaning Son or Offspring) Sunu (German) Son
Ghas (meaning eat) Grasa (German) Grass
Samiti (meaning Committee) committere (Latin) Committee
Sama (meaning Same) Samaz (Proto Germanic) Same
Lubh (meaning Desire) Lubo (Latin and Proto Germanic) Love
Agni (meaning Fire) Ignis (Latin) Ignite
Hrt (meaning Heart) Herto (Proto Germanic) Heart
Yaana (meaning journey, wagon) Wagen (German) Van, Wagon
About Hinduism and Bharata:
As per Hindu mythology, Vishvamitra is credited as the author of most of Mandala 3 of the Rigveda, including Gayatri Mantra. Vishwamitra was king earlier and had conflicts with Sage Vashista over sacred cow "Kamadhenu". During conflict with Sage Vashista, Vishvamitra realizes power of sages and understands that power obtained by penances was far greater than mere physical might. He renounced his kingdom and began his quest to become a greater rishi than Sage Vashista. Undergoing many austerities, Vishvamitra at last obtained the title of Brahmarishi from Vashista himself. Vishvamitra had a daughter named Shakuntala. Son of Shakuntala became a great emperor. He came to be known as Emperor Bharata, in whose name the land of India got its name Bharata( Refer ancient Puranic Map on location of Bharatha Varsha as shown in this blog above) .
India is a place where you will still find beautiful mixture of all major races of world who arrived here in times. This is a country with mixed race and humans might have settled in India due to multiple waves of migrations. The first migrants came with the Southern Coastal dispersal, ca. 60,000 years ago, thereafter complex migrations within south and southeast Asia took place with people of Australoid Race. Then the migration of Mediterranean race, later Indo-European and finally Mongoloid Race(Tibet-Burmese) speaking people in North eastern parts of India.
This is one place in the world where you can locate almost all the oldest surviving ancient religion/cultures of the world living together peacefully. Hindu religious scriptures date back up to 6,000 years and as a known fact, India has never invaded any country in its past 10,000 years of history and the people associated with ancient civilizations across the world who came here along with their cultural past due to persecution or ill-treatment in their native were adapted and protected here in this great land just because of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", the entire world is a family is what our philosophy teaches if you are a Hindu. "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah", may all living beings live happily, in peace, may good happen to all, may all prosper and live their lives to their fullest potential is what Hindus still follow. Unity in Diversity is India's strength. India is a land of "Unity in diversity"."Unity in diversity" is based on the concept where the individual or social differences in physical attributes, skin color, castes, creed, cultural and religious practices, etc. are not looked upon as a conflict. Rather, these differences are looked upon as varieties that enrich the society and the nation as a whole.Unity in diversity is a very important principle because we all live in a diverse world and it is crucial to respect each other and to support each other no matter what our culture, background, gender, orientation or other differences may be.
Sanatana Philosophy
Below are six major schools of thoughts in Sanatana philosophy—Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa and Vedanta. ( Each one is better than other in path of self realization and all these emerged by debating merits and demerits of each school of thoughts in most non-violent way by Vedic Scholars)
1. Samkhya. This is an oldest and strongly dualism theoretical exposition of consciousness and matter. Samkhya School espouses dualism between consciousness and matter. It regards the universe as consisting of two realities: Purusha (Consciousness) and prakriti (matter). Samkhya philosophy includes a theory of gunas (qualities, innate tendencies, psyche). Guna, it states, are of three types: Sattva being good, compassionate, illuminating, positive, and constructive; Rajas guna is one of activity, chaotic, passion, impulsive, potentially good or bad; and Tamas being the quality of darkness, ignorance, destructive, lethargic, negative. Everything, all life forms and human beings, state Samkhya scholars, have these three gunas, but in different proportions. The interplay of these gunas defines the character of someone or something, of nature and determines the progress of life.
2. Yoga, this comprises the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Many types of Yoga, such as raja yoga, jnana yoga, karma yoga, bhakti yoga, tantra yoga, mantra yoga, laya yoga, and hatha yoga and closely related to Samkhya school of thoughts emphasising meditation, contemplation and liberation. The Yoga school builds on the Samkhya school theory that jnana (knowledge) is a sufficient means to moksha (Liberation to Universal Spirit)
3. Nyaya or logic, which explores sources of knowledge using Nyaya Sutras. It holds that human suffering results from mistakes/defects produced by activity under wrong knowledge (notions and ignorance and Moksha (liberation), it states, is gained through right knowledge. The six means of knowledge are:
•Pratyaksha: Knowledge thru Perception
•Anumana : Knowledge thru Inference
•Upamana : Knowledge by Comparison
•Sabda : Knowledge directly through Words
•Arthapatti : Knowledge thru postulation
•Anupalabhi : Knowledge based on absence
4. Vaiseika, an empiricist school of atomism. It postulates that all objects in the physical universe are reducible to atoms and that one's experiences are derived from the interplay of substance (a function of atoms, their number and their spatial arrangements), quality, activity, commonness, particularity and inherence. Knowledge and liberation are achievable by complete understanding of the world of experience. This philosophy is credited to Kashyapa during Vedic times.
5. Mimamsa: Mimamsa deals with analysis of Vedic mantras. There are two branches of Mimamsa called Purva mimamsa and Uttara mimamsa. The Purva mimamsa analyses the Karma part of Vedas and the Uttara mimamsa for Jnana part.
6. Vedanta: Vedanta came to be the dominant current of Hinduism in the post-medieval period. Vedanta again has several divisions and primary is Advaita and Dvaita.
Advaita literally means "not two, sole, unity". It is a sub-school of Vedanta, and asserts spiritual and universal non-dualism. Its metaphysics is a form of absolute monism that is all ultimate reality is interconnected oneness. Dvaita Vedanta is a dualistic interpretation of the Vedas, espouses dualism by theorizing the existence of two separate realities.
What are Vedas and What does it Preach?
Ancient Vedic philosophy basically comprises of Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads. The Vedas are perhaps the oldest written text on our planet today. The Vedas are divided into four groups, Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda and Atharvaveda.
1. Rig Veda: Hymns in Prayer (Stotras) forms dedicated to Gods in tradition. It is a collection of 1,028 Vedic Sanskrit hymns and 10,600 verses in all, organized into ten books (Sanskrit: mandalas). The hymns are dedicated to Rigvedic deities. The books were composed by sages and poets from different priestly groups over a period. About two-thirds of Rigveda is about the gods Agni (Fire) and Indra (Ruler of the gods). Rigveda contains a sense of intimate communion between Nature and the Rishis or visionaries
2. Sama Veda: The Sama-Veda is the "Veda of chants" or "Knowledge of melodies". Hymns in Music& Melody form. A collection of hymns used by the priests during the Soma sacrifice. Many of these duplicate in part or in whole hymns from the Rig Veda
3. Yajur Veda is the Veda of ritual. The ritual is to recreate the universe within our own psyche and thereby unite the individual with the universal
4. Atharva Veda: Hymns which were focused on avoid calamities and sufferings.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedas
The Purana literature are in story form and voluminous in nature. There are 18 main puranas and most of the popular puranas were written by Vyasa. Puranas were the medium to teach the common man on values of life through an intelligent weaving of mythological stories. Some of the most popular puranas include Skanda purana, Agni Purana, Bhagavatha Purana , Vishnu Purana , Siva Purana and so on…..
The Upanishads:
The Upanishads are largely philosophical works in dialog form. They discuss question of nature philosophy and the fate of the soul, and contain some mystic and spiritual interpretations of the Vedas. The compiler of the Vedas and Puranas was Vyasa and referred as Veda Vyasa.
Spread of Sanatana Culture in Indian sub-continent:
This Sanatana culture and school of thoughts (referred as Sanatana Dharma) at one point was all over India and South East Asia. You can still see the remains of this rich culture in the Hindu temples of Angkor Wat, Bali and Thailand.
Sages were main reason to spread this culture and wherever these sages have travelled, the culture has spread. It starts from Agastya, Adi Shankaracharya so on.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agastya
Adi Shankaracharya helped to unite various school of thoughts under one single foundation of Sanatana Dharma (currently referred as Hinduism). Adi Shankara traveled across the Indian Subcontinent to propagate his philosophy through discourses and debates with other thinkers. The united Indian culture what we see today was due to Adi Shankara's contribution those days.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adi_Shankara
As we all know, civilizations of Mesopotamian got destroyed in times and so as Egyptian, Roman, Persian and several 100's which had such a beautiful heritage and powerful empires got vanished except Sanatana Philosophy(Hinduism) that prevailed from oldest Sarasvati civilization and still strong as of today. Oldest ancestral culture was nurtured and preserved in India from several centuries even after several invasions. The main reason beyond this is Hinduism. Hinduism has no known founder and no single book to be followed which easily allowed scholars to do reforms for better philosophical and religious practices in times that can digest any kind of cultural invasions. Hinduism is a culture that constantly evolves and not stagnant with set of rules. India is a Place of Re-union of many Religions, people union of different languages, union of diverse cultures that settled here in times. It strongly feel that it was India that kept alive a message of Unity in Diversity and protected all the ancient cultures as it is from several thousand years of human history.Thanks for reading this blog.
For Question and Answers, please visit below URL:
https://www.quora.com/profile/Arvind-Bhagwath
YouTube Channel : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6XPvUZXxQEOeEu3zSP3ULA
Constellation(Orion) : http://www.chidambaramhiddentreasure.com/orion-chidambaram/
Night Sky Astrology - Google Sky: https://www.google.com/sky/
DNA reference ( R1a particularly) http://www.eupedia.com/europe/Haplogroup_R1a_Y-DNA.shtml
International DNA project. - http://www.r1a.org/2.htm
Also reference to below Wikipedia will lead to several links and other reliable scientific projects related to this topic- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haplogroup_R1a
Arctic Origin of Vedas - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Arctic_Home_in_the_Vedas
Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads:
https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism
Ancient Scripts and History
htttp://www.ancientscripts.com/brahmi.html
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