Ancient Skies and Astronomy Now by Krishna Ramadas
Vedic knowledge is understood to have been captured by meditators in deep states of contemplation during the dawn of human civilization. Neuroscientists acknowledge today that a brain in a meditative state is uniquely different state from its waking, sleep and dream counterparts. Did ancient Rishis gain mastery over this state to infer from it scientific concepts about the structure of the Cosmos?
Ancient Skies and Astronomy Now collates extracted information from Sanskrit texts to offer readers 27 in-depth instances of astounding similarities in deep sky observation with present day cosmology and twenty first century astronomy.
The book contains:
Astronomical basis for the division of the sky into 27 equal segments and the methods by which the Vedic calendar systems have been periodically corrected
Charts showing boundaries between the 27 divisions of the sky on modern astronomical sky maps and coordinates of deep-sky objects associated with each division
Explanations of the 4.32 billion year Kalpa time cycle found frequently in Sanskrit texts and the names of its sub-periods which convey real geological and paleontological events on Earth
Opportunities missed by colonial scholars to verify astronomical knowledge in Sanskrit text and the resulting neglect of research into Vedic astronomy
In depth illustrations of mining word-for-word meanings of Vedic mantras, using a neglected technique
Deciphered codes related to stellar formation and the structure of the Milky Way galaxy from anthropomorphized descriptions of cosmic energy units (Devatas)
Ancient Skies and Astronomy Now features a variety of unique astronomical phenomena and revisits popularly held beliefs about the process of cognition and of mantras. Fragments of poetry and prose from Sanskrit documents are dissected to illuminate little-known wonders that lie off the beaten path of conventional translations. Examples such as the Eridanus Supervoid dominated by dark energy venerating the powers of Yama over the deceased, or the star Betelgeuse leaving turbulence in its wake exemplifying the benevolence of Rudra bring the wonders of an ancient sky to life.
Suitable for amateur and avid sky watchers, this is a book for anyone with an interest in ancient cultures and civilizations. It is also an outstanding introduction to deep-sky astronomy for readers familiar with Hindu astrology and native customs of India. Users of the Indian calendar systems or the Panchang will appreciate the book for the scientific knowledge it brings about the Nakshatras.
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