I often discuss the theory of 'to-and-fro oscillation of the equinoxes'. Here's a brief account of this theory, presented in a paper published in the IKS book 'Exploring the Roots and Relevance of Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems' (2025).
The paper proposes a 7,200-year cycle of to-and -fro movement
of the equinoxes, contrasting with the current 26,000-year model of continuous precession.
It connects this theory to Ursa Minor (Shishumara) to identify northern pole
stars as described in Indic scriptures. The implications of an impending
equinox shift over the next few centuries are discussed, along with the
scientific cause for the equinox's to-and-fro movement.
***********
Ancient Indic Thought of Precession
and Equinoxes
Abstract
The current
theory of axial precession, proposes that the Earth's rotational axis wobbles
relative to distant stars, causing a continuous precession of the equinoxes and
a circular pole shift around the zodiac over approximately 26,000 years.
However, the Indic Thought proposes a shorter cycle of 7,200 years, comprising
forward and backward motion of the equinoxes by up to 54 degrees, with a
corresponding polar shift limited to 54-degree span. Interestingly, this polar
span aligns with the constellation of Ursa Minor, known as Shishumāra in
Puranas and Vedic texts. This paper highlights the key aspects of the Indic
Theory of equinoxes, examines their scientific explanations, and notes that the
equinox is poised to shift forward over the next three centuries.
Key words: zodiac, equinoxes,
precession, Shishumāra, Surya Siddhānta, archeoastronomy, oscillation, Uttarāyaṇa,
Dakṣiṇāyana.
Introduction
No other
civilization has explored the precession of the equinoxes as extensively as the
Indic society. This concept is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, influencing
astrology, religious practices, and astronomy.
Unlike Western
astrology, which uses current planetary positions to cast horoscopes, the Indic
system applies a correction called "ayanāmśa" ('degree of
movement'). This adjustment accounts for the shift between the Sun's location
on the vernal equinox and the zero-degree point of the sidereal zodiac.
Currently, the Sun has shifted more than 24 degrees west of the zodiac’s
starting point. The Indic system deducts this amount from the celestial
positions to determine their longitudes. This approach suggests a to-and-fro
movement of the equinox, contrasting with the continuous precession model of
Western science.
The Western
concept of continuous precession emerged from Greek astronomer Hipparchus’ (129
BCE) comparison of his star catalogues with earlier Babylonian records (169
years prior). This revealed a backward shift in star positions. About 1,500
years later, Copernicus and Newton noted a further westward shift, leading to
the precession theory. Over time, continuous precession became widely accepted
as the norm.
However, Vedic
astrology proposes that the equinoxes move both backward and forward, an
oscillatory motion not yet recognized by modern science. This movement, coupled
with a corresponding shift in pole stars, forms the core of the Indic
perspective.
This paper
examines the Western theory of precession, highlighting challenges from
archaeo-astronomical evidence, and introduces the Indic theory of oscillatory
motion and pole star shifts.
What is equinox?
Scientifically,
the equinox is the intersection of the ecliptic (Earth’s orbit) with the
celestial equator, dividing the celestial sphere into Northern and Southern
Hemispheres. It occurs when the Sun shines directly over the equator, resulting
in equal day and night. As Earth orbits the Sun, its tilted axis causes the Sun
to appear to move up and down, crossing the equator twice yearly. These
crossings are called equinoxes.
The Sun reaches
its northern limit during the summer solstice (Dakṣiṇāyana),
marking the start of its southward journey. Conversely, the winter solstice (Uttarāyaṇa)
marks the beginning of its northward movement.
When the Sun
crosses the equator from south to north, it signals spring in the Northern
Hemisphere, known as the "vernal equinox," occurring on March 20/21.
When it moves north to south, it marks autumn, called the "autumn
equinox," on September 23/24.
Precession of the equinoxes
Each year, the
Sun’s position against the starry backdrop during the equinox shifts slightly.
This shift causes the equinox to occur 20 minutes earlier annually, leading to
a one-day discrepancy every 72 years, corresponding to a one-degree backward
movement of the Sun in the sky. This gradual shift is called the
"precession of the equinox."
Western
scientists attribute this shift to Earth's axial wobble. As Earth rotates
counterclockwise, its axis traces a circular path, akin to a spinning top. The
current theory compares Earth's motion to a gyroscope, with the spin axis
analogous to Earth's axial movement (Figure 1)
Picture credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axial_precession#/media/File:Gyroscope_precession.gif
As the Earth
rotates like a gyroscope, its spin axis traces a backward circle. The axis's
top, aligned with the North Pole, points to the pole star. However, due to the
axis's rotation, the pole star changes over time (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Precession
circle and pole-shift
Picture credit: University of
Hongkong Dept of Physics
The Earth's polar
axis traces a 360-degree circle approximately every 26,000 years, with various
stars becoming pole stars at different times along this path. Currently, the
North Pole star is Polaris. However, due to the Earth's axial movement, the
axis is expected to shift, pointing to Vega as the new North Pole star by the
year 14,000 CE. The Earth's axis moves at an estimated rate of 50 arc seconds
per year, which translates to a shift of 1 degree every 72 years.
Challenges to the Western theory of precession
A major challenge
to the Western concept of precession comes from a discovery by the European
Space Agency (ESA).1 An experiment conducted in space revealed that
a gyroscope maintains its spin axis in zero gravity, defying conventional
gyroscopic motion theories. A gyroscope remains oriented in space, unaffected
by external disturbances (ESA video: 2016). Similarly, the Earth, like a giant
gyroscope, retains its axial orientation, established during its formation, and
remains unaffected by gravitational influences from celestial bodies.
Another
significant challenge stems from archaeo-astronomical observations of ancient
structures. Many of these structures are aligned with the current equinox. A
striking example is the Tower (Gopura) of Anantha Padmanabhaswamy in Trivandrum
built 400 years ago (Figure 3). On every equinoctial day, devotees
gather to witness the Sun pass directly through the centre of the temple's
Gopura. According to the current precession theory, the equinox should have
been 5 degrees away when the Gopura was built 400 years ago, assuming a rate of
1 degree per 72 years. Only then would it appear perfectly aligned with today's
equinox.
Figure 3: Trivandrum
temple Gopura on the equinox day
Similarly, other
ancient structures, such as Angkor Wat (12th century), Temple of Kukulkan in
Chichen Itza, Mexico (8th century, Maya civilization) and Stonehenge (circa
5000 years ago, England) (Figure 4) should also be misaligned with the
current equinox at the time of construction, based on the precession theory.
However, these structures remain remarkably aligned with the equinox,
challenging our current theory of precession.
Figure 4: Stonehenge on
the equinox day
Picture credit: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2023/12/21/winter-solstice-2023-stonehenge/72000877007/
Rivalling
Stonehenge's antiquity is the Mnajdra temple complex, a megalithic structure on
the Mediterranean island of Malta (Figure 5). One of its structures
features a central passage precisely aligned with equinoctial sunlight, while
the passage's edges correspond to the solstices. As per the Western theory of
precession this alignment must have been made 12,000 years ago to the previous
precession cycle. However, archaeological evidence limits its age to around
5,000 years.
Figure 5: Mnajdra temple
on the equinox day
Picture credit: https://basemalta.com/the-new-autumn-season-at-the-mnajdra-temples/
If one or two
structures were aligned to the equinox of today, it could have been dismissed
as coincidental, but with many structures matching perfectly with today’s
equinox, it raises fundamental questions about the current theory of
precession. While the precession theory posits a continuous shift in the
Earth's alignment with the Sun’s equinoctial position, archaeo-astronomy
reveals no change in the alignment between the Earth and the Sun. This is where
the ancient Indic theory of equinoxes gains significance.
Equinox dates remain unchanged
Historical
records show equinoxes consistently occur on the same calendric dates. The
French Republican Calendar, starting on September 22, 1792, aligned with the
autumnal equinox, a date unchanged today2.
Similarly, EG
Richards (1999) notes the spring equinox fell on March 21 in CE 325 during the
First Council of Nicaea (p.250)3. This repetition of equinox dates
across different eras led calendar researchers to view these dates as notional.
The Gregorian
calendar (CE 1582) refined tropical year calculations, reinforcing this
pattern. Despite 442 years passing, during which the equinoctial day should
have shifted by six days according to current astronomical theory, the spring
equinox remains on March 21, with only minor variations due to leap-year
adjustments. These findings challenge the idea of Earth's axis precessing.
Unlocking the Mystery of the Equinox’s Fixed Date
There is a reason
behind the equinox falling on the same date every year. The division of the
year into a near-exact number of days of rotation enables the same date to
recur annually. To visualize this, imagine the Earth's orbit as a 360-degree
circle with 366 equally spaced dots, representing days. Each day, the Earth
moves to the next dot, completing one full revolution in approximately 365 days
and 6 hours. This results in a shortfall of nearly 1/4 day each year. After
four years, this shortfall accumulates to one full day, necessitating a leap
year correction.
This correction
ensures that the Earth's position on its orbit, relative to the Sun, remains
nearly constant. The difference is merely one day, allowing for the same dates
to recur annually. For instance: On January 1, the Earth returns to the same
point on its orbit each year. In non-leap years, the Earth maybe 6, 12, or 18
hours ahead, but the leap year correction ensures it returns to the same
position every four years4.
This phenomenon
applies to all dates, including the equinox, which typically falls between
March 20 and 21 (Figure 6). If the Earth's axis were indeed shifting due
to precession, the calendric dates would not recur with such consistency, as
the planet's orientation would be altering over time.
Figure 6: Fixed alignment
of the Earth and the Sun on vernal equinox (illustrative)
Picture credit: Self
The Sun's movement: A key to understanding the equinox shift
The consistent
alignment of the Earth and Sun during the equinox, occurring on the same
Gregorian calendar day, does not account for the observed 20-minute shift in
the equinox's timing. This discrepancy suggests that the 20-minute shift,
accumulating to 1 degree every 72 years, cannot be attributed to the Earth's
axis shift due to precession.
The shift in the
equinox's position is better explained by the Sun’s movement through space,
highlighting the importance of considering the Sun’s motion in understanding
astronomical phenomena. Traveling at approximately 200 km/s, the Sun covers 1
degree of space in 72 years. This shift is measured relative to the background
stars, a fundamental concept in Vedic astronomy and timekeeping.
To account for
this shift, Vedic culture introduces the concept of ayanāmśa to re-locate the
Sun notionally at the beginning of the zodiac. This relocation marks the
zero-degree point of the Aśvinī star or the sign Mesha (Aries), for
astronomical observations and timekeeping for the Vedic society.
Ancient alignment techniques: Unveiling the shadow stick method
Ancient builders
had a deep understanding of the precise alignment between the Earth and Sun.
They would wait for the day of equinox to align their structures accordingly.
This methodology is highlighted in the ancient Tamil text Nedunal Vādai,
composed 2,000 years ago, which describes the “shadow stick method” used by
builders to construct the queen's palace in Madurai5.
According to the
text, two sticks were erected in line, with one placed behind the other as the
Sun began to set in the west. The second stick was positioned where the shadow
of the first stick fell (Nedunal Vādai: Lines 73–79). The builders observed the
shadows every day and waited for the day when the shadows of the two sticks
aligned perfectly, running parallel with no deviation. That day marked the
equinox (Figure 7).
Figure 7: Shadow stick
method as per Nedunal Vādai
Picture credit: Self
The shadow stick
method was likely universally adopted among ancient builders. Ancient Indic
knowledge, as seen in Tamil texts, showcases profound understanding of
astronomical alignments, underscoring Indic contributions to astronomy and
architecture.
Indic theory of equinoxes
The Indic people
used the shadow stick method for thousands of years, observing eastward and
westward shifts. This phenomenon is noted in the Surya Siddhānta, which
recommends using a gnomon for greater precision, a technique employed by Vedic
astronomers.
The third chapter
of the Surya Siddhānta, titled Tripraśna (of Direction, Place and Time)
describes the shadow method for determining the equinox using a gnomon, and
notably, mentions that the equinoctial shadow may shift eastward or westward
(Surya Siddhanta: 3- 9 to 11)6. It introduces the concept of
ayanāmśa, where the shift's difference is adjusted to determine the equinoctial
Sun's position, at the zodiac's starting point at Mesha/Aśvinī.
This ancient
observation remains crucial in Hindu astrology and calendrical calculations.
Indian astrologers still apply the ayanāmśa correction to accurately fix
horoscopes and religious dates. From a logical standpoint, deducting or adding
the ayanāmśa value makes sense only if the equinox undergoes a limited,
oscillatory motion around a pivotal point. If the equinox were to move
continuously backward without bounds, the concept of ayanāmśa would lose all
meaning. This rationale underscores the notion that the equinox does not move
backward indefinitely.
Unlike the
Western view of a 26,000-year precession cycle, Vedic sages proposed a
7,200-year cycle, supported by historical references to the ayanāmśa of their
time.
For instance:
The "Mahā
Siddhānta" by Āryabhata states that there are 578,159 revolutions in a Kalpa, which spans 4,320,000,000 years. This corresponds to a cycle of
approximately 7,471.9 years. (4,320,000,000 divided by 578,159 = 7,471.9 years
per revolution)
The Parāśara
Siddhānta mentions 581,709 revolutions per Kalpa, yielding a cycle of
around 7,426 years7.
The Surya
Siddhānta gives a standard value by stating that "The circle of asterisms
librate 600 times in a Great Yuga" (verse 3-9) where Great Yuga refers to
Catur Mahā Yuga of 43,20,000 years. This calculates to a cycle of 7,200 years
(43,20,000 / 600). The Surya Siddhānta describes the celestial mechanics of
asterisms as follows: they first move 27 degrees west, return to their original
position, then move 27 degrees east, and finally return to their starting
point, completing one libration or revolution (Surya Siddhānta: p.29)6.
This phenomenon
creates the appearance that the celestial sphere is shifting in a pendulum-like
motion, with its pivot point anchored at 0° Aries. From this central point, the
sphere appears to swing uniformly 27° to either side, creating a harmonious and
symmetrical movement (Figure 8).
Figure 8: Pendulum
movement of the equinox
Picture credit: Self
Key derivations
of this equinox cycle are as follows:
Ø The equinox
completes a to-and-fro motion in approximately 7,200 years.
Ø From Earth's
perspective, the Sun at the vernal equinox appears to move linearly for 54° in
one direction, then reverses direction and moves 54° in the opposite direction,
covering a total of 108° (54° + 54°).
Ø Eastward
(forward) movement for 3,600 years.
Ø Westward
(backward) movement for 3,600 years.
Ø The mid-point of
the equinox cycle falls at 0° sidereal Aries, serving as a reference point
which is regarded as the beginning of the zodiac. Sidereal year is computed
from this point.
From this the
rate of movement of the equinox per year can be calculated.
1 revolution = 27 x 4 = 108˚
600 revolutions = 108 x 600 = 64,800˚
64,800˚ = 43, 20,000 years
Therefore 1˚ = 66.66 years
This is equal to 54 arc seconds per
year.
The current rate
of precession, approximately 50 arc seconds per year, closely aligns with the
average rate derived from the Surya Siddhānta.
Aryabhata on equinox
Observations of
the shadow’s yearly shift revealed variations in the rate of equinox movement,
indicating that this rate is not constant. These variations suggest that the
equinox’s path is not a straight line, but rather a curved or bent path.
Notably, specific degrees are identified at the centre and extremities,
implying that despite differences in movement rates (ayanāmśa), these points
remained fixed.
Aryabhata’s work
reinforces this understanding. His age, stated as sixty times sixty years since
the commencement of the Kali Yuga, indicates a significant astronomical event (Aryabhaṭīya:
3-10)8. The mean planetary positions Aryabhata provided required no
correction, implying a zero rate of precession at that time of his birth
(Aryabhaṭīya: p.98)8. This coincidence of tropical (moving as in
Western model) and sidereal (fixed as in Vedic model) vernal equinoxes at 0°
Aries occurred at the beginning of every Yuga, with the previous conjunction
happening 3600 years prior to Aryabhata’s time, when Kali Mahā yuga commenced
(on 3101 BCE). Thus, Aryabhata’s account contradicts the Western model of
continuous precession and instead supports the Vedic model, where a rare
alignment of tropical and sidereal equinoxes occurs every 3600 years.
The extent of oscillating equinox
The oscillation
concept proposes three pivotal positions for the vernal equinox (VE) and the
corresponding Uttarāyaṇa (U) and Dakṣiṇāyana (D)
- Mid-position:
0° Aries (Aśvinī – 1st pada), serving as the central point of
the oscillation.
- Eastward
extremity: 27° Aries (Kṛttikā – 1st
pada) marking the easternmost point of the equinox's movement.
- Westward
extremity: 3° Pisces (Purva Bhādrapada – 4th pada),
representing the westernmost point of the equinox's movement by 27° from
the mid-point.
The vernal equinox (VE) at mid-position can be illustrated as follows (Figure 9):
Figure 9: Alignment of
vernal equinox at 0° Aries
Picture credit: Self
This is the
standard configuration used for cultural and religious purposes, despite the
Vernal Equinox's shift. This is because the vernal equinox will eventually
return to its central position, and we maintain continuity by not adjusting our
months and seasons.
Figure 10: Alignment of vernal equinox at 27° west
Picture credit: Self
In Figure 10,
the true positions of the Uttarāyaṇa and Dakṣiṇāyana shift accordingly with the
equinoctial Sun positioned near the beginning of Pisces. The spring season
commences earlier than usual, in Phālguna month. We are presently moving closer
to this position. Interestingly, the seasons described in the Ramayana are
same as this, indicating that Rama lived at a time, the vernal equinox was
close to the western extremity. In the same period Suśruta-saṃhitā
was composed as known from a verse from that text stating “Phālguna caitrau vasantaḥ” that Vasanta season started
in Phālguna and Caitra (1-6-10)9.
Figure 11: Alignment of
vernal equinox at 27° east
Picture credit: Self
In the
configuration given in Figure 11, spring season starts late but winter
extends through four months when vernal equinox reaches its eastern extreme in
the 1st pada of Kṛttikā. Sage Lagadha composed the Ṛg-Jyotiṣa
during this period, when the vernal equinox was positioned at Kṛttikā.
Consequently, the Uttarāyaṇa commenced at Dhaniṣṭha10.
The oscillating
equinox indicates minimal seasonal variations, unlike Western precession
models. This motion is likened to a balance's gentle sway, earning the Sanskrit
name “Tulā” (balance) and Latin term “Libra”, highlighting the equinoctial
balance’s perpetual motion within set limits (Figure 12).
Figure 12: The horoscopy
design of the zodiac used in Andhra with a Balance marked on it
Picture credit: Self
Textual evidence for oscillating equinoxes
Ancient Indian
texts consistently mention the median position of the vernal equinox at 0°
Aries, indicating universal acceptance of this concept.
Surya Siddhānta
(14-9):
Describes the solstices with the Sun's entrance into Capricorn and Cancer,
implying a median equinox position (p.93).
Brahmānda Purana (1-2-21-151): Divides the
year into Uttarāyaṇa (Māgha to Āṣāḍha) and Dakṣiṇāyana
(Śrāvaṇa to Pauṣa), recognizing the median equinox position (p.211)11.
Vāyu Purana (1-50-201): Reiterates the
Brahmānda Purana's version, reinforcing the concept of oscillating equinoxes
(p.345)12.
Brihat Saṃhitā (3-4): Varāhamihira's
text begins the third chapter on the Sun's movement, detailing its maximum
eastward position, median position at the time of writing, and westward
movement in Sagittarius. “If the Sun should change his course before reaching
Makara (Capricorn) he will bring evil to the west and south; and if he should
do so before reaching Kataka (Cancer), he will bring evil on the north and
east.” (p.12)13.
The
inauspiciousness of Uttarāyaṇa’s solstitial Sun in Sagittarius led Indic
society to ignore the westward movement beyond the median position, sticking to
median vernal and Uttarāyaṇa positions, as echoed in the Vāyu Purana's Vīthi
concept
The Vīthi concept of the Sun
The Vāyu Purana
(1-50-130) provides further insight into Uttarāyaṇa’s duration, dividing it
between Capricorn and Sagittarius. In
the oscillating model, the Uttarāyaṇa position of the Sun shifts only within
these two signs of the zodiac (p.339)12.
The two Vīthi-s:
Nāgavīthi (Northern Street): Begins when
the Sun rises during the appearance of the three stars after Abhijit,
specifically Śravaṇa and Dhaṉiṣṭhā. This is to the east of the median position
of Uttarayana (at 0-degree Capricorn), corresponding to the eastward movement
of vernal equinox from 0-degree Aries. This is auspicious as per the Brihat Saṃhitā
verse quoted above.
Ajavīthi (Southern Street): Commences when
the Sun rises in the constellations Mūla, Pūrvaśādha, and Uttaraśādha. This is
to the west of the median position, corresponding to the westward motion of the
vernal equinox towards Pisces. Currently the Uttarāyaṇa begins in Ajavīthi
(Mūla nakshatra). This brings evil as per Brihat Samhita (Figure 13).
Figure 13: Uttarāyaṇa
risings within two Vīthi-s
Picture credit: Self
Ancient Tamil poetry reveals the Vīthi concept
The Sangam Age
Tamil poetry, Paripādal, showcases the antiquity of the Vīthi concept, dividing
the 12 zodiac signs into three streets of four signs each (verse 11)14.
Figure 14: Vīthi concept
of ancient Tamils
Picture Credit: Self
The three
Vīthi-s:
Mesha Vīthi
(Northern/Uttara Vīthi): Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, and Leo.
Rishabha Vīthi
(Middle/Madhya Vīthi): Pisces, Aries, Virgo, and Libra.
Mithuna Vīthi
(Southern/Dakshina Vīthi): Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, and Aquarius.
This segmentation
aligns with the Sun's movement in the Northern Hemisphere (northern street),
its movement in the Southern Hemisphere (southern street), and its movement
within two signs in the middle which indicate the equinoctial movement (shaded
in Figure 14).
Iconographic evidence: Restricted solar movement
A rare carving at
Madurai's Koodal Aḻagar temple depicts the Sun god
on his chariot, surrounded by the 12 zodiac signs. Two massive serpents stand
on either side of the sun in the zodiac, as if controlling its movement (Figure
15). This ancient artwork parallels a Bhaviṣya Purana legend, which
explains why the Sun god wears an "Avyanga" girdle around his waist
during worship. The carving's date is unknown, but its preservation offers a
unique glimpse into ancient understandings of solar movement.
Figure 15: Stone carving
in Koodal Aḻagar temple
Photo credit: Self
The Bhaviṣya
Purana narrative given by Hodivala, S. K. in his book on ‘Parisis of ancient
India’15 reveals Avyanga, a celestial girdle worn by the Sun,
created by Vāsuki to halt its path. Avyanga represents the Sun's circular path
among stars, appearing as to-and-fro movement from Earth. The legend parallels
the Koodal Aḻagar temple carving, depicting restricted solar movement.
Pole stars oscillate within Shishumāra
According to the
Puranas, there are only three northern pole stars which are part of the Shishumāra
constellation. Shishumāra is the name of the Gangetic Porpoise. Vāyu Purana
(1-52-98) recognizes Dhruva, Agni and Kashyapa, of which it says Dhruva is most
excellent (p.362). Brahmānda Purana (1-2-23-107) recognizes four names, Agni,
Indra, Kashyapa and Dhruva of which Dhruva is excellent (p.231). There are
other texts about these stars giving other names, but all of them insist that
Dhruva is the brightest.
Collating sources
reveal that (1) Kashyapa and Prajāpati are interchangeable, (2) Agni and Indra
are used together and (3) Dhruva is also known as Abhaya.
Only the above
three prime pole stars are recognized as the northern pole stars. Currently,
Polaris serves as the northern pole star, which is the last star in the
constellation Ursa Minor. Notably, Polaris is the brightest star in the Ursa
Minor constellation, aligning perfectly with the ancient description of the
pole star, Dhruva (Figure 16). Presently, we, the earthlings are seeing
Dhruva, the exalted manifestation of the son of Uttānapāda, as our pole star in
the North.
Figure 16: Ursa Minor with
three prominent pole stars
Picture credit: BBC sky at Night
Magazine with markings done by self
When the entire
span of Ursa Minor was analysed in the Stellarium simulator, it revealed a
precise 54-degree alignment - remarkably coinciding with the equinoctial
movement (Figure 17). Using Stellarium software, calculations reveal
that the 54° path of pole stars spans 1301 BCE to 2299 CE, with Polaris
currently nearing its end as the pole star.
Figure 17: Span of the
pole-shift within Ursa Minor
Picture credit: Stellarium
simulator with markings done by self
When the equinox
was at 27° Aries (Kṛttikā), the North Celestial Pole aligned with Kochab in
Ursa Minor, last occurring in 1301 BCE (Figure 17). The middle star,
Urodelus coincides with the time of the beginning of Kali yuga in 3101 BCE.
Currently, the North Celestial Pole is near Polaris (Dhruva), the end star of
Ursa Minor. The exact alignment occurs in the year 2299 CE. Previously, Dhruva
became the pole star in the years 4901 BCE and 12,101 BCE as per the 7200-year
cycle of the equinoxes.
The Indic concept
of shifting pole stars match with Ursa Minor, indicating that it is the
Shishumāra mentioned in the Puranas and other Vedic texts. An illustration of
the polar alignment with Ursa Minor is shown in Figure 18.
Figure 18: Earth’s axis
oriented to Ursa Minor (illustrative)
Picture credit: Self
The description
of 14 stars in Shishumāra matches Ursa Minor, confirming it as the celestial
form within which the northern polar points oscillate (Taittirīya Aranyaka: II-19-1)16. Figure 19 shows the
stars of Shishumāra as noted in the texts. The illustration shows Ursa Minor on
top with the different stars and the image of the Gangetic porpoise
(Shishumāra) below for comparison. The middle star, Aśvins, corresponds to the
North Celestial Pole when the equinox aligns with 0° Aries at Aśvinī nakshatra
(beginning of Kali Yuga / 3101 BCE).
Figure 19: Ursa Minor
compared with the Gangetic Porpoise (Shishumāra)
Picture credit: Markings by
Self
Taittirīya
Aranyaka (II-19-1) recognizes all the pole stars at the tail, with “Agni is the
first stem of the tail, then Indra, then Prajāpati and Abhayam is the fourth.
This is the shining celestial Shishumāra” (p.32)16. Abhaya refers to
the star Dhruva, while the other stars are figuratively grouped together at the
tail of Shishumāra, although only Dhruva (Polaris) is located there. This
poetic representation of all the stars in the tail is illustrated in Figure
20.
Figure 20: Location of
North pole stars in the tail of Shishumāra
Picture credit: Markings by
self
The polar span as
revealed in the Indic texts matching with movement of equinoxes is an
unequivocal proof of a well-developed concept of the equinoxes through a long
period of observation.
How can the equinox change direction?
Despite the Indic
texts consistently describing the back-and-forth motion of the equinoxes,
accompanied by a limited motion of the North Celestial Pole within only three
pole stars, this phenomenon has been overlooked. The reason for this oversight
is that the underlying mechanism, which reverses the direction of the equinoxes
every 3600 years, has remained unclear.
However, modern
science has discovered that all celestial bodies including the Sun move in a
wavy path. The to-and-fro theory suggests that within this wavy movement, the
Sun is wobbling across space in a short wavelength with the distance of 54˚
between a crest and a trough traversed in 3600 years! Figure 21
illustrates this movement of the sun.
Figure 21: Spiral path of
the Sun within 54° limit (illustrative)
Picture credit: Self
The mechanism of
the to-and-fro equinoctial shift is revealed in the Sun's wavy path (Figure
21). The equinox oscillates between 27° Aries and 3° Pisces, marking the
limits of this wave. This wavy movement, centred on 0° Aries, led ancient Vedic
seers to designate it as the starting point of the zodiac. The deviation caused
by the Sun's movement toward and away from 0° Aries is accurately corrected
using the ayanāmśa, ensuring alignment between the tropical and sidereal
zodiacs.
The Sun's
apparent movement against the stars appears inconsistent due to this wavy path,
a phenomenon recognized by ancient Vedic society. They calculated this shift
annually using gnomons or shadow sticks. Their understanding likely began
around 12,101 BCE, when Dhruva, the son of Uttānapāda, was elevated as Dhruva
Nakshatra—the brightest star according to the Taittirīya Aranyaka. With the
next cycle approaching, the scientific community could track the equinoctial
shift over 3,600 years to develop a formula for calculating the changing
ayanāmśa.
Conclusion
As ayanāmśa
approaches 25°, the Sun's path reverses, marking a pivotal moment with natural
calamities. Around 2000, Earth's spin axis suddenly shifted eastward (7
inches/year), redirecting from Hudson Bay to the British Isles (NASA)17.
The inner core also reversed direction. This shift occurs as Earth turns along
the plane of the solar system, like a car on a curve, causing its axis to
change direction, characteristic of a gigantic gyroscope.
This phenomenon
mirrors the Samudra Manthan described in ancient scriptures, churning
the inner materials of the earth. This process disrupts the mantle, oceanic
currents, inner core, and magnetic poles. These disturbances are expected to
trigger massive earthquakes and volcanic eruptions over the next two centuries
until the equinox resumes its forward motion in 2999 CE.
Historical
parallels suggest this is not the first occurrence. Similar shifts in the past
saw the Saraswati River go underground and the sinking of Kavātam, the capital
of the Second Sangam Age in the last churning 3600 years ago. Today, Africa is
splitting apart, and further calamities are anticipated. The churning of
Samudra Manthan will continue until the equinox stabilizes in a forward
direction.
References
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