The Mark on the Moon shifted its position (Part 25 of the Mahabharata series)

In Part 25 of the Mahabharata series, the 4th nimitta of Karṇa is discussed, focusing on the mark on the moon that had shifted its position. Most researchers interpret this as a lunar eclipse, linking it to "Triple eclipses". I highlight the absurdity of this claim by examining the versions of three researchers (3067 BCE and 3162 BCE).

Further analysis points to a probable region on the lunar surface where a mark was seen. This aligns with the recent discovery of the Second Moon (2024 PT5), a lunar ejecta matching Apollo 14 samples from the Moon's Highland region. This is likely the same location where Karṇa and Vyāsa noticed a sudden mark on Kārttika Pūṣya night.

Vyāsa's reported Dhūmaketu likely hit the Moon, visible as a mark on the plain region of the lunar disc

Karana -tithi jumped (Part 24 of the Mahabharata Series)

In the 24th part of the Mahabharata series, Karna tells Krishna the 3rd nimitta (omen). He mentions that Gara Karana, one of the five angas of Panchanga, is afflicting Chitra Nakshatra. This implies a shift in tithi (lunar day), suggesting Amavasya would occur on the 5th day from their conversation (which is in Uttara Phalguni nakshatra).

However, Krishna replies that Amavasya would occur on the 7th day from then, in Jyeshta nakshatra.

This anomaly is echoed by Vyasa, who notes the Moon "transgressed" Chitra. The word "transgressed" implies unusual lunar movement.

The explanation: Karna's prediction placed Amavasya earlier than expected, based on the Moon's phases.

Can Mars retrograde where the Sun is present? (Part 23 of the MB series)

In the 23rd part of the Mahabharata series, the 2nd planetary nimitta told by Karna to Krishna is discussed. Karna said that Mars made a vakri movement from Jyeshtha to Anuradha. This is an anomalous observation because, the month being Kartika, the Sun was also there in Scorpio, and Mars placed in Jyeshtha in Scorpio cannot make a vakri movement. 

After explaining astronomically why it cannot do so, I am pointing out the versions of four Mahabharata researchers (3067 BCE, 3162 BCE, and 5561 BCE) on the funny explanations given by them. But the fact remains Mars made a rightward swing at the time the comet 'stood' on Pushya, which will be explained later in the series.

Saturn in Rohini -the most mis-interpreted verse (Part 22 of the Mahabharata Series)

 In the 22nd part of the Mahabharata series, the first planetary nimitta told by Karna to Krishna soon after the comet 'stood' on Pushya is discussed. This nimitta is the most misinterpreted verse as the graha of Rohini, mentioned in the verse, is ignored by almost all researchers. 

A similar verse appears in another chapter and also in the Valmiki Ramayana. It's about Saturn afflicting Rohini's graha, which is Moon, representing the living beings. This planetary position becomes a nimitta because this position affects the well-being of all living things, and therefore Vyasa brought in Prajapati, the lord of the living beings, and Rohini-associated Moon, that stands for living beings.

But unfortunately, all the other researchers did the 'pick and fit' method and either looked for Saturn in Rohini or some planet in Rohini. Expectedly, this gave various dates. Request the viewers to watch this video to understand the fundamentals of astrological terms used in the Mahabharata.

A comet 'stood' on Pushya (Part 21 of the Mahabharata Series)

 In the 21st part of the Mahabharata series, an important verse of the Mahabharata which solves all the issues around the date of the war is discussed. As we proceed with the sequence of events since Krishna left for Hastinapura, it was found that the peace mission failed and Duryodhana declared on the pushya day that he was going to anoint Bhishma as the commandar in chief and start for the war.

At the time of anointing, bad nimittas were seen and heard. One of them was about a comet which just 'stood' on Pushya implying that it was last seen on Pushya day and went missing thereafter. Five days after that, on Uttara Phalguni day Krishna met Karna when Karna anxiosuly talked about the bad nimittas seen of which five were odd planetary nimittas which require Lord Ganesha's comprehension power. Those will be discussed one by one in the upcoming parts.

Asteroid impacted Mohenjo Daro? (Part 20 of the Mahabharata Series)

 In the 20th part of the Mahabharata Series, we explore the possibility of an asteroid impact in the Mohenjo Daro region, on the banks of River Sindhu. The Mahabharata mentions the Sindhu's water reversing due to a south-westerly wind gush, likely caused by a falling meteor or asteroid.

The skeletal remains in Mohenjo Daro's Lower Town show a peculiar line of four impacted sites with radioactive substances, previously cited as proof of Aryan invasion and massacre. However, research suggests the dead were squatter workers in a workshop hit by asteroid fragments. The site was abandoned, leading to a mound forming – "Mohenjo Daro" which means "Mound of the dead"

A Varaha seal on a skeleton links to working people given the Varaha identity, a symbol of Jayadratha, Sindhu's king and Dhritharashtra's son-in-law.

The impact, seen only in the Lower Town and not on the Great Bath (which emerged in the Mature Phase, ~2500 BCE), suggests this event predates the Great Bath. The impact date: Karthika Shukla Dwadasi (25th August, 3136 BCE), when Krishna travelled to Hastinapura.

Did an asteroid impact the river Sindhu? (Part 19 of the Mahabharata Series)

 In the 19th part of the Mahabharata series, a peculiar event is recorded. As Krishna journeyed towards Hastinapura, Vyasa mentions several ominous signs (nimittas). Unusual occurrences were also observed in Hastinapura, including earthquakes causing well water to gush out and Krishna hearing a sonic boom. In Hastinapura, a south-westerly wind swept through, causing severe damage.

A researcher (5561 BCE) interpreted this as evidence of the southwest monsoon, deducing Krishna's departure was during the rainy season. However, this is disputed, as such winds are more common in pre-monsoon periods, not post-monsoon (Kaumuda/Karthika month).

The wind reportedly reversed the flow of east-flowing rivers, including the Sindhu. Scientifically, such intense air movement, capable of altering water flow, often accompanies asteroids dragging air at speeds of tens of thousands of miles per hour. If an asteroid had struck a river, it could cause this reverse impact. Vyasa suggests the Sindhu River was impacted.

Although the Sindhu (Indus) generally flows south, it meanders, appearing east-flowing in regions like near Mohenjo Daro. Could there be evidence of an asteroid impact in Mohenjo Daro? We will discuss in the next part.

Krishna's peace mission (Part 18 of the Mahabharata Series)

 In the 18th part of the Mahabharata Series, we explore the sequence of events following the end of exile (from Ashadha) until Krishna's departure to Hastinapura on a peace mission. The month-wise events include the timing of Abhimanyu's marriage. The next significant date provided by Vyasa helps us pinpoint Krishna's departure: it was the end of Sharad season in Kaumuda month.

The season calendar of the 5-year Yuga is presented, which can't be replicated in astronomy simulators. Researchers often show autumnal equinox for their respective dates based on western precession, adding to the confusion of the viewers. The Kaumuda month has also been debated, especially by 5561 BCE researcher without any historical knowledge – it’s resolved here using Arthāpatti. Post-Krishna's arrival in Hastinapura, Karttika Pourṇimi occurred. Curiously, many researchers 'found' a lunar eclipse, despite no textual hint. They latch onto this as part of 'triple eclipses', ‘proposed’ by someone in the past. Unfortunately, they ignored several nimittas on Krishna's journey and in Hastinapura mentioned by Vyasa– which we'll unravel in the next part.

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Solar eclipse on the day of exile? (Part 17 of the Mahabharata Series)

 In the 17th part of the Mahabharata Series, a crucial question is discussed: Was there a solar eclipse on the day of exile? Many researchers claim a solar eclipse occurred, citing a verse where Vyāsa describes Rahu afflicting the throne (symbolizing the Sun) in an out-of-season (aparvani) context, likely referring to Draupadi's humiliation in the Assembly.

Using the pramana, Arthapatti, it is explained that aparvani indicates absence of the necessary conditions for amavasya and thereby an eclipse. It is also pointed out since the exile ended on Dasami (supported by calendric features in the Mahabharata), the exile could not have started on an amavasya day. A sample case by quoting the simulation of a researcher is discussed to show how the idea of a solar eclipse on the first day of exile is wrong. However, researchers argue for this non-existent solar eclipse, presenting simulations to support their claim. Ironically, their subsequent analyses hinge on this potentially incorrect eclipse, impacting interpretations of Mahabharata's astronomical features. Please watch the video and share widely.

Date of end of exile (Part 16 of the Mahabharata Series)

In the 16th part of the Mahabharata Series, the exile's end date is established. The first calendric hint occurs when Trigarta forces stole Virata's cattle on a Saptami day. Via Arthāpatti, it is established this was Krishna Saptami with Vishti Karana. Next day, on Krishna Ashtami, Kauravas ransacked the Virata city, forcing disguised Arjuna (Bṛhannala) to fight. Arjuna revealed himself to the prince and started fighting by blowing his conch and raising his flag. 

The Kauravas noticed this and thought that had Arjuna revealed himself prematurely but  Bhīṣma clarified that the Pandavas had already spent more than five months in exile. However,  the Pandavas revealed themselves on the third day after Ashtami, i.e., on Krishna Dasami.

The date is established as Ashaḍha Krishna Saptami in Dakshinayana. The entire 13-year period, including five Adhika Masa-s, is constructed based on this. It must be pointed out that no astronomy simulator can establish these calendric dates as given in the Mahabharata.

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Ratha Saptami - the anomalous Uttarayana (Part 15 of the Mahabharata Series)

 In the 15th part of the Mahabharata series, we examine the anomalous Uttarayana event known as 'Ratha Saptami' that occurred post-war. Given that the Uttarayana timing in the 5-year Yuga was manually calculated and didn't align with the Sun's actual celestial movement, a question arises: why did Bhishma adjust the Uttarayana day from Shukla Trayodashi to Shukla Ashtami?

Analyzing Bhishma's verse reveals that the lunar Magha month had advanced, synchronizing with the Kumbha month. It was as if Time itself had accelerated, prompting Bhishma, an expert in temporal calculations, to compensate by subtracting four tithis, thereby declaring Shukla Ashtami as the Uttarayana time.

The Sun was supposed to have changed direction on Shukla Saptami, which didn't align with the then-prevailing calendar. This unusual solar transition is commemorated as Ratha Saptami, observed as a vrata. Panchanga guidebook indicates Ratha Saptami is observed in Kumbha Masa, echoing the Mahabharata period event. Dating the Mahabharata transcends pinpointing the war year; it unravels a temporal anomaly hidden within the epic, revealed through Ratha Saptami.

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Mahabharata Calendar (Part 14 of the Mahabharata Series)

 In the 14th part of the Mahabharata Series, I will demonstrate the creation of the 5-year Yuga calendar pertinent to the Mahabharata era. Drawing insights from Lagadha's Vedanga Jyothisha, the calendar reveals that 3136 BCE, the year of the war, marked the commencement of the 'Samvatsara' year within the 5-year Yuga cycle. It was in this year that Bhishma awaited the onset of Uttarayana in the subsequent year, the second year of the cycle. 

Bhishma departed on Uttarayana which coincided with Shukla Ashtami, whereas the calendrical calculations show Uttarayana in Shukla Trayodashi. This discrepancy gives rise to the Ganesha Moment, that will be explored in the forthcoming part.

How Bhishma calculated the extra days of exile (Part 13 of the Mahabharata Series)

 In part 13 of the Mahabharata Series, I've explored how Bheeshma calculated the extra days Pandavas spent in exile. This marks our entry into Mahabharata dating.

The dating features start with Trigartas and Kauravas stealing Virata's cattle at the end of Pandavas' incognito period. When Arjuna (Vṛhannala) revealed himself via conch and flag, Kauravas claimed he did it early. Bheeshma differed, explaining how Pandavas spent extra months in exile. It shows they followed the 5-year Vedāṅga Yuga where solar days/seasons differ from what Mahabharata researchers use in astronomy simulators. Check it out & share widely!