Indian Astronomy in Poetry

The Sapta Rishi, or the Seven Sages, are identified with the stars of the Ursa Major constellation in Indian astronomy and mythology.

Mayura, a Sanskrit poet from the 7th century, is famous for his 'Surya Shatakam', a collection of 100 verses praising the Sun.

Nakshatras are the 27 or 28 sectors of the ecliptic, each associated with a specific constellation and holding cultural and astrological significance in Indian astronomy.

The Surya Siddhanta, dating back to the 4th or 5th century CE, is a comprehensive treatise on Indian astronomy and astrology, providing insights into planetary positions, eclipses, and other celestial phenomena.

Chandra, meaning 'shining' or 'luminous', is commonly used in Indian poetry to refer to the Moon, often associated with beauty, romance, and serenity.

Kalidasa, a renowned Sanskrit poet, is famous for his poem 'Meghaduta', where he uses the imagery of a cloud to convey the longing and separation of a Yaksha from his beloved.

Grahas are the celestial bodies that move relative to the fixed stars, including the Sun, Moon, and five visible planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.

Jayadeva, a 12th-century Sanskrit poet, is famous for his poem 'Gitagovinda', which beautifully depicts the love between Radha and Krishna, incorporating celestial imagery and symbolism.

Tara, meaning 'star', is commonly used in Indian poetry to refer to the celestial bodies that twinkle in the night sky, often associated with beauty, hope, and guidance.

Kalidasa, once again, showcases his brilliance in 'Ritusamhara', where he portrays the beauty and emotions associated with each of the six seasons, often drawing parallels between nature and human life.

Rashis are the 12 zodiac signs, each associated with a specific constellation and holding astrological significance in Indian astronomy.

Krishna Misra, a 12th-century Sanskrit poet, is famous for his poem 'Prabodha Chandrodaya', which allegorically uses the moon to symbolize spiritual enlightenment and the triumph over ignorance.

Ambara, meaning 'space' or 'sky', is commonly used in Indian poetry to refer to the vast expanse above the earth, often associated with freedom, wonder, and the mysteries of the universe.

Kalidasa, once again, showcases his mastery in 'Meghadootam', where he uses the imagery of a cloud to convey the longing and separation of a Yaksha from his beloved.

Lagna, also known as the Ascendant, is the zodiac sign that is rising on the eastern horizon at the time of birth, holding astrological significance in Indian astronomy.