Indian Astronomy and Astrology

Southeast Asian astronomers adopted the Indian concept of Muhurta, the auspicious moment for an event, to determine the timing of important ceremonies and rituals.

The Surya Siddhanta, an ancient Indian astronomical text, was translated into Finnish in the 17th century by a Swedish astronomer named Anders Celsius. This translation played a significant role in introducing Indian astronomical knowledge to the Finno-Ugric region.

The Finnish calendar, also known as the Old Finnish calendar, was influenced by Indian astronomy. It was a lunisolar calendar that consisted of 12 months, with each month divided into four weeks. The calendar also included intercalary months to adjust for the difference between the solar and lunar years.

The concept of nakshatras, or lunar mansions, was adopted by the Finno-Ugric peoples from Indian astronomy. Nakshatras are 27 divisions of the ecliptic, each associated with a particular star or constellation. They are used in astrology and for determining auspicious times for various activities.

Indian astronomy influenced the development of Finno-Ugric mythology in several ways. It introduced new deities associated with celestial bodies, provided a framework for understanding celestial phenomena, and shaped the stories of creation and the afterlife. For example, the Finnish god Ukko, associated with thunder and lightning, is thought to have been influenced by the Indian god Indra.

The astrolabium planum, a type of astrolabe used in Finno-Ugric astronomy, was inspired by the Indian astrolabe. It was a flat, circular instrument used for measuring the altitude of celestial bodies and determining the time of day.

Indian astronomy contributed to the development of Finno-Ugric navigation in several ways. It provided knowledge of celestial navigation, introduced new navigational instruments, and helped establish trade routes between India and Finno-Ugric regions. This exchange of knowledge and technology facilitated seafaring and exploration in the Finno-Ugric region.

Indian astronomy influenced the development of Finno-Ugric calendars in several ways. It introduced the concept of a solar year, a lunar year, and intercalary months. These concepts helped create more accurate calendars that could track the passage of time and the changing seasons.

The Finno-Ugric peoples adopted the Indian astronomical concept of 'grahas' to explain the movement of celestial bodies. Grahas are celestial bodies that are believed to influence human affairs and are often associated with specific deities.

Indian astronomy contributed to the development of Finno-Ugric astrology in several ways. It introduced the concept of zodiac signs, planetary influences, and astrological charts. These concepts helped create a system of astrology that could be used to make predictions about the future and guide decision-making.

The Finno-Ugric astronomical term 'planeetta' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'graha'. It refers to a celestial body that moves through the sky and is believed to influence human affairs.

Indian astronomy influenced the development of Finno-Ugric mythology in several ways. It introduced new deities associated with celestial bodies, provided a framework for understanding celestial phenomena, and shaped the stories of creation and the afterlife. For example, the Finnish god Ukko, associated with thunder and lightning, is thought to have been influenced by the Indian god Indra.

The Finno-Ugric peoples adopted the Indian astronomical concept of Rahu and Ketu to explain the occurrence of eclipses. Rahu and Ketu are celestial beings who are believed to cause eclipses by swallowing the sun or moon.

The Nakshatra Temples in India often feature carvings of stars, representing the 27 nakshatras.

There are a total of 19 astronomical instruments in the Jantar Mantar.