Indian Astronomy and Astrology

The Saka Calendar, also known as the Javanese Calendar, was influenced by Indian astronomy and is still used in parts of Indonesia.

Lokaniti, a Burmese astronomical treatise, was heavily influenced by Indian astronomical texts and played a significant role in the development of Burmese astronomy.

Thien Van Lich Su, a Vietnamese astronomical text, was influenced by Indian astronomy and contains information on calendars, eclipses, and planetary movements.

Southeast Asian astronomers adopted the Indian concept of Rahu and Ketu, the nodes of the Moon, to predict eclipses.

Traibhumikatha, a Laotian astronomical text, was based on Indian astronomical knowledge and contains information on cosmology, astrology, and astronomy.

The gnomon, a simple instrument consisting of a vertical rod, was used in Southeast Asia for measuring time and determining the solstices.

Preah Khan Reach, a Cambodian astronomical text, was influenced by Indian astronomy and contains information on calendars, eclipses, and planetary movements.

Tantu Panggelaran, a Javanese astronomical text, was based on Indian astronomical knowledge and contains information on cosmology, astrology, and astronomy.

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.