This episode explores the nakshatras, the fundamental concept of the Vedic astrological system. Nakshatras refer to the division of the sky into 27 equal segments, each named after a prominent star. Aligning with the 12 zodiac signs, nakshatras are considered a cosmic clock, with one day passing as the moon moves through each nakshatra, repeating every 27 days. 

Bibliography:

Padmanabham, T. (2017). History of Indian Astronomy. Springer.

Dixit, B., & Sewell, R. (2013). Indian Calendar.

Subbarayappa, B. V. (2004). The history of Indian astronomy. Springer.

Harness, D. M. (1999). The nakshatras: The lunar mansions of Vedic astrology. Lotus Press.

Agrawal, D. P. (2004). India's scientific heritage. Pearson Education India.

Kelley, D. H., & Milone, E. F. (2005). Exploring ancient skies: An encyclopedic survey of archaeoastronomy. Springer Science & Business Media.

Rao, S. B. (2000). Astronomy in India: A historical perspective. Universities Press.

Topic: History of India | Astronomy | Astrology | Indian mythology | Hindu mythology | Hinduism

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In this episode, we will discuss the difference between sidereal and tropical zodiac systems used in Indian and Western astrology respectively. The sidereal zodiac is based on stars and the tropical zodiac is based on the sun's position. We will also cover the precession of the equinoxes, which causes the spring equinox to move along the orbit and creates a difference between these two zodiacs over time. 

Bibliography:

Campion N. (2012). A History of Western Astrology. A&C Black.

O'Connell, P. J. (2015). The Sidereal and Tropical Zodiacs: An Historical Survey. Culture and Cosmos, 19(2), 7-29.

Rao, K. N. (2010). Astrology for Beginners: B.V. Raman. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.

Lahiri, S. (2008). Lahiri's Indian Ephemeris Of Planets' Positions: According To The ‘Nirayana' Or Sidereal System For 2002 A.D. To 2020 A.D. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.

Topic: History of India | Astronomy | Astrology

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In this episode, we explore the concept of the zodiac and its origins. We delve into the relationship between the Sun, Moon, and planets and how their movements in the sky have been used for centuries to guide astrological predictions. We also discuss the ecliptic plane and how it relates to the zodiac. 

Bibliography:

Rochberg, F. (1998). Astrology in Ancient Mesopotamia: The Science of Omens and the Knowledge of the Heavens. University of Chicago Press.

Hoskin, M. (2003). The History of Astronomy: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.

Tyson, N. D. (2017). Astrophysics for People in a Hurry. W.W. Norton & Company.

Sagan, C. (1980). Cosmos. Ballantine Books.

Subbarayappa, B. V. (2005). Indian Astronomy: An Introduction. National Book Trust, India.

Topic: History of India | Astronomy | Astrology

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In this episode, we unravel the mystery of Rahu and Ketu, often referred to as shadow planets in Hindu astrology. We delve into their origin story, and how their dharma has been to seek revenge against the Sun and the Moon. We will also dive into the captivating subject of eclipses and uncover the science behind these celestial events.

Bibliography:

Pattanaik, D. (2013). Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology. Penguin UK.

Cooley, G. A. (2020). Solar Eclipses and Planetary Alignments. Xlibris Corporation.

Close, F. E. (2017). Eclipse: History. Science. Awe. Oxford University Press.

Topic: History of India | Astronomy | Astrology Indian mythology | Hindu mythology | Hinduism

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The episode narrates the story of Samudra Manthan, where gods and demons churned the ocean for the elixir of immortality. We will delve deeper into the story and discuss its significance in Hindu mythology.

Bibliography:

Vyasa. (1993). The Mahabharata: Volume 1. Penguin Classics.

O'Flaherty, W. (1980). Hindu Myths: A Sourcebook Translated from the Sanskrit. Penguin Classics.

Pattanaik, D. (2003). Indian Mythology: Tales, Symbols, and Rituals from the Heart of the Subcontinent. Inner Traditions.

Brockington, J. (1998). The Sanskrit Epics. BRILL.

Topic: Indian mythology | Hindu mythology | Hinduism

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In this episode, we explore the roots of astrology and how it is based on the position of celestial bodies with respect to stars. However, scientific evidence suggests that the gravitational forces exerted by distant stars and planets are not significant enough to have an impact on human personality traits or life events. Studies have failed to demonstrate any patterns or correlations between astrological charts and real-life outcomes. We also discuss the psychological techniques used by astrologers to persuade people of their abilities and how our tendency to seek out patterns can reinforce our beliefs in astrology.

Calculations:

Gravitational force between a person on Earth & planet Jupiter-

G = 6.67430 x 10^-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2: This is the gravitational constant.

m1 = 70 kg: This is the mass of the person on Earth.

m2 = 1.898 x 10^27 kg: This is the mass of Jupiter.

r = 7.78 x 10^12 meters: This is the average distance between the person on earth and Jupiter.

Plugging these values into the equation, we get:

F = 6.67430 x 10^-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2 x (70 kg x 1.898 x 10^27 kg) / (7.78 x 10^12 m)^2

F = 1.46 × 10^-7 Newtons

Gravitational force between planet Earth & planet Jupiter -

G = 6.67430 x 10^-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2: This is the gravitational constant.

m1 = 5.97 x 10^24 kg: This is the mass of Earth.

m2 = 1.898 x 10^27 kg: This is the mass of Jupiter.

r = 7.78 x 10^12 meters: This is the average distance between the person on earth and Jupiter.

Plugging these values into the equation, we get:

F = 6.67430 x 10^-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2 x (5.97 x 10^24 kg  x 1.898 x 10^27 kg) / (7.78 x 10^12 m)^2

F = 1.25 × 10^16 Newtons

Gravitational force between a person & a car -

G = 6.67430 x 10^-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2: This is the gravitational constant.

m1 = 1500 kg: This is the mass of the car.

m2 = 70 kg: This is the mass of a person.

r = 2 meters: This is distance between car and the person

Plugging these values into the formula, we get:

F = 6.67430 x 10^-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2 x (1500 kg x 70 kg) / (2 m)^2

F = 1.75 x 10^-6 Newtons

Bibliography:

Dean, G., & Kelly, I. W. (2003). Astrology: A critical review. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books.

Seymour, P. (2010). The scientific basis of astrology. New York, NY: Cosimo Books.

Hamaker-Zondag, K. (1991). The astrology chart workbook: Understanding the art of natal interpretation. York Beach, ME: Samuel Weiser.

Topic: History of India

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The Navagrahas possess distinctive and profound iconography and symbolism that hold significant insights. Let's explore and understand their meaning to obtain a profound and deeper understanding of their purpose.

Bibliography:

Wilhelm, E. (2010). Graha Sutras: Science of Jyotish. Kala Occult Publishers.

Frawley, D. (2000). Astrology of the Seers. Motilal Banarsidass.

Thompson, R., & Frawley, D. (2012). The Art and Science of Vedic Astrology: The Foundation Course. Motilal Banarsidass.

Topic: History of India

In this episode, we examine the traditional arrangements of the Navagrahas in Hindu temples and the astrological significance of each planet's placement. We also delve into the symbolic and astrological significance of the colors associated with each Navagraha.

Bibliography:

Gupta, S. (2016). Navagraha Temples: An Insight into the Importance and Significance. Notion Press.

Bakshi, S. R., & Naidu, P. S. (2006). Hindu Mythology and Tradition: Navagrahas, Hindu Temple, Idol Worship, Festivals, Vratas, Holy Places, and Sacred Waters. APH Publishing

Topic: History of India

In this episode, we delve into the importance and mystery surrounding Navgrahas in Hinduism, detailing their influence on various aspects of human life. Using the Navgraha Stotram, we explore the philosophical significance behind these celestial entities while highlighting the interconnectedness of the universe.

Bibliography:

Dreyer, R. G. (1997). Vedic Astrology: A Guide to the Fundamentals of Jyotish. Lotus Press.

Rath, S. (2010). Navagraha Stotram: A Hymn to the Nine Planets. Sagittarius Publications.

DeFouw, H., & Svoboda, R. (1996). Light on Life: An Introduction to the Astrology of India. Samuel Weiser, Inc.

Topic: History of India