hindu astrology and today's astronomy

[Guest guest]

Dear members,

Namaskarams.

I have a question about Hindu astrology and its significance

compared to the modern day astronomy.

First of all I would like to tell that this mail is not about

worship of navagraha deities.

In Hindu temples espe. Saiva temples, we see navagraha sannidhi.

The position of the 9 deities in the sannidhi is such that Adhithyan

is in the middle surrounded by others. (I have noticed this in atleast

four temples and I assume the Agama should be same in all temples).

We know that solar-centric theory was established only around

14th century (by Copernicus, totally disproving Ptolemy's geo-centric

theory which was till then held correct for over 10 centuries).

My questions in this regard are,

o Around what time did 'navagraha deity worship and the associated

navagraha Agamas' get defined in Hinduism? Is this earlier than the

solar-centric theory?

o Are there any mentionings of navagraha deities in our literatures?

Does Hindu jOthisham have any recordings of how the planets

were located by our ancestors without aid of any equipments?

o Are there any significant descriptions about Earth and other

grahams going around Sun in our ancient literatures?

 

Our Hindu tradition holds Adhithyan as the presiding natural power

to be worshipped daily that being the vital energy source for all

moving and stationary things. Daily Sandhyavandhanam is one example.

I understand that Lord Narayana, the Infinite Power is the one who

pervades and controls even Adhithyan.

In Srimad Ramayanam-yuddha khAndam, there is a place where Sage

Agasthyar advises Sri Rama to worship Adhithyan and gain courage

when Sri Rama flinches at the repeated recovery of Ravana.

 

Members, I am aware that these questions are no way related to

bhakti. But I am curious to clarify these. I request members who

have idea about the subject to respond.

 

-chandrasekaran.