I have recently started posting an article series explaining the basics of astronomy. Along with the usual Marathi and English explanation, the series includes a poetic form written in Marathi, which also talks about astronomical phenomena. I have termed the poetry as ज्योतिषाष्टके ‘Jyotishashtake’.
This series mainly focuses on astronomy concepts to estimate timelines from the astronomical observations mentioned in the Bharatiya Itihasa. The series begins by explaining the simple motions of Earth, i.e., rotation around itself and orbiting around the Sun, the Sun’s apparent motions as seen from Earth, the motions of the Moon, visual changes in the Moon (Phases), and other planets. The chapters slowly reveal how these motions can be used to track time and how they can be used even to decipher the deep antiquity of Itihas events.
I am putting below the link to the Index page and the first article in English text for your taste:
Click here to visit ‘Astronomy 101’ page
Astronomy 101 – Preface part 1
It was 08 Aug 2024. I was thinking about this Astronomy explanation project. The critical thought was, “Is there any special way I can present the Astronomic concepts?”.
I was already writing a script to narrate the concepts. I was also building a 3D demonstrational simulation model to test and explain some difficult-to-imagine astronomical events. For many days, this thought had occupied my mind. But something in me wanted to do something more. I was not happy with the way I was proceeding.
Suddenly, in the late hours, that midnight, a thought arose in my mind. I felt incredibly emotional. I felt a clear indication and an inspiration. By the grace of the Guru, the Almighty, I had found my answer!
The inspiration was to use poetry to present astronomical concepts. Suddenly, a few lines in Marathi poetic form came to my mind. Something like:
ज्योतिशास्त्रे ही जटील । कठीण त्यांची उकल । करूनी सोपी सकल । मांडू म्हणतो ।।
I reiterated a few more lines, tried some different poetic meter variations, and composed more lines. Tears of joy and satisfaction were rolling nd rolling. Later, I decided to try this on some actual astronomical events.
I already had a list of topics I wanted to cover in this series, like the rotation of Earth around itself (producing Day and Night), the motion of Earth around the Sun (causing seasons), and so on. When I could compose a few more lines, each explaining a specific point, I was confident I could use this style in this project.
I don’t know the meter in which I am composing this, but I composed a verse explaining the meter itself I am using. The first three lines of the verse are in यमक (Yamak) meter. i.e. the sound of the last alphabet is same for all the three. And the count of the alphabets of each line is also same. In most cases it is 10 alphabets. But the last line of the verse is of only five alphabets and not in यमक (Yamak).
तीन पदे अशी यमकाची । संख्या एकसम अक्षरांची । परी पद चवथे भिन्नची । अक्षरी पाच ।।
So let’s begin our journey to explore and learn about Astronomy. In the upcoming posts I will cover the topics that are listed on the index page.