Vishnu Purāna 2.8, prior to 5th century, says Sun is associated with two “axles”: the first one is 15.7 × 10^6 yojanas long and the second one is 45,500 yojanas long.
I would like views on what the axles mean from a history of science perspective.
VP: sacred-texts.com/hin/vp/index.h…
I would like views on what the axles mean from a history of science perspective.
VP: sacred-texts.com/hin/vp/index.h…
In the interests of full disclosure, I have thought about this passage and have some answers, but not all.
Specifically, I'd need insights on what the second "axle" might mean.
Here's my own take on it:
subhask.okstate.edu/sites/default/…
Specifically, I'd need insights on what the second "axle" might mean.
Here's my own take on it:
subhask.okstate.edu/sites/default/…
sārdhakoṭis tathā sapta niyutāny adhikāni vai
yojanānāṃ tu tasyākṣas tatra cakraṃ pratiṣṭhitam 2,8.3
trinābhimati pañcāre ṣaṇṇeminy akṣayātmake
saṃvatsaramaye kṛtsnaṃ kālacakraṃ pratiṣṭhitam
catvāriṃśat sahasrāṇi dvitīyo 'kṣo vivasvataḥ
pañcānyāni tu sārdhāni.
yojanānāṃ tu tasyākṣas tatra cakraṃ pratiṣṭhitam 2,8.3
trinābhimati pañcāre ṣaṇṇeminy akṣayātmake
saṃvatsaramaye kṛtsnaṃ kālacakraṃ pratiṣṭhitam
catvāriṃśat sahasrāṇi dvitīyo 'kṣo vivasvataḥ
pañcānyāni tu sārdhāni.
