An examination of 'Atri's Eclipse' as described in the Rig Veda

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the Rig Veda's reference to Atri's eclipse, correlating ancient descriptions with astronomical data to identify the specific historical eclipse event.

Contribution

It links Vedic textual descriptions to precise astronomical events, providing a historical dating of the eclipse referenced in the Rig Veda.

Findings

Identifies the eclipse as occurring on 22 October 4202 BC or 19 October 3811 BC.

Connects Vedic mythological accounts with specific astronomical phenomena.

Provides a historical context for early Indian astronomy and mythology.

Abstract

The earliest written reference in Indian astronomy to a total solar eclipse is in the Rig Veda where Rishi Atri is said to have demolished the asura Swarbhanu to liberate the Sun from a total solar eclipse. The Rig Veda describes the occurrence of the eclipse, how the Sun suddenly disappeared in the daytime under the spell of the Asura. The people and gods were scared but the Great Sage Atri saved the Sun and restored his full glory. While discussing the eclipse, Tilak refers to the eclipse as having occurred when the Vernal Equinox was in Orion and three days before the Autumnal Equinox. Based on these data, we identify Atris eclipse as the one that occurred on 22 October 4202 BC or on 19 October 3811 BC.