Chronological Systems of Gujarat

Author(s): Bharati K Shelat
Publisher: Pranav Shelat

Page 19

yāhna, Aparāhna and Sāyan. References to nakşatras are also found in Ķgveda". Seers also had knowledge of eclipses. There is a reference to a solar eclipse at one place in Rksamhitã6.
In some of the Samhitās there are further references to intercalations and nakșatrass. The earliest mention of the word stu is seen in the Taittiriya Samhitão. The names of the months are seen at one placelo. The two systems of Pūrạimānta months (months ending with Pūrņimā) and Amānta months, (months ending with Amāyāsyā), were in existence during this time'l. Twelve months are expressed in their old names12. References to the solstices are found for the first time in these Samhitās13. The solar day, the solar year and the lunar month were put into use, but week-days still did not enter into practical use during this period. During the whole Vedic period the year commenced with the Madhu month of the Spring season!4.
In the Brahman literature, we come across more and more astronomical terms, which help us to understand detailed chronology. For the first time there is a mention of the two fortnights of the month, Pūrva 4. Taittirīya Brāhmana, 1, 5, 3 5. Řk. Sa., 10,85,2; Ķk Sa., 10, 85, 13 6. RK Sa., 5,40 7. Tai. Sa., 4,4,11; 114,14; Vājasaney? Sa., 7, 30; 22, 30, 31 8. Tai. Sa., 4,4,10; Atharva Samhita, 19, 7 9. Tai. Sa., 6,5,3. 10. Tai. Sa., 7, 4, 8 11. Tai. Sa., 1,6,7; 7,5,6,1 12. Ibid., 4,4,11; Vājasaneyi Sa., 7,30;22,31 13. Tai, Sa., 6,5,3 14. Shivanatha Zarkhandi : Bharatiya Jyotişa, p. 92