History Revealed by the Ramayana Astronomy By Puspendu Chaudhuri

Book Description

Foreword
It brings me immense pleasure to introduce "HISTORY REVEALED BY THE RAMAYANA ASTRONOMY" by Sri Puspendu Chaudhuri, a talented student of mine. This work draws extensively from the Sanskrit Ramayana of Maharsi Valmiki, shedding light on its historical significance through the lens of astronomical findings. Sri Chaudhuri skillfully uncovers a new dimension within the Ramayana, offering insights that link its narrative to actual historical events.

His genuine enthusiasm and intelligence shine through in this endeavor, as he seeks to ignite a deeper appreciation for the Ramayana in the hearts of readers. I highly recommend this book to scholars and researchers alike.

Preface
The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are two significant Itihasas that chronicle the lives and deeds of the revered figures, Rama and Krishna, respectively. As defined by Manu, Rama's ancestor, “Itihasa is where there is guidance for social duties (dharma), the pursuit of livelihood (artha), paths to domestic happiness (kama), and mental peace (mokṣa)” (Manu, 3/232). This definition is translated by Prof. Bankabchari Chakravorty, who elaborates that Itihasa should include references to past events (purābrtta).

The Mahabharata, representing the Itihasa of the later Dvapara Yuga, naturally includes references to the Ramayana, which belongs to the earlier Treta Yuga. For instance, in Sloka 11 of Vana Parva, Chapter 112 of the Mahabharata (Haridasa Siddhanta Vagisa's edition), Bhima mentions the Ramayana, highlighting the renown of his brother, the great Vanara, in this epic.

Additionally, in Sloka 49 of Drona Parva, Chapter 124, Satyaki quotes a verse from the Ramayana that emphasizes the interconnectedness of these two great texts. However, it is important to note that the Ramayana and the entire body of Vedic literature—including the Satapatha Brahmana—does not contain references to events, verses, or characters from the Mahabharata.

In this book, Sri Puspendu Chaudhuri embarks on an exploration of these intertextual relationships, revealing how astronomical insights can further illuminate the rich tapestry of history woven throughout the Ramayana.