Dedication
Dedicated to my dear grandfather Late Shri G. Shankaranarayanan who left his mortal coil on Magha Shukla Ashtami under Vishaka star, the Bhishma Nirvana day.1. Introduction: Significance of Mahabharata dating
Several Scholars have attempted to date the epic. The dating of the epic is very vital to understanding the Hindu history since it occupies a significant position in the Hindu literature.
The Mahabharata is sometimes called as the sheet anchor of the Hindu history. The Hindu literature of Puranas refer to the events anterior to Mahabharata in the past tense and the event posterior to Mahabharata in future tense. The Puranas also refer to onset of the new age of Kali with the Mahabharata implying its historical significance for the Hindu history.
The Mahabharata also occupies an important position in the Vedic Samhitas. The oldest Vedic Samhita-Rig Veda was compiled just before the events of Mahabharata unfolds. In the Rig Veda the oldest contemporaneous Bharatha king mentioned is Divodasa. The Rig Veda follows a series of successive contemporaneous Bharatha Kings Pratardana, Sudas, Somaka, Sahadeva, Ashvamedha etc. all the way up to Kuru Sharavana, Devapi and Santanu in Book 10. The Rig Veda ending with Santanu is followed by the thrilling sequel in the Mahabharata.
Similar to Rig Vedic Samhita, Mahabharata also occupies a significant position with respect to Yajur Vedic and Atharvana Vedic Samhita. The last Bharata king mentioned in the Yajur Veda is the King Dhritarashtra. The last Bharata king mentioned in Atharvana Veda is Parikshit. The Mahabharata thus has a close affinity with the Vedic Samhita literature.
In view of the significance of Mahabharata literature, the dating of Mahabharata assumes significance. Unfortunately the only dateable archeological evidence ever found mentioning Hindu gods in pre Buddha era is the Mitanni evidence. The Mitanni evidence is dated to 1500-1300B.C.
This paper attempts to date Mahabharata based on the astronomical evidence from the literature. The date arrived in the paper is 1504B.C. This date matches with the Mitanni evidence. It also corresponds well with Shrikant Talageri's conclusion that Mitanni civilization corresponds to Late Rig Vedic and not Pre Rig Vedic culture.
2. Methodology for dating: Navagrahas & Nakshatras
This section will explore the methodology adopted for Vedic astronomical dating. The section explains how Navagrahas and Nakshatras act as a cosmic clock in the Hindu calendar.
Navagrahas occupy a very important role in the Hindu calendar and worship. They are worshipped in most Hindu temples. A Hindu devotee pays his respects to Navagrahas by circumambulating them nine times.
The Navagrahas are as follows Moon (Chandra), Sun (Surya), Ascending node (Rahu), Decending node (Ketu), Mercury (Budha), Venus (Shukra), Mars (Angaraka), Jupiter (Brihaspati) and Saturn (Shani). In Hindu calendar the Navagrahas act like the second hand, minute hand and the hour hand of the cosmic clock.
The Navagrahas travel through the sky splattered with stars or Nakshatras. These nakshatras can be considered stationary with respect to a human span of life. The nakshatras hence form the numerical markings of the clock across which the second hand, minute hand and the hour hand of the clock traverses. The nakshatras that indicate position of the planets are 27 in total as mentioned in the Yajur Veda Samhita. These are Aswini (Beta/Gamma Arietris), Bharani (35,39 &41 Arietris), Krittika (Pleiades), Rohini (Aldebaran), Mrigashira (Lambda Orionis), Ardra (Betelgeuse), Punarvasu (Castor & Pollux), Pushya (Cancri), Aslesha (Hydrae), Magha (Regulus), Purva Phalguni (Delta Leonis), Uttara Phalguni (Denebola), Hasta (Corvi), Chitra (Spica), Swati (Arcturus), Visaka (Librae), Anuradha (Beta Scorpionis), Jyesta (Antares), Mula (Lambda Scorpionis), Purva Ashada (Kaus ), Uttara Ashada (Nunki), Shravana (Altair), Dhanista (Delphini), Satabhisha (Sadachbia), Purva Bhadra(Alpha/Beta Pegasi), Uttara Bhadra (Gamma Pegasi) and Revati (Piscium).
The following are the motion of the navagrahas across the nakshatras.
Moon - the second hand of the cosmic clock: The moon is the fastest moving Graha in the sky. It traverses roughly 1 nakshatra every day.
Sun - the minute hand of the cosmic clock: The sun is the second fastest moving Graha in the sky. It traverses roughly 2 nakshatras in a month.
Saturn - The hour hand of the cosmic clock: The Saturn is the slowest moving Graha. It traverses roughly 1 nakshatra in a year.
The position of Saturn, sun and moon can tell the year, month and day in a 30 year cycle. But Mahabharata happened many centuries ago. We would need something that moves much slower than Saturn. The precession of equinox and solstice is the answer. The precession of equinox causes position of the sun to move during equinox or solstice by 1 nakshatra in approximately 1000 years.
One last navagraha indicator that moves slower than Saturn is the retrograde motion of Mars. The retrograde motion of Mars happens once in every 2.5 years when the Earth and the Mars are closest to each other. During this time Mars appears to move backwards for a short while due to the relative motion when the Earth overtakes the Mars.
The Absolute and Relative astronomical evidences in Mahabharata
The astronomical evidence in Mahabharata can be absolute or relative.
When the position of Navagrahas is described with respect to background nakshatras then it is an absolute astronomical evidence. The absolute astronomical evidence helps in accurately dating the event. The absolute position of moon helps to point to a specific day. Since moon moves across one nakshatra in 1 day, position of moon provides the precise day. The absolute position of sun points to a month, Saturn to a year and equinox/solstice to a millennium. Thus absolute position helps in establishing the absolute chronology.
When the position of the navagraha is a simple observation with respect to its position in the observable sky and horizon then it is a relative astronomical evidence. In relative astronomical evidence the navagraha can be mentioned as rising or setting at the horizon or they can be placed with respect to each other anywhere between the horizons.
The relative evidence may include information of sun rise or sun set. Another useful relative evidence is the moon rise and moon set. A moon rise in the night indicates Krishna Paksha (Dark fortnight) and a moon rise in the day points to Shukla Paksha (Bright fortnight). Besides the relative position of sun and moon, Mahabharata sometime mentions the relative position of planets and stars. A relative evidence requires an absolute evidence to place the relative chronology the event. Thus relative position of navagraha also provides very valuable information for astronomical dating.
3. The year of Mahabharata war - 1504B.C
All the astronomical evidences for Mahabharata war are between the Udyoga Parva and the Anushasana Parva. The Udyoga Parva (Section 4) describes Krishna's mission to Hastinapura to bring peace. This Parva is followed by Bhishma Parva. The Bhishma Parva starts with a discussion between Vyasa and Dhritarashtra(Section 5). This discussion has several Astronomical evidences. From Bhishma Parva’s chapter 4 the narration of war by Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra starts. The narration of the war (Section 6) spans Bhishma Parva, Drona Parva, Karna Parva and Shalya Parva. In Shalya Parva the narration of Sanjaya is broken by Vaishampanaya to digress into Balarama’s Pilgrimage to Saraswati River (Section 7). The narration by Sanjaya resumes and ends with Sanjaya’s return to Hastinapura in the Sauptika Parva (Section 8). The final two Parvas: Santi Parva and Anushasana Parva (Section 9) describe the reconciliation after war. Anushasana Parva ends with the death of Grandsire Bhishma. Hence all the astronomical evidence for dating the Mahabharata war lie between Udyoga Parva to Anushasana Parva. The section 4 to 9 describe all the astronomical events in detail.
This section takes up four crucial evidences in Mahabharata and quickly arrives at the year of Mahabharata war as 1504B.C.
The millennium in which Mahabharata war happened 2700B.C to 700B.C:
As stated in the section 2, the slowest moving indicator in the cosmic clock is the precession of the equinox and solstice. There are two evidences in Mahabharata on the position of Winter Solstice and Autumnal equinox.
The last astronomical evidence from Anushasana Parva
दिष्ट्या प्राप्तोसि कौन्तेय सहामात्यो युधिष्ठिर।परिवृत्तो हि भगवान्सहस्रांशुर्दिवाकरः॥13-273-26
अष्टपञ्चाशतं रात्र्यः शयानस्याद्य मे गताः। शरेषु निशिताग्नेषु यथा वर्षशतं तथा॥ 13-273-27
माघोऽयं समनुप्राप्तो मासः पुण्यो युधिष्ठिर। त्रिभागशेषः पक्षोऽयं शुक्लो भवितुमर्हति॥ 13-273-28
The translation: 'By good luck, O son of Kunti, thou hast come here with all thy counselors, O Yudhishthira! The thousand-rayed maker of day, the holy Surya has begun his northward course. I have been lying on my bed here for eight and fifty nights. Stretched on these sharp-pointed arrows I have felt this period to be as long as if it was a century. O Yudhishthira, the lunar month of Magha has come. This is, again, the lighted fortnight and a fourth part of it ought by this (according to my calculations) be over.'
The First astronomical evidence from Udyoga Parva
कौमुदे मासि रेवत्यां शरदन्ते हिमागमे । स्फीतसस्यसुखे काले कल्यः सत्ववतां वरः ॥ 5-82-7
The translation: The month was (Kaumuda Kartika) under the constellation Revati. It was the season of dew, Autumn having departed. The earth was covered with abundant crops all around.
These two pieces of evidences put a lower date of 2700B.C and a upper date of 700B.C. Before the evidences are explained let us look at the significance of these two evidences.
The two evidences mentioned above are very unique. These two evidences are the first astronomical evidence in Udyoga Parva and the very last astronomical evidence from Anushasana Parva. Another unique feature of these evidences is that they are the only two astronomical evidence specifically mentioning the name of the month. The evidence from Anushasana Parva calls out the Magha month. The evidence from Udyoga Parva calls out Kaumuda/Kartika month.
The evidence from Anushasana Parva are the words addressed by Grandsire Bhishma to Yudhishthira when the latter comes for his last visit. Bhishma mention that the sun has taken the northward course and he also mentions that it is the month of Magha.
The sun taking northward course is called the Uttarayana (Winter Solstice). The Uttarayana stopped happening in the Month of Magha roughly around 700B.C due to precession of equinox or solstice. Around 700B.C it started happening in the Paushya/Mrigashira months. The Uttarayana before 2700B.C used to happen in the Phaluga/Chaitra month. Hence Uttarayana at Magha month roughly corresponds to a time period between 2700B.C and 700B.C.
The evidence from Udyoga Parva describes the time when Lord Krishna left for Hastinapura as a messenger of peace. This evidence states that the time was Kaumuda/Kartika month. It also states that Autumn (Sharad) gave way to pre-winter (Hemant). This transition of season usually corresponds to autumnal equinox. Comparing this with the evidence from Anushasana Parva confirms the hypothesis. If the Winter solstice happened in the Magha month, then autumnal equinox preceded it by 3 months. Three months before the Magha month is the Kartika month. Hence the evidence from the Udyoga Parva reinforces the evidence from the Anushasana Parva.
Saturn at Rohini: Reducing 2000 possibilities to 67 possibilities
As indicated in the Navagraha section the slowest moving planet is the Saturn. We can use the position of Saturn to reduce the possibilities.
The Udyoga Parva and the Bhishma Parva provide two evidences that places the position of Saturn in Rohini during Mahabharata war. There are other positions of Saturn mentioned in the Bhishma Parva which we will look into later.
प्राजापत्यं हि नक्षत्रं ग्रहस्तीक्ष्णो महाद्युतिः । शनैश्चरः पीडयति पीडयन्प्राणिनोऽधिकम् ॥5-143-8
Translation: That fierce planet of great effulgence, Sanaischara (Saturn), is afflicting the constellation called Rohini, in order to afflict greatly the creatures of the earth.
रोहिणीं पीडयन्नेष स्थितो राजञ्शनैश्चरः । व्यावृत्तं लक्ष्म सोमस्य भविष्यति महद्भयम् ॥ 6-2-32
Translation: The planet Sani also, O king, appeareth afflicting (the constellation) Rohini. The sign of the deer in the Moon hath deviated from its usual position
The years between 700 B.C and 2700B.C when Saturn was at Rohini are:
710,739,768,827,857,886,916,945,974,1004,1033,1062,1092,1123,1152,1180,1211,1230,1270,1299,1328,1358,1388,1417,1447,1476,1504,1534,1564,1594,1623,1653,1682,1712,1741,1771,1800,1829,1859,1887,1917,1946,1977,2006,2036,2065,2095,2124,2153,2183,2213,2241,2271,2300,2330,2359,2388,2419,2448,2478,2507,2537,2566,2596,2625,2654, 2684.
Mars retrograde at Jyesta: Reducing 67 possibilities to 7
The Udyoga Parva provides the evidence that during the year of Mahabharata war, Mars did a retrograde motion from Jyesta to Anuradha. There are other Mars retrograde evidences in Bhishma Parva will be analyzed later.
कृत्वा चाङ्गारको वक्रं ज्योष्ठायां मधुसूदन। अनुराधां प्रार्थयते मैत्रं संगमयन्निव । 5-143-9
Translation: The planet Angaraka (Mars), wheeling, O slayer of Madhu, towards the constellation Jyesta, approacheth towards Anuradha, indicating a great slaughter of friends.
This evidence reduces the possibility of the Mahabharata war from 67 to 7:
858,1300,1504,1741,1946,2183,2625
Solar eclipse at the end of Kartika month: Reducing 7 possibilities to 1
The final piece of evidence to date the Mahabharata war is in Bhishma Parva. It mentions a new moon/ Amavasya succeeding a full moon in 13 days. It also mentions that both the full moon and the new moon were eclipses. This leaves us with the only possibility of 1504B.C.
चतुर्दशीं पञ्चदशीं भूतपूर्वां च षोडशीम्। इमां तु नाभिजानामि अमावास्यां त्रयोदशीम् । चन्द्रसूर्यावुभौ ग्रस्तावेकान्हा हि त्रयोदशीम् ॥ 6-3-32
Translation: A lunar fortnight had hitherto consisted of fourteen days, or fifteen days (as usual), or sixteen days. This, however, I never knew that the day of new-moon would be on the thirteenth day from the first lunation. And yet in course of the same month both the Moon and the Sun have undergone eclipses on the thirteenth days from the day of the first lunation
4. Udyoga Parva
This section takes up the astronomical evidences in the Udyoga parva and checks if it matches with the planetary positions of the year 1504 B.C.
Evidence 1: Krishna leaves for mission of peace on Sep 27th 1504B.C
कौमुदे मासि रेवत्यां शरदन्ते हिमागमे । स्फीतसस्यसुखे काले कल्यः सत्ववतां वरः ॥ 5-82-7
Translation: The month was (Kaumuda Kartika) under the constellation Revati. It was the season of dew, Autumn having departed. The earth was covered with abundant crops all around.
This evidence refers to absolute astronomical evidence of position of moon and the month when Krishna left to Hastinapura for his mission of peace. The position of moon is mentioned as Revati nakshatra. Since it is the month of Kartika the sun can be anywhere Chitra and Jyesta. This evidence also refers to transition of autumn (Sharad) to pre-winter (Hemant). Hence the sun is close to Autumnal equinox (Intersection of ecliptic and celestial equator. Based on these absolute astronomical evidence for the year 1504B.C the figure 1,2 provide the position of moon and sun during Kartika month when moon was at Revati. This date is September 27 1504 B.C.
Figure (1) Moon is at Revathi nakshatra on September 27th 1504B.C on Kartika month
Evidence 2: Krishna arrives at Vrikastala evening of Sept 27th
वृकस्थलं समासाद्य केशवः परवीरहा । प्रकीर्णरश्मावादित्ये व्योम्नि वै लोहितायति ॥ 5-84-18
Translation: When at last that slayer of hostile heroes, Kesava, came to Vrikasthala, the sun seemed to redden the sky by his straggling rays of light.
This relative evidence refers to sun setting when Krishna reaches Vrikastala. Mahabharata states that Krishna Stays overnight in Vrikastala. Hence based on the absolute evidence 1 and relative evidence 2 Krishna was at Vrikastala on Sep 28th 1504B.C.
Evidence 3: Krishna leaves for Hastinapura from Vrikastala on Sep 28th
प्रातरुत्थाय कृष्णस्तु कृतवान्सर्वमाह्निकम्। ब्राह्मणैरभ्यनुज्ञातः प्रययौ नगरं प्रति ॥ 5-89-1
Translation: Rising up (from his bed) at day-dawn, Krishna went through his morning rites, and taking leave of the Bharatas, set out for the city (of the Kurus).
This relative evidence refers to sun rise. Based on evidence 1 and 2 this refers to Sep 28th.
Figure (2) Sun is also close to intersection of ecliptic and the celestial equator indicating nearness to Autumnal equinox and change of seasons
Evidence 4: Krishna spends the night of September 28th at Vidura’s place in Hastinapura
तथा कथयतोरेव तयोर्बुद्धिमतोस्तदा। शिवा नक्षत्रसंपन्ना सा व्यतीयाय शर्वरी ॥ 5-94-1
Translation: In such conversation between those two distinguished persons(Krishna and Vidura), both of whom were endued with great intelligence, that night, lit with bright stars, passed away.
This relative evidence refers to Krishna spending the night at Vidura’s place in Hastinapura. Based on evidence of evidence 1,2, and 3 the evidence 4 refers to night of September 28th .
Evidence 5: After peace mission fails, Krishna returns riding with Karna on Oct 5th and 6th
सप्तमाच्चापि दिवसादमावास्या भविष्यति।सङ्ग्रामो युज्यतां तस्यां तामाहुः शक्रदेवताम्॥5-142-18
Translation: Seven days after, will be the day of the new moon. Let the battle commence then, for that day, it hath been said, is presided over by Indra.
This absolute evidence is from the conversation of Krishna and Karna. Krishna and Karna converse when Krishna rides back to Pandavas in Upaplavya to inform that his mission of peace has failed. In this conversation Krishna predicts to Karna that in seven days Amavasya/new moon will occur. From the amavasya in the end of Karthika month, back calculating 7 days, we can infer the date the conversation. The amavasya at the end of Karthika month happens on October 13th as shown in Figure 3. Back calculating 7 days from this day we arrive at October 6th . The position of sun and moon are shown in Figure 4 and 5. The moon is at Pushya nakshatra. This matches up with the evidence 8 that we will study in few sections. This also matches with evidence in Shalya parva where it is mentioned that Krishna takes Pandavas to war under Pushya.
Figure 3: Amavasya on October 13th at the end of Karthika month. It is also a solar eclipse
Figure 4: Position of Sun on Oct 6th (Autumnal Equinox)
Figure 5: Moon in Pushya on Oct 6th
Evidence 6: Saturn afflicting Rohini nakshatra in the year 1504 B.C
प्राजापत्यं हि नक्षत्रं ग्रहस्तीक्ष्णो महाद्युतिः । शनैश्चरः पीडयति पीडयन्प्राणिनोऽधिकम् ॥5-143-8
Translation: That fierce planet of great effulgence, Sanaischara (Saturn), is afflicting the constellation called Rohini, in order to afflict greatly the creatures of the earth.
This absolute evidence is again from the Karna and Krishna’s conversation. Karna mentions that Saturn is afflicting the nakshtra of Prajapati (Rohini) (Figure 6). As we have seen previously this absolute evidence was used to down select the year 1504B.C.
Figure 6: Saturn afflicting Rohini (Alderbaran) in the year 1504B.C
Evidence 7: Mars retrogrades from Jyesta to Anuradha in 1504 B.C
कृत्वा चाङ्गारको वक्रं ज्योष्ठायां मधुसूदन। अनुराधां प्रार्थयते मैत्रं संगमयन्निव । 5-143-9
Translation: The planet Angaraka (Mars), wheeling, O slayer of Madhu, towards the constellation Jeshthya, approacheth towards Anuradhas, indicating a great slaughter of friends.
This absolute evidence is again from the conversation between Karna and Krishna. Karna mentions how the planet mars retrogrades from nakshatra Jyeta to Anuradha. (Figure 7). This evidence again was used in down selecting the year 1504 B.C.
Figure 7: Animation of Mars retrograding in the year 1504B.C
Evidence 8: Solar eclipse on Oct 13th
सोमस्य लक्ष्म व्यावृत्तं राहुरर्कमुपैति च।दिवश्चोल्काः पतन्त्येताः सनिर्घाताः सकंपनाः॥ 5-143-11
Translation: The spot on the lunar disc hath changed its position; and Rahu also approacheth towards the sun.
This absolute evidence again from the same conversation between Karna and Krishna. Karna mention that the upcoming amavasya is actually a solar eclipse. He says that the ascending node Rahu is approaching sun. This solar eclipse is shown in Figure 3. This evidence was also used in down selecting the year 1504B.C.
Evidence 9: Duryodhana orders troops to march to Kurukshetra on October 5th
आज्ञापयच्च राज्ञस्तान्पार्थिवान्नष्टचेतसः । प्रयात वै कुरुक्षेत्रं पुष्योऽद्येति पुनः पुनः ॥ 5-150-3
Translation: King Duryodhana then repeatedly ordered those wicked-hearted rulers, saying, 'Today constellation Pushya is ascendant--march ye (this very day) to Kurukshetra.’
This absolute evidence refers to Krishna’s conversation with pandavas in their camp in Upaplavya. He recollects Duryodhana ordering the tropps to march to Kurukshetra on the day when Pushya was in ascendant. The day Pushya was in ascendant was October 5th (Figure 8). Figure 8 shows the moon moving from Punarvasu to Pushya. Krishna leaves to meet Kunti and the rushes back to Pandavas to inform them of the developments (5-137-32). The evidence 6 points to Krishna’s conversation with Karna during his return journey on the day of Pushya. The Shalya parva also mentions that Krishna leaves for war with Pandava and Balarama leaves for pilgrimage on the day of Pushya. All these evidences matches very well.
Ambiguous or Contrary evidences
There is an ambiguous evidence in Udyoga parva. Following is a hypothesis provided for this evidence.
Ambiguous evidence 10:
नूनं महद्भयं कृष्ण कुरूणां समुपस्थितम् । विशेषेण हि वार्ष्णेय चित्रां पीडयते ग्रहः ॥ 5-143-10
Translation: Without doubt, O Krishna, a terrible calamity approacheth the Kurus when specially, O thou of Vrishni's race, the planet Mahapat afflicteth the constellation Chitra.
This evidence refers to a planet afflicting the nakshatra Chitra. But unfortunately it does not mention which planet it refers to. The translation calls this planets as “Mahapat”. Due to absence of a specific name for a planet we have to guess this planet. The figure 10 shows Mercury afflicting Chitra. We have to unfortunately speculate that the planet referred here is Mercury
Figure 8: Moon moves from Punarvasu to Pushya on Oct 5th
Figure 9: Mercury at Chitra Nakshtra
5. Bhishma Parva: Vyasa-Dhritarashtra
discussionEvidence 1: Lunar eclipse on Sep 29th Karthik Poornima
आलक्षे प्रभया हीनां पौर्णमासीं च कीर्तिकीम् । चन्द्रोऽभूदग्निवर्णश्च पद्मवर्णे नभस्तले ॥ 6-2-23
Translation: On even the fifteenth night of the lighted-fortnight in (the month of) Kartika, the moon, divested of splendour, became invisible, or of the hue of fire, the firmament being of the hue of the lotus.
This evidence points to lose of splendor of the moon during Karthika month’s full moon. This again refers to the lunar eclipse in the Karthika month. Figure 10 and 11 show the moon and sun during Karthika poornima in 1504B.C. The date is Sept 29 1504 B.C. The ecliptic longitude of the moon during moon rise is 357 degrees while that of sun is 173 degrees. This shows lunar eclipse at the time of the full moon rise.
Figure 10: Moon rise with eclipse on Sep 29
Evidence 2: Year 1504B.C when Saturn afflicts Rohini
रोहिणीं पीडयन्नेष स्थितो राजञ्शनैश्चरः । व्यावृत्तं लक्ष्म सोमस्य भविष्यति महद्भयम् ॥ 6-2-32
Translation: The planet Sani also, O king, appeareth afflicting (the constellation) Rohini. The sign of the deer in the Moon hath deviated from its usual position
This reinforces the evidence 6 from Udyoga parva. The Saturn is afflicting nakshtra Rohini. Figure 6.
Evidence 3: Oct 13th Solar eclipse at the end of Karthika month
विष्व्वाताश्च वान्त्युग्रा रजो नाप्युपशाम्यति। अभीक्ष्णं कम्पते भूमिरर्कं राहुरुपैति च ॥ 6-3-11
Translation: Strong winds are blowing fiercely and the dust ceaseth not. The earth is frequently trembling, and Rahu approacheth towards the sun.
This reinforces the evidence 8 from Udyoga Parva. Figure 3.
Figure 11: Position of sun at moon rise Sep 29
Evidence 4:1526B.C Saturn at Uttara Phalguni, Mars retrograded at Magha &Jupiter at Shravana
मघास्वङ्गारको वक्रः श्रवणे च बृहस्पतिः । भगं नक्षत्रमाक्रम्य सूर्यपुत्रेण पीड्यते ॥ 6-3-14
Translation: Mars wheeleth towards Magha and Vrihaspati (Jupiter) towards Sravana. The Sun's offspring (Sani) approaching towards the constellation Bhaga, afflicteth it.
As we saw in previous sections Saturn moves 1 nakshatra in a year approximately. This evidence points to a previous year when Saturn was at Bhaga or Uttara Phalguni. The year previous to 1504B.C when Saturn was at Uttara Phalguni was 1526B.C (Figure 17). At this time )we can see Mars retrograding at Magha (Figure 18) and Jupiter retrograding at Sravana (Figure 19)
Figure 12: Mars retrograde Magha 1526B.C
Figure 13: Jupiter retrograde at Shravana 1526B.C
Evidence 5: 1526B.C Venus retrograded between Purva & Uttara Bhadra
शुक्रः प्रोष्ठपदे पूर्वे समारुह्य विरोचते । उत्तरे तु परिक्रम्य सहितः समुदीक्षते ॥ 6-3-15
Translation: The planet Sukra, ascending towards Purva Bhadra, shineth brilliantly, and wheeling towards the Uttara Bhadra, looketh towards it, having effected a junction (with a smaller planet).
Evidence 5 continues from evidence 7. Hence we must refer to a time marked by Saturn at Uttara Phalguni 1526B.C. Figure 15 shows the retrograde motion of Venus.
Figure 15: Venus retrograde at Purva and Uttara Bhadra 1526B.C
Evidence 6: Rahu at Jyesta in 1504BC indicating solar eclipse at end of Karthik month amavasya
श्यामो ग्रहः प्रज्वलितः सधूम इव पावकः। ऐन्द्रं तेजस्वि नक्षत्रं ज्येष्ठामाक्रम्य तिष्ठति ॥ 6-3-16
Translation: The dark planet (Rahu), blazing up like fire mixed with smoke, stayeth, having attacked the bright constellation Jeshtha that is sacred to Indra
This reinforces the evidence 4 in Bhishma parva and evidence 8 in Udyoga parva. Figure 14.
Evidence 7: 1504B.C Sun & moon at Rohini, Ascending node between Chitra and Swati
ध्रुवं प्रज्वलितो घोरमपसव्यं प्रवर्तते । रोहिणीं पीडयत्येवमुभौ च शशिभास्करो । चित्रास्वात्यन्तरे चैव विष्ठितः परुषग्रहः ॥ 6-3-17
Translation: The constellation Dhruva, blazing fiercely, wheeleth towards the right. Both the Moon and the Sun are afflicting Rohini. The fierce planet (Rahu) hath taken up its position between the constellations Chitra and Swati.
Figure 16: 1504B.C April 20th Sun & moon at Rohini
The specific date mentioned in evidence 10 is the amavasya day when sun and moon are at Rohini. This refers to April 20th 1504B.C (Figure 16). On this day Rahu is between Chitra and Swati. We know that from Figure 3 Solar eclipse happens on Oct 13th near Visaka. The lunar nodes travel 1 nakshatra in approximately 8 months. Hence on April 20th The Rahu can roughly be calculated near Swati.
The evidence 7 in isolation does not mention mars. Mars as we will see is mentioned in evidence 8. But the day April 20th specified in evidence 7 is the day Mars begins to retrograde (Figure 17). Evidence 7 and evidence 8 describe in detail the retrograde motion of Mars.
Figure 17: 1504B.C April 20th Mars begins to retrograde from Jyesta
Evidence 8: Mars retrogrades from April 20 to reach Sravana and settle at Brahmarahi on Oct 13
वक्रानुवक्रं कृत्वा च श्रवणं पावकप्रभः । ब्रह्मराशिं समावृत्य लोहिताङ्गो व्यवस्थितः ॥ 6-3-18
Translation: The red-bodied (Mars) possessed of the effulgence of fire, wheeling circuitously, stayeth in a line with the constellation Sravana over-ridden by Brahmarashi.
The evidence 8 continues from evidence 7. Mars starts its retrograde motion on April 20th (between Jyesta and Anuradha from evidence 7 Udyoga parva) to reach Sravana. The Mars finally settles at Brahmarashi/Abhijeet/Vega on Oct 13th when this conversation between Vyasa and Dhritarashtra happens on Solar eclipse (Figure 7 and Figure 23).
Figure 18: Mars at Brahmarashi on Oct 13th
Evidence 9: 13 full days between lunar and solar eclipse September 29 to October 13
चन्द्रादित्यावुभौ ग्रस्तावेकाह्ना हि त्रयोदशीम्। अपर्वमि ग्रहं यातौ प्रजासंक्षयमिच्छतः ॥ 6-3-28
Translation: On the thirteenth day therefore, from the first lunation, according as it is the day of the full moon or the new moon, the moon and the sun are afflicted by Rahu. Such strange eclipses, both lunar and solar, forebode a great slaughter
This evidence points to unique 13 day gap between lunar and solar eclipse. As seen previously in evidence 1 and 4, there was a lunar eclipse on September 29th and October 13th respectively. The figure 19a shows that the lunar eclipse was after the sun set on September 29 at moon rise. The figure 19b shows that the solar eclipse was just before sunset on Oct 13th. There are only 13 full days (pair of sun rise and sun set) between the two eclipses. This matches with the evidence 13. Figure 20 shows a zoomed in view of the solar eclipse.
Figure 19a: Moon rise on Sep 29th with Lunar eclipse
Evidence 10: Ketu at Krittika on Sep 29th
कृत्तिकां पीडयंस्तीक्ष्णैर्नक्षत्रं पृथिवीपते । अभीक्ष्णवाता वायन्ते धूमकेतुमवस्थिताः ॥ 6-3-30
Translation: Of fierce deeds is also, O monarch, afflicting the constellation Kirtika. Rough winds, portending fierce danger, are constantly blowing.
The evidence probably refers to Ketu as the fierce one afflicting Krittika nakshatra. As shown in evidence 1, a lunar eclipse occurs on September 29th on Karthik Poornima. Hence Ketu or descending node is present close to Krittika star.
Evidence 11: Solar eclipse on Oct 13th succeeds lunar eclipse on September 29th in 13 full days
चतुर्दशीं पञ्चदशीं भूतपूर्वां च षोडशीम्। इमां तु नाभिजानामि अमावास्यां त्रयोदशीम् । चन्द्रसूर्यावुभौ ग्रस्तावेकान्हा हि त्रयोदशीम् ॥ 6-3-32
Translation: A lunar fortnight had hitherto consisted of fourteen days, or fifteen days (as usual), or sixteen days. This, however, I never knew that the day of new-moon would be on the thirteenth day from the first lunation. And yet in course of the same month both the Moon and the Sun have undergone eclipses on the thirteenth days from the day of the first lunation
Figure 19b: Solar eclipse just before sun set on Oct 13th
This evidence is a repeat of evidence 13. But a unique feature mentioned is mentioned in this evidence. It clearly states that amavasya/new moon happens in 13 days from full moon. Hence it is clear it is the 13 day period solar eclipse succeeds lunar eclipse.
Figure 20:Solar eclipse on Oct 13th.
Ambiguous/contrary evidences and their explanation
Evidence 12: Month of October when Arundathi appears lead Vashista after sun set
या चैषा विश्रुता राजंस्त्रैलोक्ये साधुसंमता। अरुन्धती तयाप्येष वसिष्ठः पृष्ठतः कृतः ॥ 6-2-31
Translation: She, O king, who is celebrated over the three worlds and is applauded by the righteous, even that (constellation) Arundhati keepeth (her lord) Vasistha on her back
Figure 21: Arundati/Vasistha Oct 13
Figure 22: Arundati/Vasistha leading/lagging Oct 13
If we observe the motion of Arundathi/Vasistha in a day in 1504B.C, they complete a circle in the sky. At the top and the bottom of the circle for a brief time Arundathi appears to lead Vasistha and the remaining time Vashistha leads Arundathi. When Arundati is leading at bottom the altitude of Arundati is greater than Vashista briefly while both climb up the Sky. When Arundathi is leading at top the altitude of Arundati is lower than Vashista briefly while both climb down the Sky. Half of the circle remains invisible during the daytime and half is visible at night. Around October the climb down portion is invisible at daytime. After sunset when stars are visible Arundathi/Vashistha combo starts the climb up with initially Arundathi leading Vashistha.
Figure 23: Halley’s comet at Pushya nakshatra probably
Evidence 13: Comet at Pushya 1504B.C
धूमकेतुर्महाघोरः पुष्यं चाक्रम्य तिष्ठति । सेनयोरशिवं घोरं करिष्यति महाग्रहः ॥ 6-3-13
Translation: A fierce comet riseth, afflicting the constellation Pusya. This great planet will cause frightful mischief to both the armies.
The planetarium software shows Halley’s comet at Pushya nakshatra. But it is very difficult to predict if it was visible to naked eye. The motion of comets are very complex to predict this far back in time.
Evidence 14: White planet at Chitra probably refers to mercury
श्वेतो ग्रहस्तथा चित्रां समतिक्रम्य तिष्ठति । अभावं हि विशेषेण कुरूणां तत्र पश्यति ॥ 6-3-12
Translation: The white planet (Ketu) stayeth, having passed beyond the constellation Chitra. All this particularly bodeth the destruction of the Kurus.
The white planet referred here is ambiguous. It is translated as Ketu. We will unfortunately have to resort to a hypothesis as what the white planet is. If we assume Mercury is the planet referred he we can see that mercury does a retrograde motion at Chitra.
The white planet is again referred in the war Parva of Karna (Section 6 evidence 20) at the time of Karna’s death. The translation refers this white planet as Mercury confirming our hypothesis.
Figure 24: Mercury retrograde at Chitra nakshatra
Figure 25a: Jupiter and Saturn at horizon Oct 13 1504B.C
Evidence 15: Jupiter and Saturn at opposite ends of horizon for a year
संवत्सरस्थायिनौ च ग्रहौ प्रज्वलितावुभौ । विशाखयोः समीपस्थौ बृहस्पतिशनैश्चरौ ॥ 6-3-27
Translation: Those two blazing planets, viz., Vrihaspati and Sani, having approached the constellation called Visakha, have become stationary there for a whole year.
The evidence has internal contradiction. If Vishaka is considered as the nakshatra, this evidence says that Jupiter was at Vishaka for a year. This is not possible since Jupiter moves across 2 nakshatras in a year. An explanation would be to read Vishaka as the horizon. Then the evidence would mean that Jupiter and Saturn were at opposite horizons for a year. The figure 24 (a,b,c) show Jupiter and Saturn at opposite end of horizon for a year in 1504B.C
Figure 25b: Jupiter and Saturn at horizon June 24 1504 B.C
Figure 25c: Jupiter and Saturn at horizon Oct 13 1505B.C
6. Narration of war by Sanjaya: Bhishma, Drona, Karna and Shalya Parva
The narration of the Mahabharata war is primarily a discussion between Dhritarashtra and his charioteer Sanjaya. This narration starts from chapter 4 of Bhishma parva. The description of the war goes on till the 19th day after the start of the war as a discussion between Sanjaya and Dhritarashtra. The Parvas that encompass the war period are the Bhishma parva, Drona parva, Karna parva and Shalya parva. Interestingly on these Parvas there are no absolute evidences to precisely date the war. There are 24 relative evidences that give position of sun, moon and planets in the sky. These evidences still require an absolute evidence to precisely date them.
The 25th evidence in the Shalya parva on 19th day after start of war, just before Vaishampanaya takes over the narration of Balarama’s pilgrimage, we have an absolute astronomical evidence. Let us first consider this evidence and use it to back date the remaining 24 evidences.
Evidence 25: Day 19 of war Balarama returns to witness Bhima-Duryodhana fight Nov 15
चत्वारिंशदहान्यद्य द्वे च मे निःसृतस्य वै। पुष्येण सम्प्रयातोऽस्मि श्रवणे पुनरागतः। शिष्ययोर्वै गदायुद्धं द्रुष्टुकामोऽस्मि माधव॥ 9-34-6
Translation: Two and forty days have passed since I left home. I had set out under the constellation Pushya and have come back under Shravana. I am desirous, O Madhava, of beholding this encounter with the mace between these two disciples of mine
This evidence is a direct quote of Balarama just after he returns from his pilgrimage. He mentions that 42 days have passed since he left for pilgrimage under the star Pushya. He says that he has returned under the star Shravana. From evidence 9 in Udyoga parva we know that Pushya was ascendant on Oct 5th . Counting 42 days brings us to Nov 15th 1504B.C. From figure 26 we can confirm that November 15th was indeed the day of Shravana in the month of Pushya shukla paksha.
Figure 26: Moon at Shravana on November 15th 1504B.C
Now using the evidence 25 from the war Parvas we can back date the 24 evidences.
Evidence 1: First day of war ends on Oct 28th 1504B.C
ततः सैन्येषु भग्नेषु मथितेषु च सर्वशः । प्राप्ते चास्तं दिनकरे न प्राज्ञायत किंचन ॥ 6-49-52
Translation: And then when the troops of the Pandavas were routed and crushed all over the field, the sun set and nothing could be seen.
Evidence 2: Second day of war ends on October 29th 1504B.C
ततोऽवहारः सैन्यानां तव तेषां च भारत। अस्तं गच्छति सूर्येऽभूत्सन्ध्याकाले च वर्तति ॥ 6-55-45
Translation: Yon Sun, robbing in every way the vision of the whole world, is about to reach that best of mountains called Asta
Evidence 3: Third day of war ends on October 30th 1504B.C
विनेदतुस्तावतिहर्षयुक्तौ गाण्डीवधन्वा च जनार्दनश्च। ततो रविं संवृतरश्मिजालं दृष्ट्वा भृशं शस्त्रपरिक्षताङ्गाः ॥ 6-59-132
Translation: And that foremost of men, Dhananjaya also, having achieved a great feat and won great renown by crushing his foes, and beholding the sun assume a red hue and the evening twilight to set in, and having completed his work, retired with his uterine brothers to the camp for nightly rest
Evidence 4: Fourth day of the war ends on October 31st 1504B.C
इदानीं युधि निर्जेतुं न शक्योऽसौ स राक्षसः । अस्तमभ्येति सविता रात्रौ योद्धुं कन शक्यते। अवहारमतः कुर्मः श्वो योत्स्यामः परै सह ॥ 6-64-78
Translation: I do not like fresh encounter with the victorious Pandavas. Let the withdrawal of our army, therefore, be proclaimed today. Tomorrow we will fight with the foe
Evidence 5: Fifth day of the war ends on November 1st 1504B.C
अवहारं ततश्चक्रे पिता देवव्रतस्तव । संध्याकाले महाराज सैन्यानां श्रान्तवाहनः ॥ 6-74-38
Translation: Then at twilight, O king, thy sire Devavrata, his animals having been tired, caused the troops to be withdrawn.
Evidence 6: Sixth day of the war ends on November 2nd 1504B.C
अन्योन्यागस्कृतां राजन्यमराष्ट्रविवर्धनम् । मुहूर्तास्तमिते सूर्ये चक्रुर्युद्धं सुदारुणम् ॥ 6-79-61
Translation: Cherishing feelings of hostility towards one another, the terrible battle in which they took part lasted for a short space of time about sunset, increasing the population of Yama's kingdom
Evidence 7: Seventh day of war ends on November 3rd 1504B.C
एवमेते महाराज तावकाः पाण्डवैः सह। पर्यवर्तन्त सहिता निशाकाले परंतप ॥ 6-86-52
Translation: And the lord Yudhishthira also of Kuru's race, accompanied by his brothers, and followed by his troops, proceeded, O king, when night set in, towards his tent.
Evidence 8: 8th day of the war ends on November 4th 1504B.C
अवहारं ततः कृत्वा सहिताः कुरुपाणड्वाः । न्यविशन्त निशाकाले गत्वा स्वशिबिरं तदा ॥6-96-80
Translation: Thereupon both the Kurus and the Pandavas withdrew their armies, when that awful night of pitchy darkness came.
Evidence 9: 9th day of war ends on November 5th 1504B.C
युध्यतामेव तेषां तु भास्करेऽस्तमुपागते। सन्ध्या समभवद्धोरा नापश्याम ततो रणम् ॥ 6-107-1
Translation: While they were battling, the Sun set, O Bharata, aid there came the dreadful hour of twilight and the battle could no longer be seen.
Evidence 10: 10th day of war ends on November 6th 1504B.C
सायाह्ने न्यपतद्भूमौ धार्तराष्ट्रान्विषादयन् ॥ 6-120-7x
Translation: Slain in the evening the Kuru grandsire Bhishma saddened the Dhartarashtras and delighted the Panchalas
Evidence 11: Bhishma resolves to die on Uttarayana day January 4th 1503B.C
गमिष्यामि स्वकं स्थानमासीद्यन्मे पुरातनम्।उदगायन आदित्ये हंसाः सत्यं ब्रवीमि वः॥6-119-108
Translation: Even this is my resolve. I will proceed to my own ancient abode when the Sun reacheth the northern solstice. Ye swans, I tell you this truly.
Evidence 12: Bhishma indicates Krishnapaksha on the day he Fell
अपक्रान्तो मनुष्येभ्यः शरशय्यां गतो ह्यहम्।प्रतीक्षमाणस्तिष्ठामि निवृत्तिं शशिसूर्ययोः॥6-121-14
Translation: I am removed from the pale of humanity. I am lying on a bed of arrows. I am staying here, expecting only the return of the Moon and the Sun!
On the night Bhishma falls, he says that he is waiting for only moon to rise followed by the sun. Only in Krishna paksha does the moon rise before the sun rise. On November 6th 1504B.C the 10th day of war when Bhishma falss is indeed Krishna paksha.
Evidence 13: 11th day of war ends on November 7th . Dronabishekam
दिवाकरेऽस्तंगिरिमास्थिते शनै रुभे प्रयाते शिबिराय भारत॥ ॥ 7-32-80
Translation: Meanwhile, the Sun went to his chambers in the western hills, and both the armies, O Bharata, slowly retired to their respective tents.
Evidence 14: 12th day of war ends on November 8th . Abhimanyu’s death.
श्वोभूते किमकार्षुस्ते दुःखशोकसमन्विताः। अभिमन्यौ हते तत्र कैर्वाऽयुध्यन्त पाण्डवाः॥ 7-85-1
Translation: 'After Abhimanyu's slaughter when the next day came, what did the Pandavas, afflicted with grief and sorrow do?
Evidence 15: 13th day of war ends on November 9th . Jayadratha’s death.
अस्तमेति महाबाहो त्वरमाणो दिवाकरः॥ 7-145-4
Translation: The sun is about to get at the mountain of Asta.
Evidence 16: 14th day of war happens all night. A brief halt just before moon rise before sun rise
यथा चन्द्रोदयोद्धूतः क्षुभितः सागरोऽभवत्। तथा चन्द्रोदयोद्धूतः क्षुभितश्च बलार्णवः॥ 7-185-56 ततः प्रववृते युद्धं पुनरेव विशाम्पते। लोके लोकविनाशाय परं लोकमभीप्सताम्॥ ॥ 7-185-57
Translation: Indeed, that sea of troops was awakened by the rays of the moon bloomed (into life) like an assemblage of lotuses expanded by the rays of the sun. Indeed, that sea of troops was awakened by the risen moon like the ocean swelling up in agitated surges at the rise of that luminary. Then, O king, the battle once more commenced on earth, for the destruction of the earth's population, between men that desired to attain to heaven
This evidence also points to Krishna paksha on 14th day of war. It talks about moon rise in the night. The description of the moon is that of a completely waned moon. This would place the day near a Amavasya. November 12th 1504B.C is indeed Amavasya.
Evidence 17: The sun rise on Day 15 of war while moon is present. November 11th
अथ चन्द्रप्रभां मुष्णन्नादित्यस्य पुरःसरः। अरुणोऽभ्युदयाञ्चक्रे ताम्रीकृर्वन्निवाम्बरम्॥ 7-187-2
Translation: Soon after, Aruna, the charioteer of Surya, weakening the splendour of the moon, appeared, causing the welkin to assume a coppery hue.
Presence of moon during sun rise confirms that this day happened in Krishna paksha.
Evidence 18: The war was fought under Drona’s leadership for 5 days November 7-11
युद्धं कृत्वा महद्धोरं पञ्चाहानि महाबलः। ब्राह्मणो निहतो राजन्ब्रह्मलोकमवाप्तवान्॥ 7-203-156
Translation: Having battled fiercely for five days, O king, the Brahmana (Drona) endued with great strength, fell and repaired to the region of Brahma
Evidence 19: 16th day of war sun sets. November 12th
ततः कृतेऽवहारे च प्रहृष्टास्तत्र पाण्डवाः। निशायां शिबिरं गत्वा न्यवसन्त नरेश्वराः॥ 8-21-43
Translation: The withdrawal having been made, those sinless men, the Pandavas, became very glad, and proceeding to their tents rested there for the night.
Evidence 20: 17th day of war sun sets. Mercury is visible at sun set. November 13th
हते च कर्णे सरितो न सस्रु-- र्जगाम चास्तं कलुषो दिवाकरः। श्वेतो ग्रहश्च ज्वलितार्कवर्णो यमस्य पुत्रोऽभ्युदितः स तिर्यक्॥ 8-100-15
Translation: When Karna fell, the rivers stood still. The Sun set with a pale hue. The planet Mercury, the son of Soma, assuming the hue of fire or the Sun, appeared to course through the firmament in a slanting direction.
The Mercury is called White planet here (Figure 27). This confirms our hypothesis in the Bhishma parva: Vyasa Dhritarashtra discussion evidence 14.
Figure 27: on November 13th sunset mercury visible. Jupiter & Rohini at opposite end of horizon
Evidence 21: Jupiter and Rohini at opposite end of horizon
सकाननाश्चाद्रिवराश्चकम्पिरे प्रविव्यथुर्भूतगणाश्च मारिष। बृहस्पतिः सम्परिवार्य रोहिणीं बभूव चन्द्रार्कसमो विशाम्पते॥ 8-100-17
Translation: The mountains with their forests began to tremble, and all creatures, O sire, felt pain. The planet Jupiter, afflicting the constellation Rohini assumed the hue of the moon or the sun.
The evidence 15 in section 5 hypothesized that Jupiter and Saturn are at opposite end of the horizon. From evidence 2 of section 5 and evidence 6 from section 4 we know that during the war Saturn is at Rohini. Combining all these evidences figure 27 shows Jupiter and Rohini at two opposite ends of horizon. This is the probable explanation of this evidence.
Evidence 22: Day 18 of war after sunrise mercury, venus and mars on one side. November 14th
भृगुसूनुधरापुत्रौ शशिजेन समन्वितौ। चरमं पाण्डुपुत्राणां पुरस्तात्सर्वभूभुजाम्॥ 9-10-17
Translation: The planets Venus and Mars, in conjunction with Mercury, appeared at the rear of the Pandavas and to the front of all the (Kaurava) lords of Earth. (Figure 28)
Figure 28: On November 14th around noon mercury, Venus and mars are on same half of the sky
Evidence 23: Day 18 of war November 14 1504B.C Yuyutsu at sun set returns to Hastinapura
तैश्चैव सहितः क्षिप्रमस्तं गच्छति भास्करे। प्रविष्टो हास्तिनपुरं बाष्पकण्ठोऽश्रुलोचनः॥ 9-29-76
Translation: The sun was setting. With those ladies, Yuyutsu entered the city of Hastinapura, with tearful eyes and with voice choked in grief.
Evidence 24: On Day 18 night Duryodhana tells that he is going to rest in the lake for a night
विश्रम्यैकां निशामद्य भवद्भिः सहितो रणे।प्रतियोत्स्याम्यहं शत्रूञ्श्वो न स्याच्च श्रमो मम॥9-28-19
Translation: Resting for this one night, I shall, on the morrow, join you and fight with the foe! In this there is no doubt
7. Balarama's pilgrimage: Shalya Parva
In Shalya Parva Vaishampanaya diverts the narration of
Sanjaya to describe the pilgrimage of Balarama which happened during the war.
Though this is not crucial to dating the war, this digression gives us
information of various holy pilgrimage sites in the Saraswati river. There are
32 pilgrimage sites mentioned and three evidences to help date Balarama’s
pilgrimage
Evidence 1:Balarama decides not to fight war and
leaves under the star Pushya. October 5th
न कुर्वन्ति वचो मह्यं कुरवः कालनोदिताः।
निर्गच्छध्व पाण्डवेयाः पुष्येण सहिता मया॥ 9-35-11
रौहिणेये गते शूरे पुष्येण मधुसूदनः। पाण्डवेयान्पुरस्कृत्य
ययावभिमुखः कूरून्॥ 9-35-16
Translation: 'Urged by Fate, the Kauravas are for
disregarding my words! Come, ye sons of Pandu, with me (to the field of
battle), setting out under the constellation Pushya!' (Said Krishna). After the heroic son of
Rohini had set out under the constellation Pushya, the slayer of Madhu, placing
the Pandavas in his van, proceeded against the Kurus.
From the evidence 8 in Udyoga Parva we know that on
Oct 5th when Pushya was on ascendant Duryodhana leads the army to
war. Krishna meets Kunti and rushes back to Pandava camp in Upaplavya. At
Upaplavya this evidence says that he meets Balarama. Balarama wants to support
Kurus against Pandavas but Krishna opposes it. Balarama then leaves the camp.
Krishna then accompanies Pandavas to the war. On Oct 6th the moon is still at
Pushya. So all these events happen between October 5th and 6th
.
Though Balarama leaves the camp under Pushya, it is
not the day he starts pilgrimage. He travels back to Dwaraka and starts the
pilgrimage there as pointed in the following evidence.
Evidence 2: Balarama starts his pilgrimage on October
14th
तीर्थयात्रां हलधरः सरस्वत्यां महायशाः। मैत्रनक्षत्रयोगे स्म
सहितः सर्वयादवैः॥ 9-35-14
Translation: The wielder of the plough then set out on
a pilgrimage to the Sarasvati. Accompanied by all the Yadavas, he set out under
the conjunction of the asterism called Maitra.
Balarama starts his pilgrimage of Saraswati sites
under the star of Mitra. The Star of Mitra is Anuradha. Hence Balarama starts
his pilgrimage on Oct 14th . Figure 29.
Evidence 3: Narada advises Balarama to proceed to
Kurukshetra on November 15th
यदि कौतूहलं तेऽस्ति व्रज माधव मा चिरम्।
पश्य युद्धं महाघोरं शिष्ययोर्यदि मन्यसे॥ 9-55-34
Translation: If thou feelest any curiosity, then
hasten, O Madhava, without tarrying here! Go, if thou wishest, and witness that
terrible battle between thy two disciples!
Balarama meets Narada on Day 19 of the war when Bheema
and Duryodhana were about to fight. Narada advises Balarama to quickly proceed
if he wants to witness the fight between his two students. From evidence 25 of
the war Parvas we know that Day 19 of the war took place on November 15th
when moon was under Shravana. Figure 26.
Figure 29: On October 14th Moon is at Anuradha
Pilgrimage sites
Between October 14 and November 15 there are 32 days.
If we count the number of pilgrimage sites Balarama visits it turns out exactly
to be 32. These sites are mentioned below.
Pilgrimage site 1: Prabhasa-October 15ऋत्विक्सुहृद्विप्रगणैश्च सार्धम्। पुण्यं प्रभासं समुपाजगाम यत्रोडुराढ्यक्ष्मणा क्षीयमाणः॥ 9-35-42 Translation: Accompanied by his priests and friends, Valadeva first proceeded to the tirtha called Prabhasa. There, the Lord of the constellations (Soma), who had been affected with phthisis, became freed from his curse.
Pilgrimage site 2: Chamasodbheda-October 16
ततस्तु चमसोद्भेदमभीतस्त्वगमद्बली। चमसोद्भेद इत्येवं यं जनाः कथयन्त्युत॥ 9-36-44 Translation: After this, the mighty Baladeva of un-decaying glory proceeded to Chamasodbheda, that is, to that tirtha which is called by that name.
Pilgrimage site 3: Udapana-October 17
उदपानमथागच्छत्त्वरावान्केशवाग्रजः। आद्यं स्वस्त्ययनं चैव तत्रावाप्य महाबलः॥ 9-36-46 Translation: The elder brother of Keshava then proceeded quickly to Udapana. Although the Sarasvati seems to be lost there
Pilgrimage site 4: Vinasana-October 18
उदपानं च तं वीक्ष्य प्रशस्य च पुनःपुनः। नदीगतमदीनात्मा प्राप्तो विनशनं तदा॥ ॥ 9-37-53 Translation: Beholding Udapana and applauding it repeatedly, Valadeva next proceeded to Vinasana which also was on the Sarasvati.
Pilgrimage site 5: Subhumika-October 19
तत्राप्युपस्पृश्य बलः सरस्वत्यां महाबलः। सुभूमिकं ततोऽगच्छत्सरस्वत्यास्तटे वरे॥ 9-38-2 Translation: Having bathed in that tirtha of the Sarasvati, the mighty Baladeva then proceeded to Subhumika, situated on the excellent bank of the same river.
Pilgrimage site 6: Tirtha of Gandharvas-October 20
शय्याश्च विपुला दृष्ट्वा देवगन्धर्वरक्षसाम्। गन्धर्वाणां ततस्तीर्थमागच्छद्रोहिणीसुतः॥ 9-38-9 Translation: He also saw there many shadows of gods, Gandharvas, and Rakshasas. The son of Rohini then proceeded to the tirtha of the Gandharvas.
Pilgrimage site 7: Gargasrota-October 21
तस्माद्गन्धर्वतीर्थाच्च महाबाहुररिन्दमः। गर्गस्रोतो महातीर्थमाजगामैककुण्डली॥ 9-38-13 Translation: Leaving that tirtha resorted to by Gandharvas, that mighty-armed chastiser of foes, having but one earring, then proceeded to the famous tirtha called Gargasrota.
Pilgrimage site 8: Sankha-October 22
उच्चावचांस्तथा भक्ष्यान्विप्रेभ्यो विप्रदाय सः। नीलवासास्तदाऽगच्छच्छङ्घतीर्थं महायशाः॥9-38-19 Translation: Having given also many kinds of costly viands unto the Brahmanas, that illustrious one attired in blue robes then proceeded to the tirtha called Sankha.
Pilgrimage site 9: Dwaita lake - October 23
पूजयित्वा द्विजांश्चैव पूजितश्च तपोधनैः। पुण्यं नैसर्गिकं राजन्नाजगाम हलायुधः॥ 9-38-26 Translation: He then, O king, proceeded to the Dwaita lake. Arrived there, Vala saw diverse kinds of ascetics in diverse kinds of attire.
Pilgrimage site 10: Tirtha in southern bank -October 24
तथैव दत्त्वा विप्रेभ्यः परिभोगान्सुपुष्कलान्। ततः प्रायाद्बलो राजन्दक्षिणेन सरस्वतीम्॥ 9-38-28 Translation: Having given away unto the Brahmanas diverse articles of enjoyment in profusion, Baladeva then, O king, proceeded along the southern bank of the Sarasvati.
Pilgrimage site 11: Nagadhanwana-October 25
गत्वा चैवं महाबाहुर्नातिदूरे महायशाः। धर्मात्मा नागधन्वानं तीर्थमागमदच्युतः॥ 9-38-29 Translation: The mighty-armed and illustrious Rama of virtuous soul and unfading glory then proceeded to the tirtha called Nagadhanwana.
Pilgrimage site 12: Tirtha where Saraswati changed the course to eastward direction-October 26
ततो रामोऽगमत्तीर्थमृषिभिः सेक्तिं महत्। यत्र भूयो निववृते प्राङ्मुखा वै सरस्वती॥ 9-38-36 Translation: Baladeva once more set out, along the way that those ascetics pointed out to him, for reaching that spot where the Sarasvati turns in an eastward direction, like torrents of rain bent by the action of the wind.
Pilgrimage site 13: Sapta-Saraswat-October 27
सप्तसारस्वतं तीर्थमाजगाम हलायुधः। यत्र मङ्कणकः सिद्धस्तपस्तेपे महामुनिः॥ ॥ 9-38-65 Translation: Valadeva, having the plough for his weapon, arrived at that tirtha called Sapta-Saraswat, where the great ascetic Mankanaka had performed his penances and became crowned with success
Pilgrimage site 14: Kapalamochana-October 28
ततस्त्वौशनसं तीर्थमाजगाम हलायुधः। कपालमोचनं नाम यत्र मुक्तो महामुनिः॥ 9-40-4 Translation: Baladeva then went to the tirtha known by the name of Usanas. It is also called Kapalamochana.
Pilgrimage site 15: Lokaloka-October 29
ससर्ज यत्र भगवाँल्लोकाँल्लोकपितामहः॥ 9-40-35
Translation: Possessed of great might and great prowess Baladeva then proceeded to that tirtha where the adorable Grandsire had created the mountains called Lokaloka.
Pilgrimage site 16: Vaka Dalvya Ashram - October 30
ब्रह्मयोनिभिराकीर्णं जगाम यद्वुनन्दनः। यत्र दाल्भ्यो बको राजन्पश्वर्थ सुमहातपाः। 9-41
Translation: Then, O king, Rama proceeded to the asylum of Vaka which was not very distant from where he was, that asylum in which, as heard by us, Dalvya Vaka had practiced the austerest of penances.
Pilgrimage site 17: Yayata-October 31
रत्नानि च महार्हाणि धनं धान्यं च पुष्कलम्। ययौ तीर्थं महाबाहुर्यायातं पृथिवीपते॥ 9-42-32 Translation: Having with due rites given unto the Brahmanas steeds and elephants and vehicles with mules yoked unto them and jewels of great value and much wealth, and much corn, the illustrious and mighty-armed Rama then proceeded, O king, to the tirtha called Yayata.
Pilgrimage site 18: Vasishthapavaha-November 1
ततस्तालकेतुर्महाधर्मकेतु-- र्महात्मा कृतात्मा महादाननित्यः। वसिष्ठापवाहं महाभीमवेगं धृतात्मा जितात्मा समभ्याजगाम॥ ॥ 9-42-39
Translation: The illustrious Baladeva, of soul subdued and restrained and cleansed, having the Palmyra on his banner, distinguished by great righteousness, and ever giving away the most valuable things, then proceeded to that tirtha of fierce current called Vasishthapavaha.
Pilgrimage site 19: Soma’s tirtha-November 2
तत्राप्युपस्पृश्य बलो महात्मा दत्त्वा च दानानि पृथग्विधानि। अवाप्य धर्मं परमार्यकर्मा जगाम सोमस्य महत्सुतीर्थम्॥ 9-44-46
Translation: The high-souled Baladeva having bathed in that tirtha and given away many kinds of gifts, obtained great merit. Of righteous deeds, he then proceeded to the great tirtha of Soma.
Pilgrimage site 20: Agni tirtha-November 3
ततस्त्रत्राप्युपस्पृश्य दत्त्वा च विविधं वसु। अग्नितीर्थं महाप्राज्ञो जगामाथ प्रलम्बहा। नष्टो न दृश्यते यत्र शमीगर्भे दुताशनः॥ 9-48-13
Translation: Bathing in that tirtha also and giving away diverse kinds of gifts, Baladeva, the slayer of Pralamva, possessed of great wisdom, then proceeded to Agnitirtha, that spot where the eater of clarified butter, disappearing from the view, became concealed within the entrails of the Sami wood.
Pilgrimage site 21: Brahmayoni-November 4
तत्राप्य आप्लुत्य मतिमान बरह्मयॊनिं जगाम ह ससर्ज भगवान यत्र सर्वलॊकपितामहः॥ 9-48-23 Translation: The intelligent Balarama, having bathed there, then proceeded to Brahmayoni where the adorable Grandsire of all the worlds had exercised his functions of creations.
Pilgrimage site 22: Kauvera-November 5
तत्र स्नात्वा च दत्त्वा च वसूनि विविधानि च। कौबेरं प्रययौ तीर्थं यत्र तप्त्वा महत्तपः॥9-48-24 Translation: Bathing there and giving away diverse kinds of gifts, Valadeva then proceeded to the tirtha called Kauvera where the puissant Ailavila, having practiced severe austerities, obtained, O king, the Lordship over all treasures.
Pilgrimage site 23: Vadarapachana-November 6
निषेवितं सर्वसत्वैर्नाम्ना बदरपाचनम्। नानर्तुकवनोपेतं सदा पुष्पफलं शुभम्॥ ॥ 9-48-33 Translation: Vala using white unguents thence proceeded quickly to another tirtha. Populous with all kinds of creatures, that tirtha is known by the name Vadarapachana. There the fruits of every season are always to be found and flowers and fruits of every kind are always abundant
Pilgrimage site 24: Tirtha of Sakra-November 7
तत्राप्युपस्पृश्य महानुभावो वसूनि दत्त्वा च महाद्विजेभ्यः। जगाम तीर्थं सुसमाहितात्मा शक्रस्य वृष्णिप्रवरस्तदानीम्॥ ॥ 9-49-66
Translation: That foremost one among the Yadus, Baladeva of great dignity, having bathed in that tirtha and given away much wealth unto many foremost of Brahmanas, then proceeded, with soul well-fixed on meditation, to the tirtha of Sakra.
Pilgrimage site 25: Tirtha of Parasu Rama-November 8
शुभं तीर्थवरं तस्माद्रामतीर्थं जगाम ह। यत्र रामो महाभागो भार्गवः सुमहातपाः॥ 9-50-7 Translation: He then proceeded to that auspicious and foremost of tirtha called after the name of Rama. The highly blessed Rama of Bhrigu's race, endued with great ascetic merit, repeatedly subjugated the Earth and slew all the foremost of Kshatriyas.
Pilgrimage site 26: Yamuna-November 9
पुण्यतीर्थे शुभे देशे वसु दत्त्वा हलायुधः। मुनींश्चैवाभिवाद्याथ यमुनातीर्थमागमत्। यत्रानयामास तदा राजसूयमपाम्पतिः॥ 9-50-11
Translation: Having bathed in that sacred and foremost of tirtha that was the resort of gods and regenerate Rishis, Baladeva duly worshipped the ascetics there, and then proceeded to the tirtha called Yamuna.
Pilgrimage site 27: Tirtha of Aditya-November 10
वनमाली ततो हृष्टः स्तूयमानो द्विजातिभिः। तस्मादादित्यतीर्थं च जगाम कमलेक्षणः॥ 9-50-16 Translation: Filled with joy and praised by the great Rishis, Baladeva, that hero ever decked with garlands of wild flowers and possessed of eyes like lotus leaves, then proceeded to the tirtha called Aditya
Pilgrimage site 28: Tirtha of Soma-November 11
तत्राप्युपस्पृश्य ततो महात्मा दत्त्वा च वित्तं हलभृद्द्विजेभ्यः। अवाप्य धर्मं परमार्थकर्मा जगाम सोमस्य महार्थम्। ॥ 9-51-67
Translation: Bathing there and giving away wealth unto the Brahmanas, the high-souled wielder of the plough, of noble deeds, earned great merit and then proceeded to the tirtha of Soma
Pilgrimage site 29: Sarasvata-November 12
तत्राप्युपस्पृश्य बलो दत्त्वा दानानि चात्मवान्। सारस्वतस्य धर्मात्मा मुनेस्तीर्थं जगाम ह॥9-52-2 Translation: Bathing in that tirtha and making many presents, the virtuous Bala of cleansed soul proceeded to the tirtha of the muni named Sarasvata
Pilgrimage site 30: Tirtha of Old lady-November 13
तत्रापि दत्त्वा वसु रौहिणेयो महाबलः केशवपूर्वजोऽथ जगाम तीर्थं मुदितः क्रमेण तं वृद्धकन्याश्रममे व वीरः॥ ॥ 9-52-53
Translation: The mighty son of Rohini, and elder brother of Keshava, having given away wealth in that tirtha, then joyfully proceeded to another place where lived (in days of yore) an old lady without having passed through the ceremony of marriage
Pilgrimage site 31: Samantapanchaka-November 14
शुशोच शल्यं सङ्ग्रामे निहतं पाण्डवैस्तदा॥ 9-53-27 समन्तपञ्चकद्वारात्ततो निष्क्रम्य माधवः। पप्रच्छर्षिगणारामः कुरुक्षेत्रस्य यत्फलम्॥ 9-53-28
Translation: O scorcher of his foes, for Shalya who had been slain by the Pandavas in battle. Then he of Madhu's race, having come out of the environs of Samantapanchaka, enquired of the rishis about the results of the battle at Kurukshetra.
Pilgrimage site 32: Tirtha of Mitra-November 15
तत्रोष्यैकां तु रजनीं यतिभिर्ब्राह्मणैः सह। मित्रावरुणयोः पुण्यं जगामाश्रममच्युतः॥ 9-55-14 Translation: Passing one night there with the ascetics and the Brahmanas, Rama then proceeded to the sacred asylum of the Mitra-Varunas.
It is here after visiting the tirtha of Mitra, Balarama is advised by Narada to proceed to Kurukshetra to witness the fight between Bheema and Duryodhana.
8. Sauptika and Stri Parva
There are three relative evidences marking the events of day 19 and day 20 from the start of war. These are from the Sauptika and Stri Parvas
Evidence 1: Ashwattama reaches the Pandava camp around sunset of November 15 1504B.C
ततस्ते सहिताः सर्वे प्रयाता दक्षिणामुखाः। उपास्तमयवेलायां शिबिराभ्याशमागताः॥ 10-1-1
Translation: Those heroes then together proceeded towards the south. At the hour of sunset they reached a spot near the (Kuru) encampment.
This relative evidence mentions a sunset on Day 19. On the day Shalya falls there is a mention of sunset when Yuyutsu brings to Kuru ladies safely to Hastinapura. The day 18 also mentions that Duryodhana informing Ashwattama that he would like to take rest in the lake for the night. In light of these two evidences the first evidence from Sauptika Parva mentioning the sunset must be the following sunset on Day 19 or November 15th. The events of Sauptika Parva can be placed at the night of November 15th.
Evidence 2: Sanjaya returns to Hastinapura on dawn of November 16 1504B.C.
इत्येवं द्रोणपुत्रस्य निशम्य करुणां गिरम्। प्रत्यूषकाले शोकार्ताः प्राद्रवन्नगरं प्रति॥ 10-9-60
तव पुत्रे गते स्वर्गं शोकार्स्य ममानघ। ऋषिदत्तं प्रनष्टं तद्दिव्यदर्शित्वमद्य वै॥ 10-9-62
Translation: Having heard these piteous lamentations of Drona's son, I came away at early dawn towards the city. Even thus the armies of the Kurus and Pandavas have been destroyed. Great and terrible have been that carnage, O king, caused by thy evil policy. After thy son had ascended to heaven, I became afflicted with grief and the spiritual sight which the rishi gave hath been lost by me!
This relative evidence mentions sunrise on the day following the burning of Pandava camp by Ashwattama. Hence return of Sanjaya to Hastinapura can be placed on November 16 1504B.C.
Evidence 3: On November 16th 1504B.C before sunrise Ashwattama tries to run away
समेत्य वीरा राजानं तदा त्वनुदिते रषौ। विप्रजग्मुर्महात्मानो यथेष्टकमरिन्दमाः॥ 11-10-23
Translation: Having met the king thus, those brave chastisers of foes, before the sun rose, went away, O monarch, to the places they chose.
This relative evidence mentions Ashwattama meeting King Dhritarashtra before the dawn following the night Pandava camp is burnt to the ground. From the above two evidences this event can be placed on November 16 1504B.C as well.
9. Shanti and Anushasana Parva
The only absolute evidence from Shanti Parva and Anushasana Parva was discussed in section 3. The Uttarayan in the month of Magha was crucial to determining the millennium in which the war happened. Let us examine another evidence mentioned about Bhishma lying on the bed for 58 days. From an independent evidence 10 of section 5 we know that Bhishma fell on November 6th . Adding 58 days leads us to January 3rd 1503B.C. It turns out that January 2nd 1503B.C is the winter solstice day. The sun turned northwardly direction a day after solstice hence Bhishma passed away on January 3rd as he had declared in the evidence 11 of section 3.
Evidence 1: Bhishma passed away on January 3rd 1503B.C
दिष्ट्या प्राप्तोसि कौन्तेय सहामात्यो युधिष्ठिर।परिवृत्तो हि भगवान्सहस्रांशुर्दिवाकरः॥13-273-26
अष्टपञ्चाशतं रात्र्यः शयानस्याद्य मे गताः। शरेषु निशिताग्नेषु यथा वर्षशतं तथा॥ 13-273-27 माघोऽयं समनुप्राप्तो मासः पुण्यो युधिष्ठिर। त्रिभागशेषः पक्षोऽयं शुक्लो भवितुमर्हति॥ 13-273-28
The translation: 'By good luck, O son of Kunti, thou hast come here with all thy counselors, O Yudhishthira! The thousand-rayed maker of day, the holy Surya has begun his northward course. I have been lying on my bed here for eight and fifty nights. Stretched on these sharp-pointed arrows I have felt this period to be as long as if it was a century. O Yudhishthira, the lunar month of Magha has come. This is, again, the lighted fortnight and a fourth part of it ought by this (according to my calculations) be over.'
Popularly this evidence is read as proof that Bhishma passed away on Magha Shukla Ashtami. Nowhere in this evidence is Shukla Ashtami is called out. In fact in all the evidences of Mahabharata there is no mention of Thithi or Rashi at all. There are new moon and full moon days called out. But nowhere is any intermediate Thithis ever mention. The last part of the evidence (त्रिभागशेषः पक्षोऽयं शुक्लो भवितुमर्हति)is misinterpreted as Shukla ashtami. In fact it turns out that the date January 3rd arrived independently from two evidences is Magha Krishna Ashtami.
Contradictory/Ambiguous evidences:
Anushasana Parva and Shanti Parva have couple of more evidences that appear contradictory or ambiguous. Following is the explanation for these evidences.
Evidence 2: On the day of Bhishma’s death Yudhistra had spent 50 nights in Hastinapura
उषित्वा शर्वरीः श्रीमान्पञ्चाशन्नगरोत्तमे। समयं कौरवाग्र्यस्य सस्मार पुरुषर्षभः॥ 13-273-5
The translation: The blessed monarch having passed fifty nights in the capital recollected the time indicated by his grandsire as the hour of his departure from this world.
This evidence is from the same chapter of the absolute evidence mentioned above. It states that on the day Bhisma passed away Yudhishtra had spent 50 nights in Hastinapura. When compared with the absolute evidence this relative evidence puts the first night spent by Yudhistra at Hastinapura on the 18th day of the war. But from evidence 3 in section 8 we know that Yudhistra had not entered Hastinapura even 20 days after start of the war. He was still dealing with Ashwattama. The most likely explanation for the apparent contradiction is that Vaishampanaya is simply referring to the fact that Yudhistra had won the war and the city Hastinapura 50 days before Bhishma’s death. Vaishampanaya re-narrating the tale is not trying to tell accurately how many nights Yudhistra slept on a bed physically located in Hastinapura.
Evidence 3: Krishna predicts that 56 days are left before Bhishma passes away
पञ्चाशतं षट् च कुरुप्रवीर शेषं दिनानां तव जीवितस्य। ततः शुभैः कर्मफलोदयैस्त्वं समेष्यसे भीष्म विमुच्य देहम्॥ 12-50-14
The translation: Six and fifty days, O foremost one of Kuru's race, still remain for thee to live! Casting off thy body, thou shalt then, O Bhishma, obtain the blessed reward of thy acts.
The above contradictory evidence is a prediction by Krishna. Sometime after the end of the war Krishna tells Bhishma that in 56 days Uttarayan will happen and he will give up his body. This is in contradiction to the absolute evidence 1. If from evidence 1 Bhishma passed away from 58 days he fell, then this puts evidence 3 on day 12 of the way. But evidence 3 is a conversation that happens after the war. There is only one explanation for this contradiction. Krishna’s prediction for Uttarayan was wrong. This is not a wild explanation. Even now after so many years Hindu panchang predict Uttarayan wrongly. In several parts of north India Uttarayan is celebrated on Sakranti day wrongly. So it is very much possible that Krishna predicted Uttarayan wrongly. The absolute evidence 1 is not a prediction by an observation by Bhishma. Bhishma for 58 days patiently watched and waited for the sun to start its northwardly course. Hence we can put more faith on Bhishma’s observation than Krishna’s prediction. Unfortunately this leaves this relative evidence undateable.
Figure 30: Winter solstice January 2 1503B.C.
10. Conclusion
In conclusion we have the table 1 summarizing all the dates for the events in the Mahabharata war.
