Customer Reviews

Vedic Cosmography and Astronomy

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Thompson, who holds a doctorate in mathematics from Cornell, has been a student of Vedic science for many years. This is apparent in his interpretation of the Srimad-Bhagavatam; he explores the possibilities of not only the diffusion of astornomical data and ideas between pre-Roman cultures, but also the possibilities that the Vedas refer to other dimensions and parallel universes -- concepts which have been seriously studied by Western physicists for only the past 60-70 years.

Unfortunately, Thompson is largely underrated or dismissed due to his work on "Forbidden Archaeology" by some critics. Not having read that work, I can only say the following: His contribution to a Western understanding of Vedic science, which occurs within this book, is of supreme importance. It is the best introduction to such Vedic science for Westerners by a Westerner that I have yet seen.

The author tries to postive intrepretations to the astronmical details found in Srimad Bhagavatam. In the process he is drawn to discuss the cosmology of purna and the standard scholar's attitude to these puranas. He weakens his case in chapter 6 & 7 by questioning much of modern astrophysics and the question about moon flight. Appendix 2 is quite important. Here he explores the question whether Aryabhata borrowed from Greek traditions to arrive at the planetary positions at the start of Kali yuga. This part deals with the debate on astronomy transfer among cultures. I recently drawn attention to his approach to astronomy in Bhagavatam ( including ideas in his paper Exact Science in Srimad Bhagavatam) to an Indian academic audience who have explord the histroy of kerala astronomy. Even the professor from Bhubaneswar, who presented about the astronomical works of Samanata Chandrasekhar ( who assisted Puri Temple in last centuary in arriving at calender) felt skeptical about Thompson's claims.

A simple yet definitive interpretation of ancient Indian cosmology, cosmogony and cosmography for the highly suspicious and discerning scientific western mind!