The Celestial Key to the Vedas: Discovering the Origins of the World's Oldest Civilization (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Satápatha Bráhmana, Márkandeya Purána, calendric astronomy, Nevali Cori, Greater Iran, Indus Valley (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A leading astronomer proves that India had a thriving civilization capable of sophisticated astronomy long before Greece, Egypt, or any other world culture.

Provides conclusive evidence that the Rig Veda is 12,000 years old.

Establishes actual dates and places for many of the events in the Hindu epics.

For more than a century scholars have debated the antiquity of the Vedas and their related literature, the Brahmanas and Puranas. Relying upon a host of assumptions from linguistic theory, anthropology, and archaeology, they have agreed upon 1500 b.c. as the earliest possible date for the Rig Veda, itself the oldest extant example of Indo-European literature. But in this groundbreaking book, astronomer B. G. Sidharth proves conclusively that the earliest portions of the Rig Veda can be dated as far back as 10,000 b.c.

By deciphering the astronomical events and alignments contained in mythical and symbolic form in these ancient texts, Sidharth calls into question many if not all of the assumptions governing Indo-European prehistory. He explores such subjects as the astronomical significance of many Hindu deities and myths, the system of lunar asterisms used to mark time, the identity of the Asvins, and the sophisticated calendar of the ancients that harmonized solar and lunar cycles. Sidharth provides incontrovertible evidence that such "advanced" astronomical concepts as precession, heliocentrism, and the eclipse cycle are encoded in these ancient texts, passages of which make perfect sense only if these astronomical keys are known. Based on internal evidence in the Mahabharata and Ramayana, he also becomes the first to establish likely dates--and even places--for the events described in these famous epics. The Celestial Key to the Vedas is sure to astonish anyone concerned with astronomy, India, or the roots of civilization.

About the Author

Dr. B. G. Sidharth is director of India's B. M. Birla Science Center. He has over 30 years of experience in astronomy and science education and is a frequent consultant to astronomy journals and science centers around the globe. He lives in Hyderabad, India.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Inner Traditions (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892817534
• ISBN-13: 978-0892817535
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #184,092 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I'm no astronomer but I see validity, June 17, 2001

By A Customer

I'm not an astronomer and can't validate Sidharth's assumptions but if taken that his assumptions are, in fact, true, then Sidharth continues to provide lucid examples of astronomical examples in the Rig Veda. Sidharth, also refers to archaelogical examples of the spread of Vedic culture to countries like Turkey, and Iran. Sidharth gives very clear cut examples of the dates that astronomical occurences in the Rig Veda mention. Though the date of 10,000 B.C. (or prior) for the Rig Veda may seem preposterous to many scholars, it is a date that is being seriously considered as an accurate date by many scholars, including Western scholars. In my opinion, this book is worth reading for anyone interested in ancient history, astronomy, and archaeology.

12 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars lot of misinterpretations with an occassional good thought, August 18, 2000

By A Customer

The originality of the sciences and philosophy of the Indians is fiercely denied by all mainstream Western academics. They have made it a point to browbeat the Indians and force upon them the Greek origins of Indian science. These academics provide no clear reasons for the reverse path of transfer or descent from a common ancestor not applying. In this direction Siddharth takes the right step of defending and furthering the Indian view point. He rightly points to many important developments being present in Indian astronomy. However, beyond this he weakens his case by exagerration in the opposite direction. Unreasonably early dates for the R^ig veda and rAmAyana are amidsts these key faults. He also wrongly identifies the Ashvins as being Planets Mercury and Venus. However, he does have one good point- the mahAbhArata cannot be earlier than 1500 BC. By this he thankfully rejects the ridiculous claims for an earlier date that is championed by Rajaram without any basis.