Ancient Indian Manuscript A Remarkable Earthquake Predictor

A very good article. Souce: http://www.100megsfree4.com/farshores/aindiman.htm

 

Even as seismologists, geologists and scientists research about earthquakes, their causes and their effects on human and animal life, an entire research on earthquakes is published in the Brahat Samhita, a manuscript written by an eminent astrologer Varahmihir dating back to 500 AD. The manuscript contains a special chapter on earthquakes and describes four types of earthquakes, ways to judge its advent and the reasons for their occurrence.

 

Lecturer in Vedic Astrology at the M.S. University Sanskrit Mahavidyaylaya, Rajendra Vyas, told The Times of India News Service: ``There is a separate chapter in the manuscript which in addition to describing four different types of earthquakes also speaks about Bhukamp Lakshan, meaning indicators of earthquakes before it happens and after it happens. The four types of earthquakes that are described in chapter 32 of the Brahat Samhita are: Vayumandal, Agnimandal, Indramandal (that occurred on January 26) and Varunmandal. The chapter itself is divided into four sections accordingly. The Indramandal type of earthquake is triggered due to certain planetary conditions and occurs when the earth enters one of the Nakshatras that fall between Abhijeet and Anuradha. On January 26, it was Dhanishta Nakshatra between these two coupled with a peculiar planetary condition that caused the earthquake, says Vyas. An interesting fact that Varamihir has written is a shloka describing the Indramandal bhukamp. It says this earthquake occurs in ``Arabu Surashtra, Malav, Karmishti Vrushti karam Manav avanchit, (Abu, Saurashtra and Malav - ancient name of Kutch). It brings with its beneficial rains and leads to springing up of water benefiting the society. ``This time, therefore, astrology predicts that now rains would bless Kutch and we can expect that this area would get enough water, adds Vyas.

 

 Varamihir writes that certain physiological and psychological effects are seen around 14 days before the Indramandal earthquake. It speaks of animals behaving strangely and about the deterioration of health of human beings. Infections or irritation of the mouth, throat and loose motions are common. According to Vyas, these symptoms were seen among people during Uttarayan, when many people had complained to doctors about such symptoms. ``I undertook a study to find out if what Varahmihir wrote about earthquakes matches with scientific research and facts seen now, says Vyas. ``This research proves that our ancient astrologers were scientific in their analysis and that we as Indians have failed to take our ancient manuscripts seriously. We need to turn back to these rich sources of scientific information so that we can forecast earthquakes. It is amazing to see how precise Varahmihir was. ``Varamihir writes that earthquakes occur due to the peculiar tilt of prithvi (earth) towards the northern side. Today, modern astronomers have proved that the earth is tilted on its axis. Varamihir further writes that due to this tilt, the Northern Hemisphere of the earth is more likely to be earthquake prone. Historically, research has shown that 80 per cent of the total earthquakes take place in the northern half of the earth. Varamihir has written that human beings are animals and just like animals, human beings too show signs of an impending earthquake. ``But due to ahamkar (pride) about their intellect, human beings fail to recognise signs that animals who are much more developed feel.: Today, many scientists have found that in earthquake-ravaged areas, changes in animal and human health are due to certain positively and negative charged ions that are released into the air.

 

Describing other earthquakes, Varamihir has said that the Vayumandal earthquake is preceded by peculiar smoke emissions in the sky, strong winds that uproot trees, and destroy jungles. It is also characterised by blunted rays of the sun. The Agnimandal earthquake can be predicted if indicators like ``ulka varsha:, i.e. falling stars, are visible in the sky. If the temperature soars and clouds are reduced, watertables deplete and intensity of the sun increases. One week before the Varunmandal earthquake, strange lights are seen similar to lightning during rains. There is a sudden flow of insects, especially bees, writes Varamihir. Modern scientists in many parts of the world have observed these varying precursors of the four types of earthquakes. But in India, Varamihir wrote it all as far back as 500 AD, just that modern Indians have forgotten their past and failed to recognise it as science, says Vyas.