Public lecture on Rahu and Ketu, PU Chandigarh 16 Jan 1130 am
All are invited
On 16th January, 1130am in Physics Auditorium Panjab University Chandigarh, I shall be giving a public lecture titled ‘Scientific Relevance of Rahu and Ketu’. I shall be discussing Rahu and Ketu in scriptures, astronomy and astrology. The abstract of the talk is as follows.
Abstract
Astronomy, as a study of cosmic environment, was part of scriptures and mythology. Even when Indian astronomy developed as an intellectual discipline in its own right, it consciously sought to maintain links with the sacred literature. Mythology in turn modified itself to take note of scientific advancement.
Ketu figures in literature from Rigvedic times, and Rahu from the time of Atharvaveda. Their meaning however has not remained static. Before 499 CE, Rahu is a demon while Ketu denotes phenomena like comets and meteors. There is no connection between the two. After 499 CE, Rahu and Ketu become part of the navagraha, while in addition Ketu continues to be used in the old sense also.