lndian Journal of History of Science, 40.

1 (2005) 3 1-53

MYSTICAL MATHEMATICS OF ANCIENT PLANETS

(Received 19 February 2004)

The traditional Indian navagrahas include Sun, Moon, Mars, etc.

(in order of weekdays) plus Rihu and Ketu. The belief that planets exert
great influence on life and events of individuals and world gave rise to planet
worship among various peoples.
For worship in a mandala (symbolic diagram) various geometrical
figures and forms were used to reprent the planets. These include square,
circle, semi-circle, triangle, pentagon, bow-figure and the popular lotus-
figure.
The present paper gives a mathematical discussion of the
geometrical figures connected with planet worship. It also deals with the
yantras (mystic diagrams) of the ancient planets as well as with the magic
squares associated with them. Original Sanskrit verses have been
appropriatively given and some possible inter-cultural connections
mentioned.
Key words: Ancient and Medieval mathematics, Medieval
geometry, Magic squares, Planet worship, Yantras.

INTRODUCTTON
The modern heliocentric astronomy has nine planets in our solar system.
These are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and
Pluto.
They are listed here in the order of their increasing distances from the
Sun around which they revolve with different periods of revolution (ranging
from 0.24 to 248.43 years). Uranus was discovered in 1781, Nepune in 1846,
and Pluto in 1930.
The pre-heliocentric (or pre-Copernican) concept or ancient difinition
of planet (graha)was different. The ancient astronomy was geocentric and so
* Ganita ~ h a r a t iAcademy, R-20, Ras Bahar Colony, fhansi 284003, India.
32 INDIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY OF SCIENCE

Earth was not taken as a graha. In addition to the Sun and the Moon, the ancient
peoples could find, by naked eyes' observations, only the following five planets
(tiirtigrahas): Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn. These seven heavenly
shining bodies were found to have angular motions relative to fixed stars. They
constituted the early list of seven planets after whom the weekdays are named
in order from Sunday to Saturday.The current universal practice of using almost
the 'same and similar names of the seven weekdays and in exactly same order
throughout the world indicates that the present concept of a 7-day week was
most probably started in a single place and diffised to other places (according
to diffision theory).
In India, RSthu (ascending node of the moon) and Ketu (descending
node of the moon) were also taken as grahas later on, thus making the traditional
list of navagrahas ('nine-planets') of the Indian Jyotisa-s'izstra. Rihu and Ketu
are called chijii-grahas. According to Prof. K. S. Shuklal, R&u and Ketu are
mentioned in the Maitrtiya+-upani~adalongwith ~ a n(Saturn).
i According to
traditional interpretation, the word graha, as a bhiita-samkhyii(word-numeral)
stands for 'nine'.
Ancient peoples believed that the positions and configurations of planets
have great influence on the life of individuals and on the course of events in the
world and nature. Since remote times, man has been worshipping objects of
nature and was involved in their personification (e.g.cf. Pflhvi-miitii or mother
earth) and deification (e.g. cf. Siiryadeva or the Sungod). The confident belief
of the ancients that the planets exert both beneficial and malefic influence on
the life and activities of human beings led them to attach great importance to
the planets. The planets were not only personified but accepted as deities. From
the point of view of history of science, the note-worthy thing is that the practice
of recognizing planetary deities was prevalent in almost all ancient cultures.
Their nomenclature reflects connections with classical gods and goddesses.
Jupiter was the highest and most powerful among the Roman gods. He was the
god of heaven and determined the course of all human affairs. Among the Greeks
he was called Jeus or Zeus (cf. Sanskrit word fiva for Jupiter or BTfiaspatiwho
was suraguru of heavenly gods).
Venus (cf. Vena mentioned in the R g ~ e d a )was~ Roman goddess of
love. Interestingly the Indian graha ~ u k r (Venus)
a is a god or male deity who
 MYSTICAL MATHEMATICS OF ANCIENT PLANETS

was also called Bhirgava (son of B h ~ u and) Sita ( ' ~ h i t e ' ) .In
~ the same
mythological style Bhauma (Mars) is son of Earth, Budha (Mercury) is regarded
son of Moon, and ~ a n(Saturn)
i that of Sun.
In ancient India, all the nine planets (navagrahas) were personified as
male deities and were associated with attributes in analogy to other gods of
Hindu pantheon. They were worshipped through various modes. Vedic,
SmIirtya, and TSintrika rituals were devised to perform graha-yajfias to please
and pacifL them (graha-s'znti) and to avoid their evil influence (aniga). Elaborate
procedures and details of the planetary rites appear in several texts and works
like Grhya-siitras, Purarys, Smeis, on Kundas and jyotisa, and in other
monographs and manuals.
In the present paper, we are primarily concerned with those aspects
which involve the history of exact sciences (geometrical and mathematical
matters). Some other general and related relevant matters will also be mentioned.

GEOMETRICAL
FIGURES
ASSOCIATED
WITH PLANETS

A general and historical perspective of associating specific geometrical

forms to certain objects and other aspects of speculative human thinking may
be briefly mentioned first. The figures of square, circle and semicircle are
associated with the three nitya-agnis ('obligatory fires') whose Aryan tradition
is older than the Rgveda which is the oldest of the four Vedas.
The old concept of basic bhzitas (gross elements) is found not only in
India but in some other ancient civilizations also. Among the Greeks,
Empedocles (490-435 BC) was the first to declare four of these gross elements
(or forms of matter) to be earth, water, fire and air which were the material
principles fiom which the universe was e ~ o l v e dThe
. ~ discovery of the regular
solids of polyhedra led the Greeks to connect them with the elements. There
are five such regular polyhedra which are also called by other names such as
Platonic solids, mathematical figures, and cosmic figures. In the final tally, the
Greeks believed that the figure tetrahedron (or triangular pyramid) corresponds
to fire, cube to earth, octahedron to air, icosahedron to water, and the
dodecahedron to the sphere of the universe (the vessel of the sphere itself was
taken to be the fifth body or element).5
 INDIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY OF SCIENCE

In Ancient India, the traditional number of gross elements was five and
these were called panca-mahi-bhzitas ('the five gross elements'). The whole
brahmiiyh (universe or cosmos) is pervaded by these elements which are hiti
(earth), jala (water), pcivaka (fire),v@u (air), and bkxis'a which is variously
translated as sky, heaven, ether or empty space (which must be distinguished
from the corporeal and invisible air). Their age-old geometrical association is
described in the cognate text ~tiradcitilaka,I. 23-24 as follow^:^

" The circle is the rnarybla (symbolic diagram) of the heaven or

sky; the (circle) decorated by six dots is (the figure) of wind; the
triangle with svastika is that of fire; the half-moon (i.e.
semicircle) with lotus is that of water; and the square with vajra
'
(thunderbolt weapon, figure or diamond- like figure)that of earth.
The wisemen have thus spoken of the above mamblas for the
respective bhfitas."

It is interesting to note that while the Greeks connected the gross elements
with three dimensional solid figures, in India the elements were associated with
two-dimensional plane figures. The case of elements is mentioned here just to
point out that there was a tradition of connecting geometrical figures with them.
The case of planets will be discussed now in detail.
The Graha-s'znti section in Ac~radhyslyachapter of the Y6tjavalkya-
S m ~(about
i AD 300 or later) contains the main features for the worship of the
planets (grahas) according to Hindu tradition. The names of these ancient
nine planets (first seven in the order of weekdays) are mentioned in the work
(1..295b-296a)7as:

sGryah somo mahiputrahsornaputro brhaspatih N 29511

s'ukrah s'anais'caro rtihuh ketus' ceti grahZJl srnfl?t1

"The Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiters, Venus, Saturn, R&u,

and Ketu are said to be the planets."
The same work also states (I. 306b, p. 193)
yas' ca yasya yadci dugah sa tamyatnenap fijayet N3 06N
 MYSTICAL MATHEMATICS OF ANCIENT PLANETS 35

"One should specially worship that (planet) which, and whenever, it is

cruel (malefic) to him."
Thus it seems that the planets may be worshipped separately (i.e., one
at a time)or they may be worshipped more at a time, or collectively for the
peace, progress and welfare of an individual or a group. For worship, either
their idols (miktis) made of specified materals are used or their images are
made (lekhyah or painted) on patas (cloth pieces or plates) with specified
materials and in specified colours. In the absence of the above two type of
objects (idols or picture-images), the specified figures (6Wis)associated with
the planets should be used as their symbolic representations to serve the same
purpose of worship.
In a collective worship of all the nine planets, their idols, images or
their representative figures are to be placed in a ma&la (ritual diagram). The
nava-graha-ma&la consists of a square subdivided into nine equal square
cells. The Brhat-ParZls'ara SamhitE * calls the diagram as nava-bhuvanab
catasra-maizhlam ('nine-celled square diagram'). The placement of the symbols
of the planets in the nine cells is described in the same Samhitd as follow^:^
madhye tu bhkkarah sthiipyahpiirvadak$natah sbsi' l
dakyiyna dhariissiinur budhahpiintottarey tu N
uttarasyizm suriicisrya~pi2rvasyirp bhrgunandanah/
pas'cimiiyli~s'anih k u f i t r$ur daksina pas'cime //
pas'cimottaratah ketur iti sthiipyiih grah& kramiSt /

"Place Sun in the centre, Moon in the south-east (cell), Mars in the
south, Mercury in the north-east, Jupiter in the north, Venus in the east. Do
the placement of Saturn in the west cell, m u in south-west (and) Ketu in
north-west. Thus the planets should be placed in order."

The same placement is described in the Matsya P~rZiry'~

but the
description does not follow the weekday order of planets.

The placement of planets in navagraha madzla is shown in Fig. 1

 INDIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY OF SCIENCE

East

North South

West
Fig. 1. Navagraha-ma&la

In ancient tradition, the direction of East was generally taken upwards.

A Sanskrit passage describing the various figures associated with the planets is
as follows: l 1
varttulo bhdskarh kdryo, hyardhacandro nis'a'karah /
angirakastriko~stu, budhaica'pak@istath5 N
padmiMir guruh m a i , catuskonas tu bhiirgavah /
sarpiiMih spanil?kiiryo, riihus tu makarikrtihN
khadgiikrtis tathii ketuh kiiryo mandala piijane /
" In mandala (symbolic diagram)- worship of planets, a circle should be drawn
for the Sun, semicircle for the Moon, triangle for the Mars, bow-figure for
Mercury, lotus-figure for Jupiter, square for Venus, serpent-figure for Saturn,
makara or crocodile-figure for RShu, and sword-figure for Ketu."
The names of the mandala figures representing the planets are also
depicted in Fig. 1. As is often the case with so many matters, in a vast country
like India which has a very long history and traditions, there are found some
variations in the forms of the symbolic figures and in their association with the
planets. For instance, in the description given by Jogesh Chandra Ray, l 2 the
figures associated with Saturn and Ketu are mutually exchanged. Further, the
word makara was translated as fish(instead of crocodile) as is clear from the
accompanying Fig. 2 given by him:
 MYSTICAL MATHEMATICS OF ANCIENT PLANETS
a

*r
Fig. 2

The following set of similar verses is found elsewhereI3:

v?tama@lamddityam, ardhacandra~nidikaram /
trikorpmmahgalam caiva, budham ca dhanusi@im /
gurumas tadalampro ktaq~catuskonam ca bhirgavam /
nari&im s'anim vidycidrihum ca makarci@im 1
ketum khahgasamam jiieyam grahamarxhlake s'ubhe I/
The noteworthy difference in this description is that Saturn is symbolized
by nara'Mi or 'figure of a man' (instead of serpent). Jupiter's lotus figure is
called here astadalam or eight-petalled, Ketu's khadga is written here as khahga.

The figures mentioned by M. Mishra14 seems to be a mixture from

various sources and are shown in Table 1.

Out of various figures prescribed as ritual symbols of grahas (ancient

planets of India) for their worship, the shapes of circle, semicircle, and square
are uniquely defined (except for size). The form of triangle was usually taken
to be equilateral and so it can also be assumed to be defined. It may be mentioned
that in general tantra literature, the isosceles triangles with apex upwards were
often called ~ i v or
a liriga or agni triangles, while those pointing downwards
were called sakiti or yoni trangles. For instance, the central triangular complex
r a 3) consists of 4 Siva and 5 ~ a k t triangles.
of the famous ~ r ; ~ a n t (Fig. i
Interestingly the 9 parallel bases (starting from topside)were given the names
of the 9 grahas in the weekdays order from Sun to Saturn plus R5hu and Ketu.I5
 Table 1: Mystic Mathematical Data for Planet
4

Planet Placement Planet's ~-&iti Shape of Area of Diameter of basic Talisman Magic Square
or in &ti for according fire-pit and base in Circle for kunda
Graha mandala worship to and pTtha sq.angzrlas racani (from
M.Mishra (base) Kulkami, ref. 18) order Magic number

Sun Centre Circle Circle Circular 12 27.0937 ang. 6 111

Moon South-east semicircle semicircle Square 24 33.9375 ang. 9 369

Mars South triangle triangle triangular 4 42.125 ang. 5 65

Merc- North-east bow-shaped arrow arrow-shaped 4 58.875 ang. 8 260

"'3'
Jupiter North lotus figure lotus figure rectangular 6 36.4844 ang. 4 34

Venus East Square pentagram pentagram 9 39.25, or 20 ang. 7 175

(or pentagon)
Saturn West Snake man's bow-shaped 6 29.3 125 ang. 3 15
figure figure

Rihu South-west Crocodile Crocodile winnowing 25 39.0937 ang. 4 34

figure (makara) basket

Ketu North-west Sword flag triangular 8 58.1875 ang. 4 34

flag
 MYSTICAL MATHEMATICS OF ANCIENT PLANETS

Fig. 3
Briefly stated, the padma of lotus figure l 6 is a flowery design. Most
commonly used figure of lotus has 8 petals which are symmetrically arranged
usually in a circle. The outer part of a petal may be relatively longer or broader
and is of three types, namely, (i) round, (ii) simply-pointed, (iii) inflectional or
ogee-form. In Fig. 3, the triangular complex is surrounded by a lotus figure of
8 petals of inflectional type, i.e., each of the two sides of every petal has a point
of inflexion where the curvature changes.

Fig. 4 Fig. 5
 INDIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY OF SCIENCE

The figures representing real pictures or forms of bow, sword, snake,

man and makara are difficult to define exactly or uniquely in a mathematical
sense unless there is some common and acceptable understanding. Moreover,
such figures also need some sort of artistic talent to draw them with reasonable
and good-looking forms (to avoid the wrath of deities). There was a need to
geometrize and mathematize some figures, and this was done. The bow-figure
was obtained by the following construction (see Fig. 6).
I

Fig. 6
Two equal intersecting circles are drawn such that the distance between
their centers (K and L) is equal to the radius, r, of either circle. UV is their
common chord. The line KL is extended both ways beyond the circles to become
YZ such that
YA = BZ = r/3
If YS and ZT are tangents to the circles, then YSUTZY is theoretically
an ideal bow-shaped figure (Fig. 7)''
In another method,'*we locate two points P and Q (instead of S and T)
on the circles such that the perpendicular distance of P and Q from the line YZ
is same, and is equal to half the side of a regular octagon inscribed in either
circle. In other words,

L AKP = L BLQ = 22.5 degrees

By this method we get the bow-shaped figure YPUQZY (see Fig. 8).
 MYSTICAL MATHEMATICS OF ANCIENT PLANETS

Fig. 7

Y Fig. 8

Even man's figure (nariikrti) was

geometrized with the help of a circle
(representing head) and 5 trapezia
(representing other parts) for ritual
purpose (see Fig. 9).

There was effort in another

direction as steps towards well-defined
geometrical forms and some sort of
standardization. It seems that to make the
matter easy and practical, simpler figures
were accepted in place of non-
mathematical forms (snake, man, and
makara). Some new figures (arrow, flag,
siirpa etc.) were incorporated. Some other
changes were also made. The star-like
pafica-kona (pentagram) was taken to Fig. 9
represent the beautiful white shining star-graha Venus.2o
This new allotment to Venus made its older symbol (viz. square) free
for others and it was allotted to Moon. Some symbols were dropped !
Thus we find the following verses describing the mandala figures of
the grahas to be used for worship alternatively (athavG):2'
 INDIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY OF SCIENCE

(a) Pentagon (b) Pentagram (c) Pentacle

Fig. 10

vrttama&zlambdityaq caturasram nisb'karam /

trikoyammangalamcaiva, budham vai biinasannibham /I
gurave pa.@s'bkdraqpa Aakonam hhrgum tathii I
mande ca dhanusdkGrang surpa'kctram tu rdhave /I
ketave ca dhvajbka'ram ma@ldni krameqa tu /

"The circle is the mystic figure of the Sun, the square that of Moon, the
triangle that of the Mars and arrow-like figure that of the Mercury. Thepatfis'a
figure is for Jupiter and pentagram for Venus. For Saturn it is bow-shaped figure
and figure of siirpa (winnowing basket) is for Riihu. For Ketu it is the flag-
shaped figure. These are respectively the man&las (mystical figures)."
According to the Sanskrit - English Dictionary by Monier-Williams,
pa.@sSais a spear with a sharp edge. It may be same as the spear which is now
called pata (in central India) and which has a blade with sharp edges. The
shape of the blade is a long rectangular strip. This compares well with those
sources where the figure of the Jupiter is mentioned to be a rectangle. 22
Thus we find that the above-mentioned graha-maqablas are to be
regarded same as the figures of the graha-pi.thas or seats (or bases) of the planets.
Thesepithas are located on the 9 cells of a vedi exactly in the same manner 23 as
the 9 cells of a graha-manahla are filled (cf. Fig. 1). The names of 9 pitha-
figures have been entered in Table 1.
 MYSTICAL MATHEMATICS OF ANCIENT PLANETS

According to Kulkarni, 24 the height of each planet-seat (or base) should

be 1I24 of the height of the vedi (which is sqare in shape). But its cross-sectional
area (i.e., the area of apQha figure)depends on the planet and is shown in Table 1.
More complicated mathematization of figures was needed when the
worshipping of the planets was done through huvana-yajiia which needed agni-
k u h s (fire-pits). Fortunately, the sectional figures of these pits for the planets
are the same as their pitha-figures.25In any case, the important thing was to
specify each figure geometrically in a well-defined mathematical manner. To
avoid wrath of deities, the fire-pits of various laid down shapes must be
constructed accurately. For this correct calculation of dimensions of the sectional
figures was needed. In addition to the construction of appropriate vedis,attention
is needed to the accessories of ku&s such as mekhali (belt), h t h a (throat),
niibhi (navel), etc.
. Here, we shall briefly talk about the main fire-pits (kumhs) only as used
in the graha-yajsa. The shapes of the pits for Sun (circle), Moon (square),
Mars (triangle) and Jupiter (rectangle) are familiar figures. Mercury's figure of
pit (arrow with triangular head) and that of Ketu (trisingular flag with thin strip
as mast) are simple geometrical forms. The figure of bow (for Saturn) is already
discussed above. Rahu's fire-pit is in the form of szirpa (winnowing basket)
whose one method of construction is as follows: (Fig. 11): 26

Fig. 11
 INDlAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY OF SCIENCE

Four equal chords, equidistant from the center 0, are drawn on the four
sides 0.The length of each chord is equal to d3r. J and K are points of intersection
of chords. Arc JPK is part of a circle with center at 0 and radius =OJ = OK.
Then the figure CJPKDC is in the shape of a siirpa.
The fire-pit of Venus is panca-koty (pentagram or pentarn or pentacle;
see Fig. 10) whose methods of construction are found in Kulkarni. In fact he
has carried out detailed calculations regarding fire-pits and has given various
methods of construction. A critical examination of his work will need a separate
long study. 27

In an earlier pa~eI.2~the author of the present article has pointed out that
for the study of history of exact sciences in India, the subject of agni-ku&s
(fire-pits) still awaits attention. Another negelected area of study in the field is,
as a whole, that of yantras which are used in worship, meditation, and other
rituals especially in the Tantric system of India (both Hindu and Buddhist).
By yantras we mean here the variety of mystic diagrams and figures
which comprise of some sort of geometrical drawings and designs inscribed
frequently with mantras (mystic formulas consisting of peculiar symbolic letters,
words, and numerals). These yantras are used in worshipping gods, goddesses
and other deities and also in other rituals for peace and welfare as well as for
malefic objectives (ahhicfira).
Numerous such yantras are found described in various Sanskrit works
and other sources. Only oneyantra, namely SriYantra,has been studied in great
details. The present author has collected a lot of original material which he
expects to present in a separate study. In the present article, yantras related
mainly to the grahas (ancient planets) will be discussed.
For the Szirya-ynntra (mystic diagram of the Sun), the Saura-Paddhati
states.29

likhed asta-dalampadmam tadbiihye @a-dalamlikhet I

caturasram fato hcihye siiryayantram idam smflam /I
 MYSTICAL MATHEMATICS OF ANCIENT PLANETS

'Draw or construct (likhet) an eight-petalled lotus and, outside it, (again) make
a lotus with eight petals. Then draw a square (i.e., bhwura) outside (the figure).
In this way we get the so-called sea-yantra (Sun's mystic diagram)'.
The diagram of the Sun's yantra as given in the Puras'cary~irnava~~ is
shown in Fig. 12. Other similar diagrams with slight variations are also
mentioned in this work. 31
According to a statement in the same the Moon's yantra will be
same as Sun's yantra. But elsewhere," the Moon's yantra is given quite
differently. It is shown in Fig. 13 after omitting the candra-mantra and some
numerical figures. Unfortunately, the original source or other reference is not
mentioned for the drawing of Fig. 13.
The case of Maligala-yantra (for the next planet, Mars) is quite
interesting and significant. We have seen above (see Table 1) that the Maligala
manabla, the figure (GMi) related to Mars is a triangle invariably. Historically,
the Mars-yantra seems to be a natural and logical evolution from the basic
triangular motive. The diagram (Fig. 14) consists of an original equilateral
triangle ABC subdivided into 21 smaller triangles called kosthas or cells.

Fig. 12 Fig. 13
46 INDIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY OF SCIENCE

Its construction is concisely described in the Merutantra 34 as follows:

~dha'viblhajet tar
?yet sumlabhcigai

cia'yarekhcigra-yugalam ~tiyicihnayornycrset /
dvitiya'gre sama'krsya tfliyiicihnayor-nyaset //

yutcirekha' tfliyci tu samdbhcijy~ tatah /

paficami N
turyd cihna-dvayenitha tribhisP-cihnais7ca

teiyigre prakurvitapa ficabhycimadhya-cihnaje I

turydgre yojayet samyakp a Acabhyi cihnayor dvayoh N

atha minadvaye dadycit siitrayugmam vicak.yaipi

evam ekidhikd samyak kosthdniim vims'al'ir bhavet I/

'First construct an equilateral triangle (ABC). Then diviae ir Into five

parts (by drawing equidistant lines (parallei to the base). Mark the third line
(DG) by points (E and F) of three equal division. Join (crossly) the ends of the
first (ddya) line to these points (E and F) of the third line. Join directly
(samikpya) the ends of the second line to the same points (E and F). With
(yutd) third line, the upper part (ADG) is thus divided equally all around (in 9
parts).
Now take two suitable points (J and K) on the fourth line (YZ) and
three points (U,M,V) on the fifth line (BC). Join ends of the third line to middle
(madhya) point (M) of the fifth line. By joining the ends (Y,Z) of the fourth line
and the remaining two points (U,V) of the fifth line suitably (sumyak), the
wiseman made the pair of zigzag line (USV and DMG ?) yield figures of two
fishes (minadvaya). Thus we get twenty-plus-one cells.
The stringently interesting part in the above construction is the formation
of two fish-figures in the lower part by the zigzag lines. These are joined back
to back at S and M in Fig. 14 and are shown separated in Fig. 15. It can be seen
that by the above construction, the original triangle ABC has been subdivided
into 21 small triangles or kosthas (cells) as the text calls them. Perhaps the
 MYSTICAL MATHEMATICS OF ANCIENT PLANETS 47

number 21 here signifies 9 grahas and 12 riis'is (zodiacal signs). Out of 2 1,

only 11 cells are equilateral.
Some mathematics of the Mars-yantra may be discussed. Let the length
of each side of triangle ABC be a. E and F are points of trisection and S the
mid-point of DG For mathematical consistency of concurrency of three lines
each at J and K, we can take J and K to be points of intersection of YZ with
DM and MG (M being mid-point of BC). Then U and V may be obtained by
joining S to J and K, and producing them to meet BC. Finally U and V are
joined to Y and Z respectively. That is the order of mathematical construction
in the lower part DGCB. Now, by symmetry, U and V will be vertically below
D and G;and thus angles BDU and CGV (not shown) will be 30".

.. BU = DB/2 = a/5 = VC
Hence, UM= d 2 -a15 =3a/10 =VM
Again, JK =DG/2 =UV/2 = 3a.110 ...... (1)
Of course, DG = (315) BC = 3a/5
and YZ = (4/5) BC = 4al5 ....... (2)
We can argue in another ways as well. The equidistant lines L, to L, are
all parallel to the base BC whose Iength is a. Therefore the lengths of the first,

Fig. 14 Fig. 15
48 INDIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY OF SCIENCE

second, third and fourth lines will be af5, 2ar5, 3a15 and 4a15, respectively.
Both S and M (being middle ~oints)will be in the same vertical line (which
passes through A also). Thus, M re will have UV equal to nally,
we see that:
YJ = KZ = (YZ-JK)/2 = a14 by (1) and (2).
In this way, the bases of all the 21 small triangles (whether pointing
upward or downward) have been found. It may be noted that J and K are not the
points of equal trisection of YZ, and U is not the mid-point, BM, and so, about
V. The exact locations of these intermediary points (J, K, U, and V) have been
found above mathematically in order to give a consistent and coherent figure of
21 cells. Without using the exact lengths of the segments of YZ and BC (as
calculated above),the figure will not be perfect (there may be defective
intersections at J and K).
The diagram of the Mars-yantra frequently appears in various books
and magazines.35It is usually found to be inscribed with numerals and a mantra
for the planet (such as Om kujirya namah). But the writers of the articles on
Maeala-yantra are generally found to present their description and discussion
without citing any original text, source, or mathematical calculation which are
necessary for authority, reliance, and authenticity.

For other planets (Mercury to Ketu), it is stated that 36:

budhiidnim yantram tu bhiipuriivfliigadala-kamalarn

'The yantra of Mercury etc. is the eight-petal lotus surrounded by bhiipura

(square with four gates)'.
However, various yantras of these planets do appear elsewhere (but
usually without supported text or authority).37

Let n be a natural whole number (i.e., a positive integer).Suppose a

square be divided into n2small squares (called cells) which are arranged in an
array of n rows and n columns. (similar to arrangement of 64 cells in a chess
board). If all the cells are filled with numbers (positive integers) in such a way
 MYSTICAL MATHEMATICS OF ANCIENT PLANETS

that the sum of the numbers along any row, any column, and along the two
main diagonals is the same, then the figure formed by the square-arrangement
is called a magic square of order n. The constant sum is called magic constant
or magic number of that magic square. (Fig. 16 is a magic square of order 3 and
constant 15).
In Sanskrit, a magic square is called yantra or better, a*-yantras (to
distinguish it from other types ofyantras). There are ahka-yantras which are
associated with the nine grahas (ancient planets). They are used (like other
type ofyantras), in various ways as instrumentsto worship and pacifjl the planets,
and for avoiding their malefic influence.
The ark-yantras (magic square) associated with
the Sun is of the order of three and is shown in Fig. 16. The
corresponding magic squares for other eight planets (from
Moon to Ketu) can be consolidated and expressed in general Fig. 16
form as shown in Fig. 17, where x = 1 to 8 is to be taken
for the eight remaining planets, Moon to Ketu, respectively.
Of course, the case x = 0 gives Sun's magic square (Fig.
16). All these nine graha-magic squares have been
mentioned by Chawdhri 38 separately but without
mentioning the Sanskrit verses or his source. Elsewhere,
the name of the legendary Garga (a popular ancient authority
on Jyotisa) is mentioned in connection with the above nine Fig. 17
magic squares of the planets.39
Interestingly, Chawdhri 40 mentions another set of
magic squares of the ancient planets but they are called
talismans (instead of yantras) by him (pp.42-47) (but he
still translates this word as 'mystic diagram', p.3 13). The
noteworthy thing is that these talismanic magic squares are
not of one and the same order. For example, Jupiter talisman
is of order 4 and is as follows (Fig. 18)(one printing mistake
has been correctd by us). It is formed fi-om numbers 1 to
16, and its magic constant is 34. It can be proved Fig.
" 18
mathematically that when a magic square of order n is
formed from numbers 1 to n2, its magic constant will be
(n2+l)n/2.
 INDIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY OF SCIENCE

The full list of the planets along with the order the their talismanic
magic squares is : Sun (order 6), Moon (9), Mars (3, Mercury (8), Jupiter (4),
Venus (71, Saturn (3), R&u (4), and Ketu (4).
In this regard I noticed a very significant and surprising fact recently. I
found that the magic squares of exactly the same orders for the first seven
planets are given in a Latin magic text which was 'translated (or adapted) from
an Arabic one of Moorish origin' and copied in the 14&century. 41 The orders of
the magic squaresdo indicate that the earlier order of planets was not in weekdays
order (as listed above).
In fact, the Latin text presents the planetary magic squares in the
following order: Saturn (3), Jupiter (4), Mars (3,Sun (6), Venus (7), Mercury
(8), and Moon (9). i t is possible that the (Indian) talismans were also constructed
in this very order. And those for Rihu and Ketu were
added (perhaps the order of talisman was restricted
to 9 as there were navagrahas).
As far as the magic squares themselves are
concerned, they are not the same but comparable.
Fig. 19
For instance, the Saturn's magic square from the
Latintext (Fig. 19) and the Saturn talisman (Fig.20)
are shown here. The difference is only of the
reversion of digits in each row. Perhaps this was also
due to mode of writing - right to left (semitic) and
left to right (Indian). Also cf. Fig. 16. For Jupiter
the magic square from the Latin text (Fig. 21) may Fig. 20
be compared with Jupiter talignan (Fig. 18). As we
go to higher orders, the divergence increases. But
the talisman for R a u and Ketu is the same and it
can be obtained by just reversing the numbers in each
row in Fig. 2 1.
The most important thing to note is that the
practical uses of magic squares as described in the
Latin text reads just like a typical Indian prescription
in a tantric work on the so-called sat-karmas
(stambhana,vas?karayz, miiraip, mohana, iiintika, Fig. 21
 MYSTICAL MATHEMATICS OF ANCIENT PLANETS 51

etc). About the afika-yantras, the Latin text saysthat these 'seven figures' contain
'seven names of God' hidden in them by 'ancient philosophers and scholars.'
In India also the yantras (mystic diagrams or figures) were of both deities
themselves as well as instruments for worshipping them.

1. K.S. Shukla, 'Main Characteristics and Achievements of Ancient Indian Astronomy in

Historical Perspective' in G. Swarup, A. K. Bag and K. S. Shukla (ed.), History of Oriental
Astronomy, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, U.K., 1987, pp. 9-22; see note 2 on
p.20.
2. Ibid., p.9.
3. According to the Sanskrit-English Dictiona~of M. Monier-Williams(Delhi reprint, 1972,
p. 1080), the word s'ukla ('white' itself is a later form of s'ukra.
4. T. L. Heath, A History of Greek Mathematics, Vol. I, Dover Publications, New York,
1981, p.158.
5. Ibid., p.159. Also see, Historical Topicsfor the Mathematics Classroom, N.C.T.M. 3 1"
Year book, Washington, 1969, p.220.
6. Laks man a DeSikendra, diraditilaka. edited by Jivananda Bhattacharyya, Calcutta,
1892, p.3. The translation given here preserves mathematical meaning.
7. Yijiavalkya-smrti with Mitikiara-vyiWryi (slong with two commentaries) ed. By
S. S. Setlur, Brahmavadin Press, Madras, 1912, p. 189.
8. Brhat-Pards'ara-Sam hiti included in the Dharmafistra-Saigraha ed. By Jivananda
Bhattacharyya, Calcutta, 1876, part 11, pp. 53-309, p252.
9. Ibid., p. 252.
10. Matsya-purina, ed. with Hindi Translation by Shriram Sharma, two parts, Bareily, 1970;
Part 1, p. 313.
1 1. TaranathaTarkavachaspati, Vicaspafyam, Vol. IV, Chowkhamba, Varanasi, 1990, p.2760
where the verses are quoted from ~ a n t i d i ~ i k(Sintidipikoktah').
d
12. J. C. Ray, Amadera ~~oti:;OJyoti~a(in Bengali), Vol. I, Calcutta, 1903, p.482.
13. The five Sanskrit lines are found (quoted anonymously?) in the ~ r a h a - g i n tPrayogah
i
with ~ h i i s i t i k and
i notes by Daulatram Gaud, revised ed., Varanasi, 2001, p. 19 1.
14. Makkhanlal Mishra, 'Navagraha-upisana, (in Hindi),Kalyaw, 42(1) (Upgsani-anka)
(1968), 532-535.
15. For details see R. C. Gupta, 'A Little-known Text and Version of S'Gyantra9,Ganita-
Bharati, 25 (2003), 22-28 (in press).
16. See Graha Sinti Pruyogah (ref. 13 above), pp. 170-1 7 1.
52 INDIAN JOURNAL OF HISTORY OF SCIENCE

17. Ibid., p. 184

18. Ibid., p. 183, and R. P. Kulkarn~,Engineertng Geometry or Yajfia-kundas and
Yajfia- rnandapas, Jnana Prabodhi, Pune, 1998, p.74 where the method is said to be taken
from Kund a ~ a t n i v a lof
i Rimacandra Q s p ~ i k s i t alias
a Jade (Varanasi, 1868)
19. See Graha s i n t i Prayogah (ref. 13), p. 181 where dimensions of the trapezia and circle
are also given. The man's figure is stated to be drawn according to Saqskira Gagapati.
20. Ibid., pp. 172-173, and p. 242. Also see Kulkarni, op.cit. (under ref. 18 above), pp. 68-
70, and p. 91.
21. Quoted in Graha s i n t i Prayoga4 1 : have corrected solne printin :s.
Also see p. 208 for a description of v a l l v u a ~ .la--* &--..,..A- /:I*="
G J as)
I ~ I IG ~ L~ U ~{crnur ,.

22. Ibid., p.208 (dirgha-caturasra) and p. 242. Also see Kulkami (ref. 18) pl
23. Kulkarni (ref. 18) pp. 89-9 1.
24. Ibid., pp. 89-90.
25. Ibid., p.89.
26. Ibid., pp. 72-73 where the I I l G l f l U U is stated to LJG taslncrl from the RW!? u nuirruvurr (see
ref. 18 above). Our Fig, 1 1 yields a figure of the sirpa which resembles with that which
is given in the Graha Sinti Prayogah (ref. 13, p. 187, quoting Laghupitha M i l i . The
last work is also stated to contain a simpler s i r p a figure which is an isosceles trapezium
whose base is 28, top 20, and altitude 24 anplas.
27. For a critical review of Kulkarni's book (ref.18), see Ganita ~ h i r a t i 2 (2001) 3 138-143.
Also see IJHS 38.1 (2003), pp.7-8.
28. R. C. Gupta, 'Agni-kunchs - a Neglected Area of Study in the History of Ancient Indian
Mathematics', IJHS 38.1 (2003) 1-15.
29. As quoted in the Pratapasim ha Sihadeva's (King of Nepal), Puras'caryirva (1 775)
ed. by Murlidhar Jha, Chowkhamba Pratishthan, Delhi, 1985, p. 1140.
30. Ibid., plate-page 6.
3 1. Ibid., p. 114 1, where text for Sun's yantra is quoted fi-.om Mahikramircana Paddhati,
and two more variant yantras are mentioned.
32. Ibid., p. 1158 where it sates: AS tadala-kamalar-dvayitmlakam Candra-yantram (bhzipura
is to be supplied invariably to all yantras).
33. Radheshyam Mishra, ~ a m a r k 6 r Yantra l Elabama (in Hindi), Raja Pocket Books, Delhi,
p. xxvii.
34. As quoted in Puras'caryarnava (ref. 29), p. 1158.
35. E.g., see R. Mishra (ref. 33), pp. xxvi; and S.L.Shukla, 'Mangala-Yantra' (in Hindi),
Nanasiyara (Delhi), No. 22 (June 1996), 43-46.
36. See Puras'car$rnava (ref. 29), p. 1 158.
 MYSTICAL MATHEMATICS OF ANCIENT PLANETS 53

37. For instance, see, R. Mishra, (ref. 33), pp. xxviii and xxix where yantras for Jupiter and
Venus appear (each being essentially a hexagram enclosed in bhzipura).
38. L.R.Chawdhri, Practicals of Yantras, Sagar Publications, New Delhi, 1984,pp. 47-48.
There are two misprints in the Mercury yantra.
39. See T. Kusuba, Combinatorics and Magic squares in India etc., Ph.D. Thesis, Brown
Univ. 1993, p. 169.
40. Chawdhri, op.cit. (ref 38 above), pp. 42-47.
4 1. The Latin text 'Incipiunt figure 7 planetarum' (The figures of the seven planets) along
with English tanslation has been published in J. Sesiano, "Magic Squares for Daily
Life', pp. 7 15-734 in Burnett et al. (ed.) Studies in the History ofExact Sciences etc.,
Brill, Leiden, 2004.