ACHARYA VARAHAMIHIR (499-587 CE)
EMINENT ASTROLOGER AND ASTRONOMER
Renowned
astrologer and astronomer who was honored with a special decoration and
status as one of the nine gems in the court of King Vikramaditya in
Avanti ( Ujjain ). Varahamihir's book "panchsiddhant" holds a prominent
place in the realm of astronomy. He notes that the moon and planets are
lustrous not because of their own light but due to sunlight. In the "
Bruhad Samhita " and " Bruhad Jatak ," he has revealed his discoveries
in the domains of geography, constellation, science, botany and animal
science. In his treatise on botanical science, Varamihir presents cures
for various diseases afflicting plants and trees. The rishi-scientist
survives through his unique contributions to the science of astrology
and astronomy.
