Significance of Celestial sphere
The Celestial Sphere in Jainism and historical Indian context refers to a divine realm inhabited by deities, represented as a spherical geometry of heavenly bodies like stars, sun, and moon. This term signifies both a destination for divine beings, such as Indra, and a conceptual framework used in Indian astronomy to discuss celestial positions and geometrical relationships. The celestial sphere serves as a metaphorical expression of divine aspirations and is integral to understanding astronomical principles and coordinate systems in ancient texts.
Synonyms: Sky, Firmament, Universe, Heavenly sphere, Cosmic sphere, Starry vault
In Dutch: Hemelse sfeer; In Finnish: Taivaallinen pallo; In Spanish: Esfera celestial
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Celestial sphere'
In Hinduism, the Celestial Sphere symbolizes an imagined space where celestial bodies appear, reflects the realm of the Gods under Brahma鈥檚 rule, represents a divine destination for Indra, and depicts a spherical geometry of heavenly bodies upheld by divine forces.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Celestial sphere is a destination to which Indra wishes to fly, indicating a divine realm or a place of heavenly residence.[1] (2) The phrase 'celestial sphere' refers to the realm of the Gods, who Brahma rules, indicating a high status.[2]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The heavenly bodies or realms that are filled with luminous objects and stars.[3]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A figurative representation where the heavenly bodies such as stars, sun, and moon are envisioned in a spherical geometry, upheld by divine entities.[4]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This is the apparent daily motion of the celestial sphere, and hence of the zodiac and all planets, around the place of observation, due to the Earth's rotation.[5]
Jain concept of 'Celestial sphere'
In Jainism, the Celestial sphere signifies a vibrant realm inhabited by deities, highlighting a beautiful and elevated existence beyond the earthly realm, full of divine beings and spiritual significance.
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) A term used to describe the beautiful and vibrant realm in which deities exist.[6]
The concept of Celestial sphere in local and regional sources
The celestial sphere serves as a reference point for astronomical positions, aids in geometrical calculations, symbolizes divine witness in poetry, and is a key topic in Indian astronomy, connecting various celestial concepts and procedures.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The center of the celestial sphere is a point of reference, and the text mentions this in relation to astronomical objects and their positions in space.[7] (2) The celestial sphere is used to identify geometrical objects and trigonometrical relations for calculations, as described in the provided text.[8] (3) The celestial sphere is one of the topics covered in the book which deals with the concepts and procedures of Indian astronomy. Other topics include coordinate systems, time, mean and true positions of the luminaries and planets, and eclipses.[9]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A metaphorical expression representing divine witness and aspirations in Chu Yuan's poetry.[10]