Govinda Bhattathiri

Not to be confused with Bhartṛhari.
Govinda Bhaṭṭatiri
Born c.1237 CE
Died c.1295 CE
Residence Alathiyur, Tirur in Kerala
Nationality Indian
Ethnicity Namputiri
Occupation Astrologer
Known for Contributions to Indian astrology
Notable works Dasadhyayi, Muhurtharathna
Religion Hindu
Notes
Paramesvara was a grandson of a disciple of Govinda Bhaṭṭatiri.

Govinda Bhaṭṭatiri (also known as Govinda Bhattathiri of Thalakkulam or Thalkkulathur) (1237 – 1295 CE[1][2]) was an Indian astrologer and astronomer who flourished in Kerala during the thirteenth century CE. His major work was Daśādhyāya a commentary on the first ten chapters of the astrological text Bṛhajjātaka composed by Varāhamihira (505 – 587 CE). This is considered to be the most important of the 70 known commentaries on this text.[2] Bhaṭṭatiri had also authored another important work in astrology titled Muhūrttaratnaṃ. Paramesvara (ca.1380–1460), an astronomer of the Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics known for the introduction of the Dṛggaṇita system of astronomical computations, had composed an extensive commentary on this work. In this commentary Paramesvara had indicated that he was a grandson of a disciple of the author of Muhūrttaratnaṃ.[3]

Govinda Bhaṭṭatiri was born in the Namputhiri family known by the name Thalakkulathur in the village of Alathiyur, Tirur in Kerala. He was traditionally considered to be the progenitor of the Pazhur Kaniyar family of astrologers.[4] He is a legendary figure in the Kerala astrological traditions.[2][5][6]

Transformation to a Kaniyan

Edgar Thurston recorded the legendary transformation of Bhattathiri to being a Kaniyan.[7]

Another theory of origin argues that Govinda was born in a Ganaka (Kaniyan) family of traditional astrologers and astronomers (a non-smartha group of Brahmins) at Pazhoor in Kerala,and was a great astrologer. These Ganaka people (known as Acharya, Ganak Brahmans and Graha Vipra in some states) having their origin from Sakaldwipiya Brahmins and their ancesters had migrated from west India during the period of 2nd century BC, via North eastern regions of the country, before settling in this place[8].The honoured title Bhatt, he had in view of scholarship in astrology,changed to Bhattathiri by the post era smartha Brahmins (Nampudiri) of Kerala, who were in power, as a routine practice to claim all human excellence to their side.

References

  1. ^ K.V. Sarma (1972). A history of the Kerala school of Hindu astronomy. Hoshiarpur: V.V.R. Institute.  (p.47)
  2. ^ a b c George Gheverghese Joseph (2009). "2". A passage to infinity : Medieval Indian mathematics from Kerala and its impact. Sage Publications India Pvt. Ltd.. ISBN 978-81-321-0168-0.  (p.15)
  3. ^ Govonda Bhattathiri (1999). A. Sripada Bhat. ed. Muhurtha Rathnam (Sri Parameshwarakritha Vyakhyopetham). Tirupati, India: Varahamihira Publications. http://www.scribd.com/doc/24158811/Muhurtha-Rathnam-By-Govinda-Bhattathiri. 
  4. ^ P.D. Sharma (2004). Hindu astronomy. New Delhi: Global Vision Publishing House. ISBN 97-881-82200562.  (p.158)
  5. ^ Kottarathil Sankunni (1990) (in Malayalam). Eithihyamaala. Kottayam: Kottarathil Sankunni Memorial Committee.  (pp.55 – 64)
  6. ^ Shyamasundara Dasa. "Life of Govinda BhattatiriJyothish Sastri". Bhaktivedanta College. http://www.bhaktivedantacollege.org/bvc_site/resources_services/articles/pdfs/jyotish/informal/english/govinda_bhattatiri.pdf. Retrieved 21 April 2010. 
  7. ^ Edgar Thurston; K. Rangachari (2001). Castes and tribes of Southern India. III. Asian Educational Services. pp. 120-125, 182-183. ISBN 9788120602885. 
  8. ^ Discovery of North East India, edited by Suresh Kant Sharma, Usha Sharma

(1)GANAPATI:SONG OF SELF, JOHN A GRIMES. (On Ganapati Gayatri Mantra and its seer, the Ganaka Rishi).

(2)ENCYCLOPEDIA OF HINDUISM, NAGENDRA KUMAR SINGH. (On Ganaka being Sun Temple Priests).

(3)TRIVANDRUM SANSKRIT SERIES NO:VII, TRIVANDRUM GOVERNMENT PRESS(SANSKRIT MANUSCRIPT PUBLICATION SECTION), 1929.

(4)BUDDHISM IN KERALA, P.C.ALEXANDER, 1949. (On Namboodiris ordained as Priests by Parasurama, were from Fishermen and absence of 4-Tier caste system in Kerala during early days).

(5)TRAVANCORE STATE MANUAL, VOL:2,V.NAGAM AIYA, KERALA GAZETTEER' DEPT, 1999. Page 262

(5)SANSKRIT-ENGLISH DICTIONARY, SIR MONIER MONIER WILLIAMS.

(6)SINHALESE-ENGLISH DICTIONARY,B.CLOUGH.(On Ganaka as Astrologers).

(7)HISTORY OF HUMANITY:FROM SEVENTH CENTURY B.C TO THE SEVENTH CENTURY A.D. (On Ganaka as Astronomers).

(8)Casting Kings: Bards and Indian Modernity, Oxford University Press, 2006.