First Indian Epigraphical Reference to Halley’s Comet Discovered

A 15th-century copper plate inscription discovered at the Mallikarjunaswamy Temple in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, has revealed the first known Indian epigraphical reference to Halley’s Comet.

• The inscription aligns with the 1456 CE appearance of Halley’s Comet, a phenomenon historically recorded across many civilizations.

About the Inscription

• Date & Dynasty: The inscription is dated to Śaka 1378, Dhātru Āshāḍha ba. 11, corresponding to Monday, June 28, 1456 CE, during the rule of Vijayanagar king Mallikarjuna.
• Script & Language: It is written in Sanskrit, using the Nagari script.
• Purpose of Grant: The copper plate records a land grant to a Vedic scholar, made specifically:
  “To mitigate the great calamity believed to arise due to the appearance of a comet (dhūmakētu mahōtpāta śāntyartham) and the associated meteor shower (Prakāśyāya mahōtpāta śāntyartham).”
• Recipient of Grant: The agrahāra (tax-free village) named Simgapura in Kelajhasima of Hastinavati Vemṭhe was granted to Limgaṇarya, a Brahmin and Vedic scholar from Kaḍiyalapura (believed to be modern Kaḍiyapulanka in Kadapa district).
• Cultural Belief: The inscription reflects the traditional view that comets and meteor showers were inauspicious omens, often seen as harbingers of calamity.
• The phrase: “Prakāśyāya mahōtpāta śāntyartham dattavān vibhuḥ”  reinforces the idea that the grant was made to pacify the possible disastrous effects associated with the comet.

Significance of the Discovery

• First epigraphical evidence from India directly referring to Halley’s Comet.
• Strengthens the understanding that astronomical phenomena were carefully recorded and interpreted in medieval Indian society.
• Reflects how celestial events influenced royal decisions and religious grants in traditional Indian polity.
• Opens up new avenues for interdisciplinary studies involving epigraphy, history of science, and cultural astronomy.

About Halley’s Comet

• Halley’s Comet is a periodic comet that appears approximately every 76 years.
• It is named after Edmond Halley, who correctly predicted its return using Newton’s laws of motion in the 18th century.
• The 1456 CE apparition was widely observed and feared across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, including the Ottoman Empire and now, as shown, India.
• Historically, comets were interpreted as omens of political or social upheaval.
• The appearance in 1456 coincided with significant global events, including the Siege of Belgrade and upheavals within regional kingdoms.

About Mallikarjunaswamy Temple, Srisailam

• Located in Srisailam, Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of the Krishna River.
• One of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, and also one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas.
• Known as Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Goddess Bhramaramba (Parvati).
• The temple has ancient origins, with inscriptions and patronage from dynasties like the Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, and Vijayanagara Empire.
• An important pilgrimage site, especially in Shaivism and Shaktism, and historically associated with Sankara Bhagavatpada’s visit.
• The temple maintains a rich collection of epigraphs and copper plate charters, which are being studied and digitized for publication.
• Architectural Style: The temple exhibits the Dravidian architectural style, characterized by pyramidal towers (vimanas), mandapas (pillared halls), and intricate sculptural details.