In Hinduism

Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)

Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by Varahamihira

Kaṅkāketu (कङ्काकेतु) or simply Kaṅkā refers to certain types of Ketus (i.e., luminous bodies such as comets and meteors), according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 11), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “The comets that resemble clusters of stars are named Gaṇakā Ketus; they are 8 in number and are the sons of Prajāpati. Those that are oblongular in shape, are 204 in number and are the sons of Brahmā. The comets that resemble clusters of bamboo canes and that are as bright as the moon are named Kaṅkā Ketus; they are the sons of Varuṇa and are 32 in number. When they appear mankind will suffer miseries”.

context information

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotiṣa or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Kanka, Ketu.

Full-text: Vamsha, Samtana, Punja, Gulma, Kanka, Ganaka, Dvatrimshat, Ganakaketu, Tarapunja, Vamshagulma, Brahmasantana, Varunaja, Caturashra, Ashta.

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Search found 1 books and stories containing Kankaketu, Kaṅkāketu, Kaṅkā-ketu, Kanka-ketu; (plurals include: Kankaketus, Kaṅkāketus, ketus). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Brihat Samhita (by N. Chidambaram Iyer)

Chapter 11 - On comets (ketu)

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