Question

According to the Surya Siddhanta, what is the correct downward sequence of the planetary orbits starting from the orbit of Saturn?

• A. D, A, B, C, E
• B. E, C, B, A, D
• C. B, A, D, C, E
• D. C, D, A, E, B

Hint:

Remember the mnemonic "S-J-M-S-V-M-M" (Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Sun, Venus, Mercury, Moon). The further the planet, the slower its motion. Saturn is the 'slowest' (Shanais-chara), so it is at the top.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Surya Siddhanta and other classical Indian astronomical texts describe a geocentric model of the universe where the Earth is at the center, and celestial bodies revolve around it in distinct, concentric spheres or orbits (Kakshas). The order of these orbits is determined by their distance from the Earth, which is inversely proportional to their mean daily velocity. A planet that moves faster across the zodiac is perceived to be closer to the Earth, while a slower-moving planet is considered to be further away in a larger orbit.

Step 2: Identifying the Orbits:
The standard Siddhantic hierarchy of orbits, from the furthest (outermost) to the nearest (innermost), is as follows:
1. Shani (Saturn): The slowest moving planet, completing its orbit in approximately 30 years.
2. Guru (Jupiter): The next slowest, with a period of about 12 years.
3. Kuja (Mars): Takes about 687 days.
4. Surya (Sun): Takes 365.25 days. Note that in this system, the Sun's orbit is placed between Mars and Venus.
5. Shukra (Venus): Average period similar to the Sun from the Earth's perspective.
6. Budha (Mercury): Also similar average period, but placed below Venus.
7. Chandra (Moon): The closest and fastest, completing its orbit in 27.3 days.

Step 3: Organizing based on the Question:
The question asks for the downward sequence starting from Saturn (Shani). Using the labels provided:
C. Shani (Saturn)
D. Guru (Jupiter)
A. Kuja (Mars)
E. Ravi (Sun)
B. Shukra (Venus)
The sequence is C $\rightarrow$ D $\rightarrow$ A $\rightarrow$ E $\rightarrow$ B.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct descending order is C, D, A, E, B, which corresponds to Option (4).