| Names |
Kelallur NILAKANTHA
SOMAYAJI |
| Date of Birth |
June 14, 1444 (Date estimated / recalculated) |
| Date of
Death |
1544 (Date not known) |
|
Profession / Traits / Activities |
Indian major mathematician and astronomer of the Kerala
school of astronomy and mathematics. |
|
Works |
- He is also referred to as Kelallur Comatiri.
- One of his most influential works was the
comprehensive astronomical treatise Tantrasamgraha completed
in 1501.
- He had also composed an elaborate commentary on
Aryabhatiya called the Aryabhatiya Bhasya. In this Bhasya,
Nilakantha had discussed infinite series expansions of
trigonometric functions and problems of algebra and
spherical geometry.
- Grahapareeksakrama is a manual on making observations in
astronomy based on instruments of the time.
|
| Special Achievements
/ Events |
The epithet Somayaji is a title assigned to or assumed by one
who has performed the vedic ritual of Somayajna. So it could be
surmised that Nilakantha Somayaji had also performed a Somayajna
ritual and assumed the title of a Somayaji in later life.
The Somayajna is a yajna (ritual) performed for appeasing the
celestial entities in Hinduism. It is primarily performed to
promote the wellbeing of all humanity. The ritual is based on
methods prescribed in the Vedas. Soma is used as the main
oblation in this yajna, hence the name Somayajna. The Soma
plant, the king of medicinal herbs, is said to be relished by
the celestials. |