| 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 |
|
| 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. |
