The vibrant occasion of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada marks not only the start of Navratri but also the beginning of a new era, known as Vikram Samvat 2082. Referred to as the Hindu New Year, it is celebrated as the epitome of the Sanatan tradition, celebrated with the most precise calendar based on celestial movements. This calendar meticulously observes the cycles of the sun and moon, offering a unique seven-day week based on planetary paths.
The Precision of Vikram Samvat's Claims
Every claim about Vikram Samvat stands the test of accuracy, thanks to its creator, the ancient Indian astronomical scholar Acharya Varahamihira. The precise calculations of the Earth's orbit around the sun, and the detailed division of days and nights testifies to the expanse of ancient wisdom. Vikram Samvat divides time down to the minutest details such as seconds, ghatis, muhurats, and pehrs, eliminating any room for error. Although more scientific than other calendars, it remained less practical for widespread application, except in Nepal where it's still prevalent.
Science Meets Tradition
Esteemed Sanskrit scholar and Bharat Ratna recipient Professor Pandurang Vaman Kane, in his work 'History of Dharmashastra', hailed Vikram Samvat as a more scientific alternative to the Western calendar, predicting not just the dates of upcoming eclipses but projecting eclipse paths years ahead. This system intricately aligns with seasons and planetary constellations, offering an insightful glimpse into future celestial arrangements.
In Vikram Samvat, the year aligns with the solar cycle and months follow the lunar cycle. Interestingly, the new year begins on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada only in North India, whereas, in South India, it commences with the waxing phase of Kartik month.
The Origins of Vikram Samvat
The question arises: How did Vikram Samvat start, and who was responsible for its establishment? Ancient texts like the Brahma Purana provide insights, suggesting that the origin traces back to the first day of creation marked on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, designated as Brahma's inaugural day. This calendar pre-dates the Gregorian calendar, beginning 57 years prior to Christ.
Legends of a Mighty King
The initiation of Vikram Samvat often attributes to a revered king named Vikramaditya, as stated in Jain scriptures like the 'Kalkacharya Katha.' According to these legends, Vikramaditya established his era after a significant victory over a king known as Akaash, cementing the chronicles of his reign.
Included in Classical Narratives
Renowned dramatist Pandit Lakshminarayan Mishra, during the previous century, immortalized Vikramaditya in his play 'Garun Dhwaj,' embedding him as a central figure pre-dating the first century, embodying a heroic warrior reminiscent of Bhishma Pitamah. The protagonist, Vishmisheel, emerges victorious over the Shaka invaders, restoring order to the kingdom of Malwa, paving the way for his coronation as the next king named Vikramaditya.
How Ancient is Vikram Samvat?
The synthesis of Vikram Samvat intricately documented in historical texts deeply root it within Indian ancestry. Several ancient inscriptions chronicle its usage as early as 481 Samvat, with narratives of victories, regal ceremonies, and testimonies inscribed on artifacts and pillars dating back centuries, weaving together the rich tapestry of history.
Source: aajtak
The Rich Chronicles of Vikram Samvat
A defining moment in the last century was the grand celebration of 2000 years of Vikram Samvat, hosted across the nation. Held in 1944 by Maharaja Jiwaji Rao Scindia of Gwalior, this festival witnessed the release of the 'Vikram Smriti Granth,' expertly curated by Pandit Suryanarayan Vyas, encapsulating the essence of Vikramaditya, Kalidas, and the city of Ujjain.
Authentic documents from the past hold compelling evidence of Vikram Samvat's long-standing influence and precision found engraved in various ancient inscriptions. With records dating back centuries, these testimonies provide undeniable proof of Vikram Samvat's eminent status as a calendrical system.
Such engravings on pillars and tablets capture the essence and validation of Vikram Samvat, securing its status as a pivotal system of time reckoning, endorsed through time by historical scholars like Repson.
But Who Was the Real Vikramaditya?
Amidst scholarly debates regarding the true identity of Vikramaditya, several historians link him with Gupta monarch Chandragupta II, referenced by Chinese traveler Faxian during his travels in India around 380 AD. Under Chopta, Faxian documented organized governance, societal prosperity, and bountiful Buddhist patronage, reflecting hints of the Gupta era's illustrious rule.
India had long been a melting pot for conquests, with Greek sovereigns preceding the Shaks as early as 100 BC. Illustrious monarchs like Gautami Putra Satakarni had previously suppressed Shak dominance, reflecting resilience—a theme echoed through Vikramaditya's legacies.
Source: aajtak
Chandragupta and the Shak Conquerors
The challenge posed by external conquerors prompted Chandragupta to embark on his campaign. Guided by the strategic prowess of general Aamra, he sought to restore harmony post the disorder of Ramgup's era and eliminated the Shak adversaries threatening sovereignty.
Histories unravel how Chandragupta seized territories under the abeer and subdued the Shak kingdom, assuming the title 'Shakari.' Chronicles attribute his strategic campaigns to around 385 AD, suggesting attempts to reclaim Indian soil from Shak Cabals.
Despite varying interpretations, evidence suggests another historical Vikramaditya existing before Christ—commonly referred to as Malwa Samvat, venerating the empire's triumph over adversary rule.
The Real Founder of Malwa Samvat: Vikramaditya
Undeniably, the negation of outside intrusion materialized around 100 BC with the Shaks infringing upon the ancient subcontinent's' fragile fabric. It was Vikramaditya's conquests, allegedly against King Nahwan, that led to establishing Vikram Samvat 57 years before Christ.
Chandragupta II, revered within the lineage of oceanic conquests, also received the epithet Vikramaditya amid narratives and folklore. With conquest came dominion over Gujarat and Kathiawar—expanses embodying the empire's Westward frontier.
Iron Pillar of Mehrauli: A Monumental Testimony
Beyond the Shak tribulations, Chandragupta ventured into regions like Gandhara, liberating lands from adversarial grips. The celebrated Iron Pillar near Delhi commemorates his victories, highlighting the breadth of his imperial expansions and political reverberations across the Oxus River.
Resonating within such stone-carved narratives are unwritten traditions of distinct excellence in astronomy, solidified through Vikram Samvat's ennoblement—a gift of captivating elegance to timeless calendrical precision.
Vikram Samvat's Timeless Impact
Contemporary to this day, Nepal espouses the Vikram Samvat calendar as a significant part of its cultural narrative. Despite the Western Gregorian calendar ascending as the standards in erstwhile British enclaves, the precision and foresight offered by Vikram Samvat remain unparalleled in tracking time and celestial phenomena, reflecting an illustrious heritage set to inspire generations.
