Sacred Numerology and Axial Thoughts of Ancient India

By: Bipin R. Shah

Seven Sages of Vedic Eras and Epic of Gilgamesh:

We already know or have heard about the ancient seven sages of Rigveda. Rigveda never named them but
later Purana named them. We have slight variations of the names from one Purana to another Purana
based on author’s information or determination or it could be one and the same person with different
name. Initially, we start out with seven sages with Agastya who defected to Persian and in turn he was
called by Greek “Ostanes”, the Magi.

“The epic of Gilgamesh from Sumerian chronicle talks about Gilgamesh, King of Uruk, created by God. He
was 2/3 God and 1/3 man in composition, can be called as equivalent to son of God. He built walls, a great
rampart, temples of Enna, God of Firmament Anu and also the temple for Goddess of Love and war Lady

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Ishtar. There was no king equal to him on the earth. He can climb the walls with his super human strength
made out of burnt bricks of wall, walk along it, and examine the terrace and masonry and foundation laid
by seven sages.”(www.aina.org)

Seven Sages- Septa Rishis of Rigveda and Sumerian Epics:

“Septarshi” in Sanskrit or often called Septa Rishis or seven Rishis who may have contributed to or may
have composed the hymns of original Vedic Rigveda are extolled in Rigveda with all the Gods and Devas in
many places but hymns never named them except later Purana calls their names with slight variations.
Jaiminya (2.218-221) list has Vasishtha, Bharadvāja, Jamadagni, Gautama (not to be confused with
Gautama Budhhas), Atri, Viśvāmitra, and Agastya. While Brihadaranyaka Upniahshas and Gopataha
Brahman have a different list that is given below in comparison to English name of star system of Big
Dipper system. Why start system? This is where the seven holy sages have permanent abode, given to
them by almighty God. This is the religious mythology embedded in various religious texts.

This clearly ties them with Vedic cosmology or what ancient astrologers must have seen them in sky and
while writing texts or meditating holy men named after these historical or mythical seven Rishis. Since
these seven Rishis were also among the primary Rishis (sages) who are considered to be the ancestors of
the Gotra of Brahmins and other castes of India, some of us who are also scientists will consider this to be
universal myths and axial thoughts of our ancestors of little or no historical values.

However, this is so much embedded in our religious culture and our life; it cannot be discarded as a fairy
tale. Many ancients belonging to many culture believed in similar configuration that involves
understanding nearby cosmos and its effects on our life.

As you know, Siddhartha Gautama assumed the Gotra name from this early Rishi “Gautama”. How the
seven sages are also mentioned in the Epic of Gilgamesh and how they correlates them to Vedic seven Rishi
remains a still a mystery, but perhaps explains the sacred numerology of India and also found in other
religions. It was believed that these initial seven Vedic sages were working under the guidance of our
creator-God, a “Super intelligent being” which also created universe (cosmos), the entire human beings and
animals on planet earth and perhaps if you believe it, he may have created the life in cosmos in a far out
star system where life form has to be recycled in the form of reincarnation or resurrection. Under Vedic
India’s mythology, our solar system has fixed number of years and then it disintegrates itself and the
process of recreation throughout the cosmos continues step by step in perpetuity.

Our astrophysics confirms these limits on start systems with use of new space science that ancients
probably theorized or gained the knowledge through meditation. Jaina called them “kevel Giyani” means
that has perfect knowledge of the entire universe. Our astrophysists advise us that our solar system still
have millions of more years to go before our own start sun that provides the life on this planet dies out, so
none of us have to worry about this. However, it still remains a mystery that how ancient humans
developed some basis concept of universe and cosmos and our relationship to them. This relationship is
allowed to flow through into horoscope and astrological charts, with a basis assumption that the all living
beings and inert material on this planet are somehow affected by the heavenly bodies of stars, sun, moon
and space particles and relative gravitational forces that they exert on each other as well as our planet
earth and all its contents, either living or non-living. The Jainism explained this in their metaphysics. The
modern physics explained this to us as Newton’s law of physical motion or Einstein’s theory of atoms and
relativity. The Indian astrology understood this in some different way and used this to define various

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phases of time such as seven days, and division of “yoga’, “Kalpa” and “Tithi”. This is a process of defining
time with space or cosmos. One without the other do not exists.

Like Newton and others after him, a 20th Century Indian astrologer Ramanajun correctly predicted the
relationship of ocean tide with the moon cycle for which he was awarded Nobel Prize. The first Indian
calendar was based on moon cycle of 30 full days and adjusted every six years in calendar by addition
another month. So every six years, each year will get 13 months to make up for the difference in Gregorian
calendar of 365 days to 360 days. This is called “Ethic Mass”, meaning additional month for correction to
align the solar cycle. More information can be found in wiki on various calendars and subject of astrology.
Let us conclude the discussion on seven sages and sacred numerology of India.

Vedic and Avestan text both confirms that Agastya, initially a Vedic sage had defected to Persian and Greek
called him “Ostanes” who was a Magi and like Zoroaster was involved in magic. In later Vedic Texts, Agastya
was removed and replaced by other names as mentioned in the comparison. Under Vedic astrology, the big
dipper start system was named after Seven Sages or Septa Rishis.

Under the great seven sages, the great Manu’s (Adams of humanity) were formulated thus ancient believed
that the life form exist in other start systems. We are considered the last phase of Yuga under
Hindu cosmology and “Vaivasvata” Manu was the beginner or Adam of the humanity and started
out in Africa where life began. Our DNA findings confirm that we are all one and the same. The
small differences in our appearances are dictated by the environment and gene mutation governed
by our survival genomes. The WIKI on Saptarishi defines in great details that is spelled out in
various Purana and is summarized below.

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Big Dipper

URSA MAJOR

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Seven Manus (Manuvantra and Twenty four cakravaties (Chakravartins)

Manu are considered the beginners of humanity just like Adams in bible. They jump start the life on the
planet that god just created in a solar system.

Cakravaties (Chaktavarti) are considered Noble kings who uplift the humanity while ruling justly for the
benefits of the mankind. They are the law givers and administer the organization of human society. They
protect the weak against the unjust. In the Mahabharata epics, twelve Chakrvarties are defined.

During the post Vedic era, the astrologers defined the time element as a “Kalpa”. This Kalpa was defined
either as seven or fourteen Manuvantra in additional to other deities. Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism and
Hinduism all borrowed this concept in defining the “Tithi”,”Kalpa” and other time elements of days as per
Nakshatra, Lunation’s and earth’s solar rotation on which various calendar were evolved over the time. The
Indian astrologers uses this time elements for configuring birth horoscope, names, matrimonial dates and
other auspicious occasions for various rituals. The belief on cosmos was very part of the development of
religious philosophies.

Seven Manus(Manwantra) Twelve Chakrvarties

Per Vishnu Puranas
1.Swáyambhuva 1. Sagara (equated with Sargon of Akkad or Elam)
2.Bharata who established Arya varta in India
3. Maghavan
2.Swárochisha 4. Sanatkumar (Sanatan Dharma may be named after him)
3.Auttami, 5. Shantinath (Jain Tirthankara)
4. Támasa, 6. Kunthunath(Jain Tirthankara)
5. Raivatta 7. Aranath (jain Tirthankara)
6. Chákshusha 8. Subhauma
7. Vaivaswata 9. Padmanabha
10. Harishena
11. Jayasena
12. Brahmadatt

These data that is compiled from Great Epics of Mahabharata that may have some historical validity as well
as mythical tale depending on once faith and belief. As an analyst, It did not escape my notice that Indian
astrology has some scientific basis same as Jaina metaphysics and Buddhist theology with cosmos and
reincarnation belief of Hindus or resurrection belief for Christianity. However three Jaina Tithankaras made
it to the list of chakravartins suggesting that the present Hinduism is composition of all ancient religions of
India that were pre-Vedic in nature. This may be one reason why Indians have more pantheons (Gods and
Goddesses) compared to other Indo-European culture.

Again, keeping in mind that it takes 12 months to complete the elliptical orbit of earth to sun and the moon
rotates around the earth take s approximately closed to 30 days or less, since the earth axis is slightly tilted.
The equinox is an astrological event that occurs twice a year at elliptical end of the orbit when day and
night are equally divided at the equator. There are two lunation per day. During the day time the moon is

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not visible to half of the our planet as it occupies a position in a solstice space that is known as
“Nakshatra”. Indian astrologers name each Nakshatra with unique names.

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“jantar-mantar” observatory in Jaipur and Delhi- India( day clock)
Built during 14th-15th century AD and renovated by GOI

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Equinox aligns the axis of sun to the earth at equator. Although, people at other places may get
different results.

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After the above explanation with some basic astrology, it becomes more apparent that Indian sacred
numerology was well developed and in its early form was quite consistent with other ancient civilization.
The purpose of the sacred numerology can be debated by different with different opinions but so far as
Jainism is concerned , it was used to illustrate the completeness in counting if it involves the formation of
Gachha (Sanghas) or castes in sacred way as dictated by astrologers. Since, the astrology was one of the
profession of Brahmins, it added a dimension to their work and gave some control in scheduling various

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auspicious occasions as part of their profession just like doctors or lawyers controlling their appointment
calendar. Perhaps, this is a simplistic way of looking at this.

We do not have enough data to support which early civilization should get the credit for laying foundation
for development of calendar and understanding of time and space that allowed us to understand our
universe better and explore the universe in modern time. The Hindu, Jainas and Buddhist uses the same
concepts that was developed by Lagadha during 3rd century BC perhaps simultaneously with Greeks. Hindu
astronomy advanced further during the 6th century under Aryabhata whose work represent the advanced
astronomical knowledge of the time that influenced astronomy of middle east and Arabs. Other
astronomers of the classical era who further extended Aryabhata’s astronomical work included
Brahmagupta, Varaha Mihira and Lalla. The linkage with Gilgamesh epics further support the linkage if
Indus valley civilization and antiquity of Jainism as early form of Shramanic life that existed in Indus valley.

Sacred Numerology of Jaina and others religions of India:

Jaina Gachha and Castes of 84 ( Number 12 time 7 equals 84)

The caste-system among the Jaina is a social in nature and replicates caste system of the Hindu society. The
Jaina Caste system never was or intended to be of religious in nature, The caste system of India is rooted
with Gotra segregation derived from Vedic culture. Jainism does not recognize castes as a differentiation
and at the same time the Jaina cannot specifically obstruct the observance of caste rules by the members
of the Jaina community due to social tradition. So any one can enter the Jaina congregation and can leave
at will if one chooses

The attitude of Jainism towards caste is that it is one of the social practices of observing Gotra classification
that were handed down from eternity for matrimonial purposes. As Jainas are part and parcel of the
evolved caste system of Hindu society and all of their members once practiced Hinduism and defected from
Hinduisms,

Mahavira never preferred or advocated caste systems and maintained that everyone can attain the
liberation. He could not implement that due to established hierarchical structure of castes that has been
continued through centuries and due endogamous rules on marriage, one can escape that. The only note
worthy difference between Jaina castes as compared to Hindu Castes is that they are not hierarchical in
nature, no restrictions were put on social intercourse between different caste members and there was
freedom of choice joining sanghas (congregation). Jaina church themselves never imposed social
matrimonial rules either but never interfered with the ongoing established tradition observed by their
followers. This was treated more like “Hands-off Policy”.

The root cause of the problem lies with the deep rooted caste system of Hindu as a social hierarchical
organization and Jainism that comprises just less than 2.00 % of total population in India have no influence
what so ever in dictating the change. So Jainas community that is spread throughout the length and
breadth of India has been divided and sub-divided into water-tight compartments. It can be stated that so
long as the rules of endogamy are going to be observed by the Jainas, these segmental divisions of castes
and sub-castes will continue to exist.

The exact number of Jaina castes is not available but exceed over one hundred and the list vary from region
to region and source to source. The various Gachchas have their own list of castes. As per Jaina historical
sources it is said that there were 84 castes in the Jaina community in middle century.

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As regards to how the caste count was 84, one explanation that was given by Jaina historian was more
legendary in nature not worth mentioning as it defies the common logics and understandings but as
mentioned earlier, it indicates some sorts oh universality.

Why the number 84 when actually Jaina castes exceeds well over 84 and they are unlikely to have arisen at
the same time? The Jainas cannot explain this other than citing precedent that lies with sacred
numerology. The number 84 was as common in Jaina sacred numerology in dizzying array of instances.

Some examples in Jainism :

According to Jaina legend, Neminath, 22nd Tirthankara died 84,000 years ago before Mahavira. The
historians believe that this is an obvious contradiction within various ancient texts as Neminath was a
relative of Krishna who lived during Mahabharata’s time sometimes between 3500 - 5000 years ago
depending on what dating of Mahabharata is considered acceptable.

Similarly, one aspect of Jainism teaches us that those who do not take advantage of a human birth to seek
salvation and liberation will fall back into the "eighty-four lacs (8.4 million) yonis (births)", The story of
Parshwanath as given in Kalpa Sutra (Jaina Text) states that “Tirthankara Parshavanath after remaining an
ascetic for 84 days; on the fourth of the dark fortnight of the lunar month of Caitra, while under the
Dhataki tree, he obtained Keval Giyani.”

At another instance on Oswal Jain’s legend of their conversion to Jainism: “RatnaPrabhasuri sprinkled the
boy with water in which his own feet had been washed, and the boy was restored to life. All were
overjoyed, and 84,000 Kshatriyas became Jains. These new Jains were later to be known as Oswal from the
name of the city in which this happened”.

Hinduism-Buddhism-Sikhism

The numbers such as 12, 24 and 84 are repeatedly used in Vedic Aryan culture as well as in Sumerian and
other cultures. It also appears in various ancient puranas of Hindu as well as other non-Vedic religions of
India such as Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. Certain numbers are considered as ominous and symbolic
suggesting divine wish or arrangement by super beings. These numbers are not exclusive to India but were
also used by other civilizations of the ancient world.

Mahabharata, a Hindu text says Mount Meru, considered a sacred mountain in Hinduism where all the
deities reside is 84,000 ‘yajnas’. Tantra and Hindu Purana mentions 84 lacs (one hundred eighty four
thousands) of births for humans for cycle of reincarnation. Buddha’s Dharma is said to be divided into 84
branches. According to Buddhist theory when Maitreya, the future Buddha renounces the world, he will
have 84,000 followers. Skanda Purana describes 84 Siva lingams, Nath traditions of India record 84
Siddhas.

In Buddhism, Kumarjiva‘s statement of Buddha “Bodhisattva has performed deeds leading to supreme
enlightenment for 84,000 incalculable kalpas”. Yet, another reference of 84 in Buddhism is story of
Manjusri. “Manjusri appeared in the role of interlocutor as to inquire after the source of the magical
appearance of 84,000 jewel lotus flowers and, learning that they were created by a bodhisattva named
Gadgadasvara from another world system, asks to see him.”

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Ajivikas leader Gosala proposed that there were 8,400,000 forms of life and being has to go through
8,400,000 incarnations before being born human once more.

Mahavamsa -5 describes Jumbudivpa (ancient name for earth) had 84 thousand cities.

D.B.Spooner while writing an article on Persapolis excavation of Palace of Persian emperor Darius, in
Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland, published in 1915, made this observation:

“I would compare the 84000 stupas erected by Asoka, which in turn becomes a point of large significance.
For that does not the facade of Xerxes palace measure 84 cubits also?” he lamented. Obviously, there are
84,000 Asoka’s stupas or 84 cubits measurement of Persian Palace.

Under Indian system of precious stone category, “The total number of gemstones, as mentioned in various
treatises on gemstones by Hindu text is 84. This number includes nine precious and 75 semi-precious
Gemstones.”

Under Yoga system of ancient Hindus, There are ‘Yogi Asnas” or postures that totals to be 84 in number and
each have its peculiar influence in the body and the mind. By various kinds of postures and modes of
controlling the breath the yogis get over almost all kinds of benefits.

If this is not a coincidence, 84 was also distinctive number used by ancient Sumerians in terms of
astronomy based numerology.

Numerology of -12

Similarly there are an auspicious number of 12 in Indian mythology. There was 12 years of exile for
Pandava in Mahabharata. Yet another legend states that an Aryan Puru King Matinara held a sacrificial rite
lasting for 12 years on the bank of Saraswati River.

There was 12 years of ascetic life for Mahavira, Jaina and many others. There was a 12 years of famine that
was predicted by Bhadrabahu and he led twelve thousand Jains in search of better home. Chandra Gupta is
said to have accompanied Bhadrabahu and lived for twelve years in south after the death of Bhadrabahu.
According to some tradition, Buddha attained enlightenment in 12 th lunar month.

There are also 12 chakravartins Kings as per Mahabharata (perfect man conquering earth) in Indian history
that rules with wisdom and justice and remains protector of mankind.

Numerology of -24

Same thing can be said about number 24. There are 24 Tirthankaras and 24 Buddha.

All these suggest some kind of astronomical reference or sacred numerology in multiple of 12, 7 or 2. In
other worlds, we can equate to 12 months, 2 moon lunation and seven starts of big dipper. For example,
12 times 2 are 24. 12 times 7 are 84. So, one wonders about the reality or significance of these numbers
and why they repeatedly reappear in many stories involving various faiths of India involving historic
personalities.

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The number 84 says Elliot, corresponds to historic reality and is attested in all Indian traditions and ancient
thoughts whether Hindu, Jain, Ajivikas or Buddhist. The idea is to express completeness of universe as
understood by Vedic Aryans and ancient thoughts of Meta physics. The number 84 represents the product
of 7 (Number of known planets in universe in ancient time) and 12 (the number of months in a year for
moon to complete the earth’s rotation). This represented a total universe in their thought and explained
the linkage of astronomy that is also based on similar thoughts and observations. How various civilizations
adopted this method remains a mystery and as a writer, I claim no knowledge of astronomy.

So, it appears that the list of 84 Gachchas and 84 castes is just convenient way to fit into sacred
numerology. All Gachcha and castes developed over time and we know for the facts that they could not
have been founded at the same time so 84 can not be the true number in reality. Some names of Gachchas
and castes had no real significance but they were simply added to make it up to the number of 84.

The number 84 also shows up mysteriously in ‘Vastu Shastras’ or Indian science of construction of
structure. We also find 84 castes mentioned in non-Jain communities of India however the actual number
of castes in those communities also exceeds well over 84.

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