Significance of Solar Month
The Solar Month is a time measurement that consists of approximately 30 days plus an additional half day, as described in various ancient texts. According to Jyotisha, it represents divisions based on the solar calendar essential for astrologers. In the context of Dharmashastra, the Solar Month indicates a calendar month that can start on any day considered the first day of the solar month. Historical references emphasize that this unit of time is crucial for calculations in various contexts, including astrology and determining pregnancy duration.
Synonyms: Lunar month, Lunar cycle, Sidereal month, Synodic month
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Solar Month'
In Hinduism, a Solar Month represents a time unit based on the solar calendar, encompassing 30 days plus a half day, and allows for the Yati-Candrayana to commence on any identified first day of the solar month.
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) A measurement of time consisting of 30 days with an additional half day.[1]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A calendar month that follows the solar calendar, indicating that the Yati-Candrayana can begin on any day regarded as the first day of the solar month.[2]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Divisions of time based on the solar calendar, which a Jyotishaka must understand.[3]
The concept of Solar Month in local and regional sources
Solar Month pertains to a temporal division based on the solar calendar, consisting of roughly 30 days. It is crucial in various calculations, including cultural practices and astronomical studies, as detailed in the Yavanajataka and Rigveda.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) These are the months based on the solar calendar, and the number of years from the epoch are calculated and converted to these, and then converted to lunar months.[4] (2) The text indicates that the years and months of the era are to be considered true solar, or tropical, or sayana solar years.[5] (3) The nine solar months are used in relation to the ninth-parts to calculate the duration of pregnancy based on the remaining portion of the ascendant.[6] (4) This refers to the division of a year into months based on the sun's movement, each consisting of approximately 30 days, a concept that is discussed in the context of the Rigveda.[7] (5) This is a unit of time that is relevant to calculations in the Yavanajataka, and its relationship to synodic months and intercalary months is discussed.[8]