Varāhamihira

Varahamihira, also known as Varaha or Mihira, was a prominent Indian figure in mathematics, astronomy, and astrology, believed to have lived around the 6th century CE, possibly starting in the late 5th century. His life and work are primarily associated with the region of Avanti, likely near modern-day Ujjain. While precise dates are debated, scholarly consensus places him in the 6th century, with a specific calendar reference in his work "Pancha-siddhantika" pointing to 505 CE. This date is supported by external accounts like Al-Biruni's. Some scholars suggest a lifespan of 505-587 CE, though this is debated due to the age implied. Legends linking him to Emperor Vikramaditya and the "nine gems" are considered historically inaccurate, stemming from later forged texts.

Varahamihira's background suggests potential connections to Iranian Magi priests, with his name possibly having Iranian roots. His father, Aditya-dasa, likely instructed him in astrology and astronomy. He is described as "Magadha-dvija," which some interpret as a Brahmin from the Magadha region or, more likely, a member of the sun-worshipping Maga cult, originating from Persian priests. His birthplace is thought to be Kapitthaka, a place possibly associated with a sun temple and potentially modern-day Kayatha. His residence in Avanti is well-documented, with commentators referring to him as an "acharya of Avanti."

Establishing the exact lifespan of Varahamihira has been a subject of scholarly inquiry. While he does not explicitly state his birth or death dates, his writings provide clues. A reference to the year 427 of the Shaka era in his "Pancha-siddhantika" is generally interpreted as 505 CE, aligning with external sources like Al-Biruni. This dating is further supported by the fact that Varahamihira references the work of Aryabhata, who was born in 476 CE. Some interpretations suggest a lifespan from 505 to 587 CE, though this implies an exceptionally long life if he was active in 505 CE. Historically inaccurate traditions have associated him with the first-century BCE emperor Vikramaditya, placing him among the "nine gems" at his court, but these claims are based on later, likely forged, texts.

Varahamihira's heritage is a topic of discussion, with evidence suggesting possible ties to ancient Persia. His father, Aditya-dasa, is believed to have trained him in jyotisha (Indian astrology and astronomy). A commentator referred to him as "Magadha-dvija," which could mean a Brahmin from the Magadha region or, more plausibly, a member of the sun-worshipping Maga cult. These Magas, believed to have originated from Persian Magi priests, were considered by Varahamihira himself as uniquely qualified to consecrate images of the Sun god. The name "Varahamihira" itself may be a Sanskritized form of an Iranian name, possibly linked to the sun god Mihr and a boar (varaha), a symbol associated with a Persian deity. Some theories propose descent from Iranian Magi priests, though specific identifications with figures like Bazurjmehr are considered unconvincing.

Varahamihira is strongly associated with the region of Avanti, often identified with the area around Ujjain in present-day Madhya Pradesh. Commentators consistently refer to him as an "acharya of Avanti." His likely birthplace is suggested to be Kapitthaka, a place possibly containing a sun temple and potentially corresponding to the archaeological site of Kayatha near Ujjain. He may have lived within the Aulikara kingdom, which governed Avanti during the 6th century CE. Evidence suggests he may have had a royal patron in Dravya-vardhana, the king of Avanti, whom Varahamihira mentions with particular respect and whose work he consulted on omens. This patronage is inferred from the honorific title Varahamihira uses for Dravya-vardhana and the prominent mention of his work.