Electricity in Veda

       
  

In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy almost every individual is walking towards unknown destiny with smiling faces and crying hearts. If somebody is asked regarding their identity or aim of life they are unknown, and there are vedic scriptures which shows the path and revales identity of every individuals but are so much neglected. People are so much proud of the so-called modern discoveries but they don’t know what these discoveries are based on. These scientific discoveries actually are based on the same Vedic scriptures which we are neglecting, thinking it to be a myth as we are brainwashed from very beginning of our life. As all of you present here are engineering students studying electric-electronic and mechanical engineering, so we will be discussing the subject matter that you are learning on your text books not from your text books but based on Vedic scriptures. To our amazement An Ancient vedic text namely Taittiriya Upanisad:  siksa valli in the section on universal light states:

athädhijyautiñam / agniù pürva-rüpam / äditya uttara-rüpam / äpaù sandhiù / vaidyutaù sandhänam / ity adhijyautiñam /

The primeval manifestation is the fire element and the secondary form is the Sun. These elements combine in electricity via the medium of water. Thus the section on universal light.

The electricity observe in the nature is lightenning. It is casued by the heat of the Sun creating a thermodinamic effect which moves water around the sky as clouds. These clouds as they move in the sky create electricity which is observed as lightenning. However there is other application of the same principle given below by the sage Agastya.

The sage Agastya modified this very formula to fit human utility based on the principle above. He invested the fire element into water by using copper sulphade. Copper sulfade breaks down into an acid and an alkaline solution in contact with the copper and zinc plates. When water is invesed with either acidic or alkaline ionic properties has the power to burn. This is the result of fire being invested into water. Water is the medium where elictricity is created and we can see that here it functions as a battery.

Agastya Samhita written during era of lord  Ramachandra sometimes more than 1,000,000 years ago by sage Agatsya, describes method to make dry electric cell with 1.138 volts and 23 mA and electroplating process, hydrogen balloons.

The ancient text of Agastya Samhita describes the method of making electric battery, and that water can be split into oxygen and hydrogen. Modern battery cell resembles Agastya’s method of generating electricity.His text says:

“sasthāpyamṛṇmayepātretāmrapatrasusasktam.

chhādayechchhikhigrīvenachārdābhi: kāṣṭhāpāṅsubhi:

dastāloṣṭonidhātvay: pāradāchchhāditastat:.

sayogājjāyatetejomitrāvaruasaj~nitam

“Place a well-cleaned copper plate in an earthenware vessel. Cover it first by copper sulfate and then by moist sawdust. After that, put a mercury-amalgamated zinc sheet on top of the sawdust to avoid polarization. The contact will produce an energy known by the twin name of Mitra-Varuna. Water will be split by this current into Pranavayu and Udanavayu. A chain of one hundred jars is said to give a very effective force. When a cell was prepared according to Agastya Samhita and measured, it gives open circuit voltage as 1.138 volts, and short circuit current as 23 mA

anenā jalabhagosti prao dāneu vāyuu 
eva
śatānā kubhānāsayogakāryakrītsmrita:

vāyubandhakavastrea nibaddho yānamastake udāna svalaghutve bibhatyārkāśyānākama.

 

If we use the power of 100 earthen pots on water, then water will change its form into life-giving oxygen and floating hydrogen. And If hydrogen is contained in an air tight cloth, it can be used in aerodynamics, i.e. it will fly in air. (Today’s Hydrogen Balloon)

Next example can be taken from atharva Veda. Nowadays most people study the AtharvaVeda to find informations about medicinal plants and healing practices, many other fascinating subjects therein such as marriage rites, the healing properties of water, atomic and solar energy, and electricity.  This is one of the most exciting topics covered in the AtharvaVeda, whereinthere are detailed description of valuable applications of harnessing and utilizing this immense source of energy. Some of the applications described therin include: philosophical applications, military applications, medical applications, transport and hydroelectric power for fission. These are only some of these amazing instances that clearly demonstrate how the most advanced scientific laws and phenomenons are described in the AtharvaVeda.

It will be fully apparent from these verses that Electrical Energy and its properties were fully understood by Vedic sages. It was definitely used in everyday technological applications as much (if not more), as it is for us today. It is also clear that Vedic scientists knew far more about the properties of electricity than us. It was not till very recently, that modern day scientists discovered and began research on the potential usage of electrical energy in military science and related areas. What these verses clearly demonstrate to us is the fact that Vedic Society was at an extremely advanced state of technological advancement and fully utilized Electricity in innumerable productive applications like creation of powerful engines, illumination, agricultural machinery, hydroelectric power plants, manufacturing plants, biomedical engineering, extraction of medicines, etc. and thus serve to greatly enhance the daily life of people. We can discuss few hymns of atharva Veda (translation from Devi Chand) to portray the subject matter:

This initial description describes the inherent properties of of electrical energy

nava yo navati puro vibheda bahvo ojasā / ahi ca vr̥trahāvadhita //20.7.2//

Electricity, which breaks, by the energy of its arms the 99 cities, destroys the cloud, which covers the rays of the sun, the source of all energy and power.

Here the “arms of electricity” refers to positive and negative currents. The 99 cities refers to the 99 elements, as known to modern day scientists. In Vedic terminology, these essential elements were known as “Bhogas”.

sa na indra: śiva: sakhāśvāvadgomadhyavamata / urudhāreva dohate // 20.7.3 //

That very electric power may be our peaceful friend, providing us with the horse-power to drive our machines, light to light up our houses, and power to produce grains in the fields. Let it bring on prosperity and well-being for us by flowing into numerous currents.

And now in this verse we can clearly figure out the various useful applications of electricity. The mention of horse powered driving machines is a direct reference to electronically powered vehicles like automobiles, aircraft, etc. In the present era, Electric car prototypes a very recent development, were created due to the dawning realization that gasoline fuel is a perishable resource as well as polluting to the environment. But thousands of years ago, our Rishis were already aware of these dangers and used electric engines in their vehicles, as one of their primary modes of transport as well as for motors, etc. for other types of machinery. This verse also clearly mentions that electricity was used to light up buildings, just as we do today. In addition there is a reference to electrically powered agricultural machines, which helped in the manufacture and processing of crops from the fields.

indra kratuvida suta soma harya puruṣṭuta / pibā vr̥ṣasva tātripim // 20.7.4 //

Let electricity, so highly spoken of by many learned people; help extract the essence of medicines, thus produced by those, who are well-versed in manufacturing things. Let it keep safe and shower, on us the rain, satisfying all.

In modern times, we have discovered that certain electronic devices such as centrifuges, deep refrigeration, etc. are extremely helpful in deriving medicinal extracts. Apparently our ancient scientists were well aware of these methods and perhaps even more advanced than us in their knowledge. The last sentence refers reverentially to the role of electricity, which in the form of lightning is instrumental in creating life giving rain for the entire planet. The picture that emerges from these verses is that of an extremely advanced culture, that utilized superlative technology and yet maintained an enormous respect and reverence for the ecosystem and the natural environment. The proponents of Vedic culture saw spirituality everywhere, and held sacred the power of all divine forces, from water, to electricity. Not only this, but they had analyzed the properties and laws of all these natural energies and thus comprehended perfectly the best way to utilize them.

tā vajrīṇam mandīna stomya mada indram rahe vahato haryatā harī /
puru
ayasmai savanāni hāryata indrāya somā harayo dadhanvire //20.31.1//

Those two speedily moving forces of attraction and repulsion propel the electric current, powerful like the thunderbolt, pleasant and praiseworthy, in this pleasant plane or car. Manifold are the generating powers for the refulgent electricity borne by speedy moving Somas – various kinds of liquid fuels.

ara kāmāya harayo dadhanvire sthirāya hinvonhārayo harī turā /
arvadbhiryo haribhirjo
amiyate so asya kāma harivāntāmānaśe //20.31.2//

The above mentioned speedy forces of two kinds set in motion strong currents, capable of maintaining steady progress in the attainment of one’s objective in plenty. Whatever complex is attained by these fast moving horsepower, is enough to achieve the beautiful objective of his, the manufacturer.

Here the principles of electromagnetic force discussed are being used to generate motion. In addition, the reference to a liquid fuel propellant, informs us that a combination of high-speed and intense electrical power was used to produce a number of favorable results like exceptionally fast vehicular modes of transportation, as wel l as efficient manufacturing processes. For example, extremely fast centrifugal force is used to separate genetic materials in Biomedical labs today. The combination of speed and power is certainly desirable to increase the efficiency of manufacturing plants.

adha te viśvomatu hāsadiśtaya āpo nimneva savanā havimata:
yatparvate na sama
śīta haryata indrasya vajra: śnathītā hirayaya: //20.15.2//

Just as all productive works of the manufacturer depend upon waters flowing down with speed, so do all the desired objects of him depend upon you (Electricity), as its powerful striking force cannot be obstructed by any cloud, or mountain in the way. It smashes all impediments, with its radiant energy.

This verse acknowledges the immense power of electricity and proves the Vedic community’s understanding of its intensity. Electricity does have the power of striking through any element. The portion about productive works depending on waters flowing with speed is an obvious reference to harnessing hydroelectric power. It is obvious from this verse that Vedic society was well aware of methods that harnessed the power of electricity through systems like hydroelectric power plants. Once harnessed, they incorporated the force to implement manufacturing concerns and power machinery.

  asmai bhimāya namasā samadhvara uo na śubhrā ā bharā paniyase 
yasya dh
āma śravase nāmendriya jyotikārī harito nāyase //20.15.3//

O well-versed engineer make use of this terrible electric power fit to be utilized for useful purposes by controlling it, for non-violent, brilliant light like the dawn. It has the potentiality to help hearing, control energy and spread light in all quarters.

This confirms the fact that electricity was a topic that was researched and explored in great detail. Skilled electrical engineers used to devise specific utilities and controls for electric power. Illumination was certainly one of its widely used applications. From the last line, we can also glean the information that electronic devices were used as hearing aids and sound magnifiers. Sophisticated systems for controlling electricity and measuring electricity were in place, and electronic panels that aided in controlling other forms of energy were also used.

Now let’s turn to the truly amazing descriptions of electricity being utilized as a weapon in military combat. Up until very recently, modern day scientists were not even aware of this potentially devastating aspect of electricity being utilized as a weapon. It is only in the past decade or so, that scientific research has begun concentrating on the potential use of Electricity as a deadly weapon. Electrical bombs can be utilized to destroy all sorts of vital equipment and inflict massive damage. Topics like the EMP effect and the consequent possibilities of using electrical weapons were rudimentary information to Vedic people, whereas we have barely begun our explorations on this topic.

The Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) effect was first observed during the early testing of high altitude airburst nuclear weapons. The effect is characterized by the production of a very short (hundreds of nanoseconds) but intense electromagnetic pulse, which propagates away from its source with ever diminishing intensity, governed by the theory of electromagnetism. The Electro Magnetic Pulse is in effect an electromagnetic shock wave.

This pulse of energy produces a powerful electromagnetic field, particularly within the vicinity of the weapon burst. The field can be sufficiently strong to produce short lived transient voltages of thousands of Volts (ie kiloVolts) on exposed electrical conductors, such as wires, or conductive tracks on printed circuit boards, where exposed.

It is this aspect of the EMP effect which is of tremendous military significance, as it can result in irreversible damage to a wide range of electrical and electronic equipment, particularly computers and radio or radar receivers. Subject to the electromagnetic hardness of the electronics, a measure of the equipment’s resilience to this effect, and the intensity of the field produced by the weapon, the equipment can be irreversibly damaged or in effect destroyed. The damage inflicted would be the same as that of striking the equipment with huge bolts of lightning.

Computers used in data processing systems, communications systems, displays, industrial control applications, including road and rail signaling, and those embedded in military equipment, such as signal processors, electronic flight controls and digital engine control systems, are especially vulnerable to the EMP effect.

What amazes one is the fact that our Rishis clearly KNEW about the EMP effect and have composed vivid descriptions of the usage of electric weapons as the verses below will demonstrate:

tva tamindra parvatam mahāmuru vajrea vajrinparvaśāścakatirtha /
av
āsr̥jo nivritā: sartavā apa: satrā viśva dadhie kevala saha: //20.15.6//

Just as the thundering electricity reduces the vast cloud to nothing by its thunderbolt, so do you, O King, equipped with piercing weapons like the thunderbolt, smash into pieces the vast armies of the enemy, consisting of various units, by your striking power like the thunderbolt. Just as the waters of the cloud released by the electricity, fall down and flow over the earth, similarly the well-equipped armies of the enemy; being subdued by the might of the king are duly regulated by him. Truly do you alone, O King, hold all the power to subdue the foes.

The inference is quite obviously to weapons utilizing electricity. “Piercing weapons like the thunderbolt” is a clear pointer to surges of exceedingly high voltage. The lethal electric weapons are used to counter various units of the army. This is another clue, for as discussed above, the EMP effect can be used to advantage for a number of targets ranging from computers, to communication systems. Apparently electricity was employed as one of the primary weapons in military combat during the Vedic era.

indra iddharyo: sacā samiśla ā vācoyujā / indro vajrī hirayaya: //20.38.5//

Electricity is well mixed up with Prana and Apana, the 2 horsepowers, yoked to power of speech. Electric power has the striking power of a deadly weapon and is full of brilliance.

Here we find it stated starkly that electricity has the striking power of a deadly weapon. There can be no greater proof of the deployment of electrical weaponry during the Vedic era. An interesting suggestion is also made in the first line of this verse, that electrical energy is also present in the form of Prana and Apana, within the human body. “Prana” means “breath ” according to Tantra Yoga, whereas “Apana” is the Prana that exists in the area below the navel. According to Tantric thought Prana is charged with negative ions while Apana is charged with positive ions. When Prana is forced to enter through the central canal (Sushuma or Brahma Nadi) in the spinal column, the result is fusion of the negative and positive ions. This fusion generates an immense amount of energy, which awakens the dormant energy called Kundalini that lies at the base of the spine. Once Kundalini or the vital life force is awakened, it destroys the ignorance of the mind and results in enlightenment, which means to know the relationship between self and supreme personality of godhead Sri Krishna.

We know now of course, that the cerebrospinal system is a great generator of electrical energy and has a fantastic network of nerves that serve as connectors. The cerebrum as it is called keeps on providing electrical energy. Through fine nerves, this energy is constantly supplied to the organism, providing life force. Thus we can see how these and other type of systems described in the AtharvaVeda have a purely scientific basis.

so asya vajro harito ya āyaso harirnīkāmo harirā gabhastyo:
dhyumn
ī suśipro harimanyusāyaka indre ni rupā haritā mimikire //20.30.3//

Here is the blue-green colored thunderbolt of iron of the king. There is also the beautiful horse of iron of high speed. Here is also the horsepower of the rays of electricity. There is also the shining arrow, capable of destroying the pride of the enemy and having a very high speed. In short many kinds of weapons have been made through electric power for the king.

These verses appear to be describing different sorts of electrical weapons. The “beautiful horse of iron of high speed” apparently refers to some type of metallic car/aircraft which can reach extremely high speeds. The horsepower for the engine for a craft or automobile of this sort was provided by electricity. The “shining arrow” can mean an exceptionally powerful ballistic missile loaded with an electric warhead. The missile was superfast and probably covered vast distances, it was apparently one of the main weapons that could be used to target the central command and control center of the enemy. Here we find a reference telling us that many advanced weapons utilizing electricity had been deployed in this era.

divi na keturadhi dhāyī haryato vivyacadvajro harito na ramhyā /
tudadah
īṁ hariśipro ya āyasa: sahasraśokā abhavadhdaribhara: //20.30.4//

Like a radiant spot, it is well placed in the heavens, then with a high speed, the terribly destructive missile, made of iron, possessing speed of electric power, crushing the serpent natured enemy, becomes lit up with thousands of lights and loaded with destructive ray of various kinds.

This makes the previous verse even more apparent. The missile being described seems to generate immense power and would be exceptionally destructive. It is possible that the electric weapons used by Vedic society may have been equivalent in destructive power to nuclear weapons, or perhaps even more lethal. They may also have been used for preliminary strikes before the actual use of nuclear weapons. A conventional electronic combat campaign, or intensive electronic combat operations, would initially concentrate on saturating the opponent’s electronic defences, denying information and inflicting maximum attrition upon electronic assets. The massed application of electromagnetic bombs in the opening phase of an electronic battle would allow much faster attainment of command as it would destroy electronic assets at a much faster rate than possible with conventional means. After this phase, it would be child’s play to completely destroy the enemy.

yudhā yudhamupa ghedeṣī dhriṣṇuyā purā pura samida hasyojasā 
namy
ā yadindra sakhyā parāvatī nibarhayo namuci nāma māyinam //20.21.7//

O mighty King, you can easily get at the striking power of the enemy by your overwhelming striking force. Being well-entrenched in your sheltered place of defense, you can thoroughly break the defenses of the enemy to smithereens. Completely crush the deceitful enemy, unfit to be left alive, through your faithful ally, although stationed at a distance.

This particular reference is apparently to a remotely controlled electronic weapon system. This verse directly points to unleashing a tremendously high voltage surge that can blast into the defensive electrical equipment belonging to the enemy. The last sentence describes remote initiation of the bombing sequence, while the controller is stationed at a safe distance.

tvo karangjmuta paraya vadhistejiṣṭheyātithigvasya vartanī 
tvo
śatā vagrīdasyābhinātpuronānuda: pariutā r̥jiśvanā //20.21.8//

O mighty electricity, you kill the violent enemy, equipped with speedy means of communication like cars or airships, a hindrance in the way of people who are worthy of respect, cows or land by your consuming and splendorous power. You shatter the 100 forts of the adversary who obstructs your communications or breaks your regulations and does not pay tribute to you established by straightforward negotiations.

In the case of electricity, 100 forts refers to 100 elements. It breaks all these through the power of fission, overcoming all resistances and obstructions in the way. Any trained electrical engineer must have complete knowledge of the complex laws and limitations governing electrical energy. There is an evident respect for electricity demonstrated here, for it is an awesome power indeed. Transport infrastructure can also be destroyed with the use of electromagnetic bombs. Railway and road signaling systems, where automated, are most vulnerable to electromagnetic attack on their control centres. Significantly, most modern automobiles and trucks use electronic ignition systems which are known to be vulnerable to electromagnetic weapons effects.

Modern land warfare doctrine emphasizes mobility, and man oeuvre warfare methods are typical for contemporary land warfare. Coordination and control are essential to the successful conduct of man oeuvre operations, and this provides another opportunity to apply electromagnetic weapons. Communications and command sites are key elements in the structure of such a land army, and these have concentrated communications and computer equipment. Therefore if the enemy is attacked with electromagnetic weapons, the entire command and control of land operations would be completely disrupted. Employing tactics like launching an initial attack with electromagnetic weapons would create a maximum of confusion, and if followed by an all out attack with conventional weapons would completely obliterate the enemy.

tvametāṁ janarājñao dvirdaśābadhunā suśravatopajagmua: 
aṣṭi sahasrā navatīṁ nava śruto ni cakrea rathyā dupadāvrīṇak //20.21.9//

O electricity, you can by your circular motion like the wheel of a chariot, which is too powerful to be checked, well keep under control all these 20 basic elements, 6099 organic and inorganic bodies, by a single transmitter of high quality, with no other force to help it.

In technological terms, coupling is the means to create an electric connection of two electric circuits by having a part common to both. One of the mechanisms, which can be exploited to improve coupling is the polarization of an electric weapon’s emission. Polarization simply means orienting the emission in a particular direction. If we assume that the orientations of possible coupling apertures and resonances in the target set are random in relation to the weapon’s antenna orientation, a linearly polarized emission would only exploit half of the opportunities available. A circularly polarized emission would exploit all coupling opportunities. A single transmitter of superior quality can control the entire emission.

tvamāvitha suśravasa tāvotibhistava trāmabhiridra tūrvayāam
tvomasmai kutsamatithigvam
āyu mahe rājña yūne arandhanāya: //20.21.10//

O electricity, you keep in safety this good listening set, by your means of safety and protect the commander, with speedy mobile forces by your strong means of defense. You control the sharp weapons, equipped with the striking power of limitless time and speed for this great, youthful king.

Other electronic devices and electrical equipment would also be destroyed by the EMP effect. Telecommunications equipment can be highly vulnerable, due to the presence of lengthy copper cables between devices. Receivers of all varieties are particularly sensitive to EMP, as highly sensitive miniature high frequency transistors and diodes in such equipment are easily destroyed by exposure to high voltage electrical transients. Therefore radar and electronic warfare equipment, satellite, microwave, UHF, VHF, HF and low band communications equipment and television equipment would all be destroyed by the EMP effect. This verse apparently refers to a defense mechanism created with the aid of electricity, which protects both the commander as well his entire system of wireless communications. It may be referring to some sort of shield which makes things unsusceptible to the emission. The advanced and deadly missiles of unlimited speed are controlled by electronic control panels.

tva nrībhirnrīmao devavitau bhūriī vr̥trā haryaśva hasī 
tva
ni dasyu cumuri dhuni cāsvāpayo dabhītaye suhantu //20.37.4//

O electrical currents of high voltage, safely carried by electric wires, you kill many enemies in the war, waged by learned persons or through the help of natural forces. To keep all the evil forces under control, you, being well-equipped with good means of destruction completely lay down to lasting sleep (death) the evil forces that rob and harass the general public.

This verse is a simple testament to the intense power and utterly destructive force of electrical weapons. There are many more such references to electrical energy in the AtharvaVeda, however due to lack of time we will not discuss every one of them. The discovery of such amazing truths in the Vedas, clearly undermines the very foundation of our smug assertions that Civilization and scientific advancement proceed forward in a linear fashion. It is high time for us to thoroughly analyze and learn from the invaluable resources that our forefathers have left us in the form of the divine Vedas and other profound Vedic literature.

From all the examples above we can conclude that Veda are not just only the mythological or a bunch of ritualistic hymns connected with nothing more spiritual than charms and incantations as we were taught or we believed but instead The Vedas are compilations of the eternal laws governing human existence imparted by the creator himself.  Moreover each of the four Vedas was a treatise on particular subjects, specific only to itself. The word “Veda” itself means “sacred or pure knowledge”, having come from the root “Vid” meaning “to know”. Lastly I would like to conclude with the part of hyme of taittiriya upanisadh – Siksha vali 3 : “Agni purva rupam aditya uttara rupam apah sandhih vidyutah sandhanam.” “Water rises and in clouds by kinetic energy forms electricity. Electricity is created through water and induced by fire or the sun.”

 

(Extracts of talk given by author to engineering students of TU, published on Review Nepal, April 13, 2106)

From the Book “Origin of Science”.

Hare Krishna.

 

YOUR COMMENTS

Visits: 142

About Author

Name: Sripad Srivas Krishna Das Brahmacari

Preacher, Author, Researcher

Founder/Kulapati : Jagannath Foundation , Sri Rupanuga Para Vidyapeeth 

Founder: Jagannath Foods and Beverage Industries , Green Smile Store