Bihar's science and technology department has formulated an 'Astro- Tourism Project' to preserve and develop the historical locations associated with renowned astronomer and mathematician Aryabhata namely Khagaul, Taregna and Taregna Top barely 35 km from Patna.

The three locations which were the centres for all astronomical studies conducted by Aryabhata are mutually 30 kms from each other (approximate aerial distance from each other forms nearly an equilateral triangle). Aryabhata was born in Pataliputra (then Kusumpura), in 476 AD (according to some experts on April 13) and at age 23 wrote his monumental work 'Aryabhatiyam'.

At the same age, Isaac Newton proposed his theory of gravitation in 1665 AD. Aryabhata was credited with inventing zero, enjoyed the reputation of a mathematician and astronomer.

Taregna (meaning, calculating stars), according to popular belief among people in the region, is perhaps the oldest observatory and laboratory of Aryabhata. Hitherto lying in oblivion with only a sleepy railway station by its name, the village had suddenly come alive with lakhs of scientists, students and urban enthusiasts making it an academic tourist site to view the total solar eclipse on July 20, 2009.

Way back in 2009, CM Nitish Kumar had announced to develop this region as astro-tourism circuit since it was one of the few ancient places associated with astronomy. It is in Taregna, which offers best sight for eclipse, that the celebrated astronomer of ancient India, Aryabhata, had camped to study celestial bodies.

The word 'Taregna' perhaps comes from the Sanskrit ''taraka-gnana'' (calculating stars). 'Khagaul' is thought to be a variant of ''Khagol'' (astronomy), say experts. The state government has decided to develop the three locations so as to serve as tourist attraction as well as provide adequate exposition to the life, working and contributions of Aryabhata in the field of mathematics and astronomy.

(You need to login first to read complete news).
New User? Register for FREE!
» Back to Travel News