Atoms and Molecules in Vedic Texts

We all have read about Dalton's atomic theory which was proposed in 1803. According to this theory matter is composed of atoms which are indivisible and indestructible building blocks. These atoms combined to form molecules. But interestingly concept of atoms and molecules is discussed in Bhagwat Puran. Let's discuss those verses.

Verse 3.11.1
चरमः सद्विशेषाणामनेकोऽसंयुतः सदाΙ परमाणुः स विज्ञेयो नृणामैक्यभ्रमो यतःΙΙ

Minutest particle of a material, which can't be divided further, which is not combined with any another atom and which eternally exists is known as Parmanu(atom). Material body is a combination of such atoms. 

Verse 3.11.4
स कालः परमाणुर्वै यो भुङ्क्ते परमाणुताम्Ι सतोऽविशेषभुग्यस्तु स कालः परमो महान्ΙΙ

The discrete unit of time which is further indivisible is called Parmanu(which is the time required by Parmanu to cover the space covered by Parmanu) and it extends over the whole life span of universe(from creation to dissolution) which is the longest measure of time.     

Verse 3.11.5
अणुर्द्वौ परमाणु स्यात्तसरेणुस्त्रयः स्मृतःΙ जालार्करश्म्यवगतः खमेवानुपतन्नगात्ΙΙ

Two Parmanus(atoms) make one Anu(molecule) i.e. diatomic molecule and three Anus combine to form Trasarenu which is known as Hexatom. This Hexatom is visible in sunlight which enters the room through eye holes of a lattice. One can see the hexatoms going up towards sky. 

Bhagwat Puran has correlated matter with time, similar to the spacetime continuum (also discussed in Vedas). The finest unit of time is called Parmanu, which is equal to one millionth of a second, precisely 0.000032 seconds. 

The concept of time division and calculation is discussed and time units are defined in Bhagwat Puran. In Lakshmi Tantra, it is suggested that Parmatama, Supersoul is in heart of everyone, by whom all avatars come to material universe and is in heart of the souls of in all 8400000 kinds of species.

Units of time in Vedas

Units of time is required to measure a particular time interval. And according to the usage, either in general or some scientific uses, units of time are selected. In Vedas, time is called Kala. Vedic astronomy also give a division of time upto lowest division of time. Now, let's discuss the time calculation and divisions(unit) defined in Vedas:

Parmanu(Atom) = 16.8 μs

Anu(2 Parmanu) = 33.7 μs

Trasarenu(3 Anu) = 101 μs

Truti(3Trasarenu) = 304 μs

Vedha(100 Truti) = 30 ms

Lava(3 Vedha) = 91 ms

Nimesha(3 Lava) = 0.273 s

Ksanas(3 Nimesa) = 0.82 s

Kasthas(5 Ksana) = 4.1 s

Laghu(15 Kastha) = 1 minutes

Nadika(15 Laghu) = 15.3 minutes

Muhurta(2 Nadika) = 30.7 minutes

Yama = 7.5 Muhurta

Daylight = 4 Yamas/Praharas = Night

8 Yamas/Praharas = 1 Day = 1 Daylight + 1 Night

Paksha(1 Fortnight) = 15 Days

2 Paksha = 1 Month(Maasa)

6 Maasa = 1 Ayanam

2 Ayanam = 1 Year

After these, next level of measurement is Yuga, then Chaturyuga, then Manavantaras, then Kalpa, then Brahma year. All these are used to determine the age of the universe.

In Bhagwat Puran also, these units are discussed and defined. Let's discusses those verses:

Verse 3.11.6
त्रसरेणुत्रिकं भुङ्क्ते यः कालः त्रुटिः स्मृतःI शतभागस्तु वेधः स्यात्तैस्त्रिभिस्तु लवः स्मृतःII
Measure of time which travels across a composite of three Trasarenus is known as Truti (Truti = 3 Trasarenus); a Vedha consistes of 100 Trutis (Vedha = 100 Truti); while three Vedhas constitute what is known as a Lava (Lava = 3 Vedhas). 

Verse 3.11.7
निमेषस्त्रिलवो ज्ञेय आम्नातस्ते त्रयः क्षणःI क्षणान् पञ्च विदुः काष्टां लघु ता दश पञ्च चII              
A composite of three Lavas is known as Nimesa (Nimesa = 3 Lavas); while three Nimesa compose together to form Ksana (Ksana = 3 Nimesa) and a composite of five Ksanas form Kasthas and fifteen Kasthas go to make Laghu (Laghu = 15 Kasthas).

Verse 3.11.8
लघूनि वै समाम्नाता दश पञ्च च नाड़िकाI ते द्वे मुहूर्तः प्रहरः षड्यामः सप्त वा नृणाम्II
Fifteen Laghus taken together are called Nadika (Nadika = 15 Laghus) and couple of Nadikas constitue of one Muhurata (Muhurata = 2 Nadikas) while six or seven Nadikas make a Prahara, Prahara which forms one quarter of day or night of human beings i.e. 1Day(light)= 4 Prahara = 1 Night.
  

  

Planets and their movements in Bhagwat Puran

The planets of our solar system, their movements and their distance from Sun or other planets is all discussed in the verses of Bhagwat puran. The distances mentioned in Bhagwat puran are approximately equal to the values known to us in modern science. Let's discuss those vedic verses.

Bhagwat Puran 5.22.2
यथा कुलालचक्रेण भ्रमता सह भ्रमतां तदाश्रयाणां पिपीलिकादीनां गतिरन्यैव प्रदेशान्तरेष्वप्युपलभ्यमानत्वादेवं नक्षत्रराशिभिरुपलक्षितेन कालचक्रेण ध्रुवं मेरुं च प्रदक्षिणेन परिधावता सह परिधावमानानां तदाश्रयाणां सूर्यादीनां ग्रहाणां गतिरन्यैव नक्षत्रान्तरे राश्यन्तरे चोपलभ्यमानत्वात्Ι   
The ants crawling on a rotating(on its axle) potter's wheel are revolving with it; their motion is indeed different from that of the wheel because they appear sometimes on one part and sometimes on the other part of the wheel. Similarly, signs and constellations move with the wheel of the time and the ant like sun and other planets move with them. Sun and planets are seen in different signs of zodiac and constellations at different times(from the one where they were seen before).    

Bhagwat Puran 5.22.11
तत उपरिष्टात्तिलक्षयोजनतो नक्षत्राणि मेरुं दक्षिणेनैव कालायन ईश्वरयोजितानि सहाभिजिताष्टाविंशतिःΙ  

Moon, which is observed at a distance of 1 lakh Yojanas (nearly 15 lakh kilometers) beyond the orbit of the Sun and which moves faster than the Sun and thus leads the constellations; completes in a period of a month (one month is two fornights as one fornight means period of two weeks) which is covered by the Sun in a whole year and the distance covered by the Sun in a month is traversed in two and quarter days by the moon and the distance covered by the sun in a fortnight is covered by moon in the course of a day.

Bhagwat Puran 5.22.12
तत उपरिष्टादुशना द्विलक्षयोजनत उपलभ्यते पुरतः पश्चात्सहैव वार्कस्य शैघ्रयमान्द्यसाम्याभिर्गतिभिरर्कवच्चरति लोकानां नित्यदानुकूल एव प्रायेण वर्षयंश्चचारेणानुमीयते स वृष्टिविष्टम्भग्रहोपशमनःΙ
It describes the distance of an another planet Venus from the Sun. It says that, at a distance beyond two lakh Yojanas (107 million km) from Sun, Usana(Venus) is observed. It can be seen going before(sometimes), rear(other times) rotating and keeping pace with the Sun.
[Distance between Sun and Venus = 108.2 million km]

Bhagwat Puran 5.22.13
उशनसा बुधो व्याख्यातस्तत उपरिष्टाद द्विलक्षयोजनतो बुधः सोमसुत उपलभ्यमानः प्रायेण शुभकृ द्यदार्काद व्यतिरिच्येत तदातिवाताभ्रप्रायानावृष्टयादिभयमाशंसतेΙ                                  
When observed beyond Venus at a height of two lakh Yojanas, there is Budha or Mercury(offspring of moon). When it outstrips the Sun, it forebodes storm, a cloudy weather almost throughout that period, drought and other unwelcome conditions. 

Bhagwat Puran 5.22.14
अत ऊर्ध्वमङ्गारकोऽपि योजनलक्षद्वितय उपलभ्यमानस्रिभिस्रिभिः पक्षैरेकैकशो राशीन्द्वादशानुभुङ्क्ते यदि न वक्रेणाभिवर्तते प्रायेणाशुभग्रहोऽघशंसःΙ                                   
Beyond Mercury, Mars is observed at a distance of two lakh Yojans(107 million kms) i.e. distance between Mars and Mercury is nearly 107 million kms. It passes through the twelve zodiac at a rate of one in three fortnights. 
[Distance between Mars and Mercury = 105,651,744 kms]

Bhagwat Puran 5.22.15
तत उपरिष्टाद द्विलक्षयोजनान्तरगतो भगवान बृहस्पतिरेकैकस्मिन राशौ परिवत्सरं चरति यदि न वक्रः स्यात्प्रायेणानुकूलो ब्राह्मणकुलस्यΙ                              
Placed at a distance of two lakh Yojans(107 million kms) beyond Mars, the glorious Brhaspati(Jupiter) passes through on zodiac in a whole year.

Bhagwat Puran 5.22.16
तत उपरिष्टाद्योजनलक्षद्वयात्प्रतीयमानः शनैश्चर एकैकस्मिन् राशौ त्रिंशन्मासान् विलम्बमानः सर्वानेवानुपर्येति तावद्भिरनुवत्सरैः प्रायेण हि सर्वेषामशान्तिकरःΙ                               
Observed at a distance of two lakh Yojanas beyond Jupiter, tarrying in each sign of zodiac for thirty months (two years and a half), there is planet Sanaiscara or Saturn(which is called so because of its slow moving nature) passes through all the twelve signs in exactly same number of years. 

Bhagwat Puran 5.22.17
तत उत्तरस्मादृषय एकादशलक्षयोजनान्तर उपलभ्यन्ते य एव लोकानां शमनुभावयन्तो भगवतो विष्णोर्यत्परमं पदं प्रदक्षिणं प्रक्रमन्तिΙ                          
At a distance of eleven lakh Yojanas beyond Saturn, seven Rsis are observed; the seven stars which are known by the name of Big Bear or Ursa Major) which move clockwise round what they call the highest abode of Lord Visnu(i.e. pole star).

Scientific significance of fasting on Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth is a very important festival of Hindus, wives keeping fast and pray for their husbands' long life, where Karva means an earthen pot and Chauth means fourth day, as it is celebrated on fourth day of Kartik mass as per Hindu calender. The women starts their day with a pre dawn meal, then their fast begins from sunrise and stays without consuming food and water until moon rise i.e. fasting for nearly 12 hours. And the fast is completed after watching moon and then takes their final meal of the day.

Now, we all have heard many different stories describing the practice or ritual of celebration of Karwa Chauth. But there a few who discuss about the scientific significance of fasting on Karwa Chauth. Let's discuss that now.

According to Hindu calender, day after the Sharad Purnima(this year it was on 13 Oct,2019), Kartik month starts and the 4th day(called Chauth) of this month is celebrated as Karwa Chauth. Moon is closest to Earth on Sharad Purnima which has its own scientific significance. Now the full moon on Sharad Purnima has enourmous effects on human body and mind, especially women.  

On the full moon night called Purnima, when Moon is closer to our Earth, its higher gravitational pull which directly affects digestive power. And as a result of it, it is advised to take shorter meals as it becomes more nourishing and strengthning. This is why fasting of Purnmashi every month is advised. 

Now the important question is why Karwa Chauth is celebrated on the fourth day after full moon of Kartik Month? Now, just 1-2 days before the Purnmashi(full moon), appetite is very high. And if you have eaten more than your usual time(which usually happens), then the full moon is the best time for the fasting. Then the time for low calorie diet starts and the appetite or craving for food starts decreasing. And thus at that period, human body can enjoy detoxification, which is followed by Karwa Chauth on the fourth day of the Kartik month. Why only the Kartik Month? Because 4 days just before Karwa Chauth, is Sharad Purnima and moon is closest to Earth on Sharad Purnima.

Fasting during day helps women in self control and focus. Fasting improves the digestion and it is kind of training which gives the human body and mind to withstand all hardships, thus making you strong enough to persist extreme difficulties. It is scientifically proven that fasting for nearly 12 hours have positive results on adults. 

Now,if an ancient stories of Savitri or Queen Veervati keeping fast for her husband support such a brilliant scientific logic which is beneficial for our health, then it should be celebrated. Even men can do and should do. If you don't support these stories, you can even go with the scientific logics only and can fast for yourself,your own body! 

What is better than combination of a health conscious practice and a festive celebration! But it is important to celebrate these rituals, or as I would better call them as scientific practices, in their original way to enjoy the benefits. Happy Karwa Chauth!

Scientific Significance of Sharad Purnima

Purnima refers to full moon night. Sharad Purnima is celebrated on the full moon night of Ashvin month (September to October) according to lunisolar Hindu calender. It is also known as Kumara Purnima or Kaumudi Purnima. It marks the end of monsoon season. 

The Moon is said to be closest to the Earth on Sharad Purnima and the moon rays are said to have healing powers on Sharad Purnima. People prepare sweet dishes of milk, especially Rice Kheer and they keep it under the moonlight on Sharad Purnima night. The moon rays falling on rice kheer are said to enrich with healing properties. According to experimental research, the Rice Kheer should be stored in silver container which enriches its properties more as Silver has more healing power. Spicy food should be avoided.   

Major question is why only Rice Kheer? There is presence of lactic acid or lactate in milk and in presence of rays, it produce more energy. And as there is presence of starch in rice, this process becomes easier. That is why Vedic sages suggested to keep the Rice kheer in moonlight on Sharad Purnima.  

Atoms and Molecules in Bhagwat Puran

John Dalton proposed the atomic theory in 1808 which describe matter in terms of atomic and atomic properties. In 1904, Thomson pudding model was proposed; then in 1911,Rutherford model was proposed. And then in 1913, after working in Rutherford laboratory, Bohr proposed an another model.

But interestingly, in Bhagwat Puran these concepts of atomic and molecular physics are discussed. Atom is termed as Parmanu and molecule are Anu in Vedic texts. These verses from Bhagwat Puran discuss about atoms and molecules: 

Bhagvat Puran 3.11.1

चरमः सद्विशेषाणामनेकोऽसंयुतः सदाІ 

परमाणुः स विज्ञेयो नृणामैक्येभ्रमो यतःІІ  

The minutest particle of a material, which is not further divisible, not even been combined with other particle and hence which exist eternally i.e. in casual state, is known by the name Parmanu. Combination of these Parmanu creates material although it is misunderstood by people and is an illusionary notion of unit.

Thus, minutest particle(indivisible) in its casual state(non-bonded) is called Parmanu(atom). Combination of these Parmanu here refers to the atomic bonding.  

Bhagvat Puran 3.11.2

सत एव पदार्थस्य स्वरूपावस्थितस्य यत्І 

कैवल्यं परममहानविशेषो निरंतरःІІ 

The entire range of material substance is taken as unspecified and undifferentiated whole before it undergoes ultimate transformation, that is it return to its ultimate source (Parkriti). 

When atoms stay in their own form(no bond formation) without forming different substance, they are called unlimited oneness. There are different bodies in physical form, but the atoms for complete manifestation themselves. 

Airplanes in Vedas

The Sanskrit treatise called 'Yantra Sarvasva' composed by Maharsi Bhāradvāja, a part of which two texts are named as 'Brhad Vimāna Sāstram' and 'Vaimānika Sāstram' on flying aircrafts were printed and published. It is also said that these manuscripts copies of these text somehow reached Europeans, Germans by which they manufactured airplanes, helicopters etc. which can traverse in sky, with the help of these Sanskrit manuscript.

Vaimānika Sāstra or science of aeronautics is Sanskrit texts on aerospace technology. It claims that Vimanas mentioned in ancient Vedic verses were advanced aerodynamic flying vehicles. Swami Dayananda Saraswati established his theory about the actual flying aircrafts were there in Vedic times. He supported his theory by quoting vedic verses from RigVeda Bhāsya Bhūmika. 

त्रयः पवयो मधुवाहने रथे सोमस्य वेनामनु विश्व इद् विदुःΙ

त्रयः स्कम्भासः स्कभितास आरभे त्रिर्नक्तं याथस्त्रिर्वाश्विना दिवाΙІ  

मधुर रस(सोम) को वहन करने वाले रथ में वज्र के समान तीन सुढृढ़ पहिए लगे हैंΙ इसके प्रति तुम्हारी तीव्र उत्कंठा को सभी मनुष्य जानते पहिए लगे हैंΙ इसके प्रति तुम्हारी तीव्र उत्कंठा को सभी मनुष्य जानते हैΙ उस रथ में शेयर के लिए तीन खम्भे लगे हैंΙ हे अश्वनीकुमारों! तुम इस रथ में रात और दिन तीन-तीन बार गमन करते होΙ                   

"...going from one island to another with these aircrafts in three days and nights." 

Swami Dayanana Saraswati in support of his claim of aircrafts quotes a few more Vedic hymns:

RigVeda 1.34.2

आ नो नावा मतीनं यातं पाराय गंतवे युञ्जाथामश्विना रथम् Ι 

अपनी श्रेष्ठ बुद्धि द्वारा हमें दुखों के सागर से पार ले जाने वाले हे अश्विनीकुमारों! तुम अपने रथ में हमारे पास आगमन करोΙ   

RigVeda 2.164.48

द्वादश प्रधयश्चक्रमेकं त्रीणि नभ्यानि क उ तच्चिकेतΙ 

तस्मिन् त्साकं त्रिशता न शंकवोऽपिंताः षष्टिर्न चलाचलासःΙΙ 

बारह अरे रथ के एक चक्र को घेरे हुए हैं, उसकी तीन नाभियां हैं तथा उसमें 360 चलायमान कीलें ठुकी हुई हैंΙ मेधावीजन यह अच्छी तरह जानते हैंΙ  
"Intelligent people constructed ships to cross oceans, jumping into space speedily with craft using wire and water...containing twelve pillars around a wheel, three machines and 300 pivots and sixty instruments.  

Although after this, in upcoming articles, we will also discuss about texts from Vaimānika Sāstra also in deep. Once again, it is proved that the scientific concepts were are studying now, are all discussed in Vedas. 

Pythagorus Theorem in Vedas

The wellknown fundamental theorem of Euclidean geometry, Pythagoras theorem for right angles triangles,is discussed in Baudhāyana Sulvasūtra, written centuries before Pythagorus(6^th century BCE). Baudhāyana Sulvasūtra are group of Vedic verses which belong to Taittiriya branch of Krishna Yajurveda. 

Pythagorus theorem is also referred as Baudhayana theorem. It is believed that Sulvasū texts must have been composed during 8^th-9^th centuries BCE. This result is called 'bhuja-koti-karnanyāya', where bhuja refers to base, koti refers to vertical side i.e. perpendicular and karnanyāya refers to hypotenuse of a right angled triangle.

In ancient India, Geometry was called Rajju sāstra and Sulva Sāstra. Rajju means 'rope for measurement'; Sulv means 'to measure';  Sūtra refers to text and Sastra means science or discipline. 

In vedic verses of Baudhāyana Sulvasūtra and Āpastamba Sulvasūtras,
Ap(i),4; Bau(i),48

दीर्घचतुरश्रस्याक्ष्णया रज्जुः पार्श्र्वमानी तिर्यग् मानी च यत् पृथग् भूते कुरूतस्तदुभयं करोति I

A rope stretched along the length of the diagonal produces an area which vertical and horizontal line make together. Here 'a rope stretched along length of diagonal' refers to hypotenuse and the 'area produced by vertical and horizontal' refers to the right angled triangle.

Stars and Planets in Vedas

From the Vedic verses, it is clear that the people during Vedic time period were well aware of the other celestial bodies and they could even identify the planets in night sky like Jupiter(Brhaspati,Guru) and Venus(Venus,Sukra). While Jupiter is biggest and Venus is the brightest planet among the planets of the solar system. 

RigVeda 4.50.4, Atharvaveda 20.88.4

बृहस्पतिः प्रथमं जायमानो महो ज्योतिषः परमे व्योमन्І 

सप्तास्यस्तुविजातो रवेण वि सप्तरश्मिरधमत् तमांसि ІІ             

अपनी ज्योति के द्वारा अंधकार को दूर करने वाला, बहुत प्रकार से उत्प्न्न होने वाला, सात छंदोमय मुख और सात रश्मियों वाला बृहस्पति विशाल सूर्य की भांति आकाश में सर्वप्रथम उत्प्न्न होता हैІ     

"Brhaspati in the resplendent light of the culmination in heaven(sky), having seven months, with seven rays and producing sound conquers darkness."

A vedic verse in Taittiriya Brāhmana, which starts in a similar way as above Vedic verse, gives much more information which has astronomical significance.

Taittiriya Brāhmana 3.1.1

बृहस्पतिः प्रथमं जायमानः तिष्यं नक्षत्रमभि संबभूवІ  

"Brhaspati, when rose first, did so in front of Tisya star". Tisya is the Vedic name for the star which is now known as Pusya(Delta Cancri). This rare conjunction of Jupiter with star Delta Cancri would have been discussed centuries ago in Vedas before 4000 BCE by Indian Vedic sages.

'Vena' mentioned in RigVeda is believed to be referred for planet Venus(Sukras). Even the list of wellknown 28 naksatras is found in Atharvaveda. 

Lunar Mansion in Vedas

History of Indian astronomy has been stretched long from pre-historic times to modern time. Its evidences can be found in the dates of the period of Indus valley civilization(1500-500 BCE). Later on it significantly influenced European, Chinese and Islamic astronomy.     

One such concept discussed in Vedas is 'Constellations' also known as naksatras. During the Vedic period, many astronomers observed the movements of Sun, stars and moon. The observations of the sky was confined to 28 constellations(naksatras) and also the various phases of moon. 

The Vedic concept of naksatras expresses a lunar Zodiac or system of lunar mansions. When Moon orbits around the Earth, it crosses of the Sun's orbit on regular interval. It occur nearlly 28 times(and somtimes 27 times). These cross-section of the orbit is known as Naksatra. So, a Naksatras is basically the section of the Sun's path (or eliptic) through which moon passes while orbiting around the Earth.   

Atharvaveda 19.8.1 
यानि नक्षत्राणि दिव्यन्तरिक्षे अप्सु भूमौ यानि नगेषु दिक्षु І
प्रकल्पयंश्चन्द्रमा यान्येति सर्वाणि ममैतानि शिवानि सन्तु ІІ   
वे सभी नक्षत्र हमे सुख प्रदान करने वाले है जो स्वर्ग, अंतरिक्ष, जल, पृथ्वी,पर्वतों और दिशाओं में दिखाई देते हैं तथा जिनको प्रदीप्त करता हुआ चन्द्रमा प्रकट होता हैІ     

Atharvaveda 19.8.2 
अष्टाविंशानि शिवानि शग्मानि सह योगं भजंतु मे І 
योगं प्र पद्ये क्षेमं प्र पद्ये योगं च नमोऽहोरात्राभ्यामस्तु ІІ        
हम प्राप्त हुई वस्तुओं की रक्षा करने वाले हों तथा अहोरात्र के निमित्त नमन करते रहेंІ कृतिका आदिअठ्ठाईस नक्षत्र हमारे लिए मंगलकारी तथा अभीष्ट प्रदाता हों नक्षत्रों का सहयोग हमारे लिए शुभ फलदायक हो   

Names of some of lunar mansions have been mentioned in verses RigVeda. Besides of those names mentioned in RigVeda, name of four other lunar mansions are also mentioned in earlier Atharvaveda. Although the names of all the 28 constellations have been mentioned in later Atharvaveda. 

Lighting and Thunder discussed in Vedas

We know that electrical charges are produced in clouds after their formation. This is named as vidyut in vedas. These charges are produced due to violent collisions between cloud pieces. Interestingly, the Vedic meteorologists had deep knowledge of such phenomenon. 

Atharvaveda 3.13.2
यत् प्रेषिता वरुणेनाच्छीभं समवल्गत Ι
तदाप्नोदिन्द्रो वो यतिस्तस्मादापो अनुष्टनःІІ  
वरुण द्वारा प्रेरित होकर जब तू नाचता हुआ-सा मिलकर चलने लगा तब इंद्र ने तुझे प्राप्त कियाІ इसी कारण तेरा नाम 'आपः' पद गयाІ              

"Because you are sent forth by Varuna and you have condensed so well, Indra possess you. You are, thus called apah." i.e. when water(here referred as you) is sent from ocean (Varuna), it forms clouds (Indra) and it possesses charge. 

The Vedic term pravātas refers to floating clouds and pravātonapāt means daughter of floating clouds i.e. napāt of pravātas. In this context, Vājasaneyī-Samhitā says- 

"I salute you O! electrical charge. You take birth in floating clouds".

In vedic texts, hetu/āgneya means negative electric charge and vapu/somīya refers to positive electric charge.

RigVeda 8.56.13

अंसेष्वा मरुतः स्वादयो वो वक्षःसु रुक्मा उपशिश्रियाणाःΙ 

वि विद्युतो न वृष्टिभी रुचना अनु स्वधामायुधैर्यच्छमानाःΙΙ         

हे मरुतो! तुम्हारे कंधों पर आभूषण तथा वक्ष पर श्रेष्ठ रुक्म हर शोभित हैΙ जलवृष्टि के समय तुम विद्युत के समान चमकीले अस्त्रों की वर्षा करके अपने बल का परिचय देते होΙ वृष्टिकाल में जिस प्रकार विद्युत शोभा पाती है, वैसे ही शत्रुओं पर आयुधों को वर्षा करके तुम अपने बल को प्रदर्शित करते होΙ                   

In Vedas, Indra(rain) is assisted by Maruts(wind) and when Indra kills Vrtra(cloud), maruts is around him. The ionization of air particles(maruts) produces spark (lighting) as oppositely charged clouds are attracted towards each other and thus causing collision.Thus lighting and thunder occur simultaneously. Stanayitnu refers to thunderstorm.

Radius of Earth in Vedic Texts

It is believed that shape of Earth is not a perfect sphere but an oblate spheroid. In Pancasiddhāntika of Varāhamihira, given value of circumference of Earth is 3200 yojanas. Let's find out the value of circumference of Earth in kilometers.

1 yojana = 8 miles 

1 mile = 5280 foot

1 feet = 12 inch

1 inch = 2.54 cm

1 yojana = (8×5280×12×2.54) cm

              = 12.87 km

Circumference of Earth = 3200 yojanas = 3200×12.87 = 41184 km 
Thus, the Radius of Earth = 41184/2×3.14 =  6557.9 km

Political System in Vedas

Today, majority of the world's countries are now democratic and India is the largest democratic country in the world. Although the democratic style in India is inherited from the west, a British effect. But do you know that Vedic texts is evident of democratic system during the Vedic age. In RigVeda, there are evidences of democratic government in India. The following Vedic verses discusses democratic system.

RigVeda 10.191.1-4

संसमिद्युवसे वृषन्नग्ने विश्वान्यर्य आ І 

इलस्पदे समिध्यसे स नो वसून्या भर ІІ1ІІ   

सं गच्छध्वं सं वदध्वं सं वो मनांसि जानताम् І 

देवा भागं यथा पूर्वे संजानाना उपासते ІІ2ІІ

समानो मंत्रः समितिः समानी समानं मनः सह चित्तमेषाम् І 

समानं मंत्रमभि मंत्रये वः समानेन वो हविषा जुहोमि ІІ3ІІ 

समानी व आकृतिः समाना हृदयानि वः І 

समानमस्तु वो मनो यथा वः सुसहासति ІІ4ІІ   

Its main idea is परस्पर तथा समान रूप से चलने वाले हे स्तोताओ! तुम संगतिपूर्वक वार्तालाप करोІ तुम सब उसी प्रकार मत हो जाओ, पूर्वकाल में जिस तरह सज्जनों ने एक साथ मिलकर जिस प्रकार यज्ञादि कर्मों का निर्वाह करते हुए देवताओं की स्तुति की थी   i.e. assemble and speak up. Let your minds be of one accord similar to the way the ancient Gods sit down unanimously to their appointed share.

There are many terms in Vedic texts which proves the implementation of democratic and republic system in Vedic times. Like Sabha(repeated eight times in RigVeda) which refers to gathering, Samiti which refers to committee, Raja which means leader(not King) or we can say an elected leader. Term Sabha is still in use in Indian political system as Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.

Ramayana discuss about the instance where King was open to suggestions & complaints in an assembly. Thus democratic principles were introduced in Indian civilization since ages.

Electrical Energy and its Applications in Vedas

Electrical energy is a form of energy, as a result of the form of the electric charge. Energy is the ability to apply force so as to move an object. In case of electrical energy, force is either electrical attraction or repulsion between charged particles. But interestingly, all these properties and applications of electrical energy is discussed in Vedas.

Atharvaveda 1.7.2

नव यो नवति पुरो बिभेद बाह्वोजसा Ι अहि च वृत्रहावधीत् ΙΙ     

It describes the properties of electrical energy. Electricity breaks by the energy of its arms the 99 cities, destroys the cloud covering the rays of sun which is the source of energy and power. These 99 cities refer to 99 elements which is termed as Bhogas. 

Atharvaveda 1.7.3
स न इन्द्रः शिवः सखाश्वावद् गोमद् यवमत् Ι उरुधारेव दोहते ΙΙ  
It describes the usage of electrical power. It says electric power can be our friend too. It  provide enough horsepower which can drive our machines, light up the houses and power to produce grains in the fields.  

Atharvaveda 3.31.1
ता वज्रीणं मन्दिनं स्तोम्यं मद इन्द्रं रथे वहतो हर्यता हरी Ι
पुरूण्यस्मै सवनानि हर्यत इन्द्राय सोमा हरयो दधन्विरे ΙΙ                
It says that two speedily moving forces of attraction and repulsion propel electric current which is powerful like thunderbolt and which is pleasant and praiseworthy. 
      
These vedic verses clearly refers to the useful applications of electric power. Not just the electrical properties and applications, even the electrical cell and their working is discussed in Vedic Texts. It looks like thousands of years ago, Rishis knew about the importance of electrical energy. Our ancient scientists were well aware of these technologies and were more advanced than us in their knowledge. 

Human Cloning in Vedas

Human Cloning is the generation of genetically identical copy or clone of human being. It was introduced in 1960s. Later on many articles were published on this technique. Later on with research efforts, new developments were reported. During early years of 21st century, scientists claimed that the human cloning can reverse the ageing process. That is the human cloning can biological reduce the age by making the cells younger. But do you know that after the concept of ANIMAL CLONING, EVEN THE CONCEPT OF HUMAN CLONING HAS BEEN DISCUSSED IN VEDAS.  

RigVeda 1.111.1
तक्षन् रथं सुवृतं विद्मनापसस्तक्षन् हरी इंद्रवाहा वृषण्वसू І
तक्षन् पितृभ्यामृभवो युवद् व्यस्तक्षन् वत्साय मातरं सचाभुवम् ІІ
ज्ञान द्वारा कर्मों में नियुक्त ऋभु देवताओं ने उत्तम रथ को अच्छी प्रकार से निर्मित कियाІ इंद्र के रथ को वहन करने वाले रथी(अश्व) भी भली-भांति प्रशिक्षित किएІ माता-पिता को युवा क्र उत्साहित किया तथा माता को बच्चे के साथ रहन को तत्पर कियाІ                   

Ingenious Rubhus prepared a charoit for Indra, prepared by two powerful (cloned) horses, made their parents youthful and gave new mother to orphaned calves or children. 

Rubhus prepared a charoit for Indra

RigVeda 4.34.9 
ये अश्विना ये पितृ य ऊती धेनुं ततक्षुर्ऋभवो ये अश्वा І 
ये अंसत्रा य ऋधग्रोदसी ये विभ्वो नरः स्वपत्यानि चक्रुः ІІ
जिन्होंने अश्विनी कुमारों को अपने सुरक्षा-साधनों से सक्षम बनाया, अपने माता-पिता को युवावस्था प्रदान की, गौओं को दुधारू और अश्वों को पुष्ट किया,जिन्होंने देवताओं के लिए कवच को निर्मित किया, आकाश और पृथ्वी को पृथक किया, नेताओं के समान उत्तम कर्मों को सम्पन्न किया वे ऋभु सर्वप्रथम सोम का पैन करने वाले हैंІ                        

Rubhus gave a new life to their old parents, to Aswinau, to a cow and horse.

Rubhu brothers make their parents younger by human cloning process. They even generate the animal clones - two powerful cloned horses. Most importantly, Rubhus also knew the the process of cell multiplication and it is mentioned in verses of Vedas.

Human cloning is mentioned in the story of King Vena. He was a great king but later on became evil and corrupt. So Mother Earth(Bhoomidevi) decided that she will not provide crops to humans anymore. Group of Rishis(Sages) King Vena out of anger. then they created his clone, which has similar body but mind couldn't be cloned. The new king was named as Prithu with pure mind and then Bhoomidevi was brought back.