Understanding Science and Religion in Modern Vaishnavism

The Life and Thoughts of Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur (Bimala Prasad Datta) in Colonial Bengal

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to reexamine the history of Vedic astral science from the viewpoint of Gaudiya Vaishnavism during the colonial period in Bengal. Here we need to highlight the life and works of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, the founder of the Gaudiya Math and Mission, who established the ‘Saraswat Chatuspathi’ in colonial Calcutta in 1897 to promote Vedic astral science. Additionally, he published two astronomical journals in Bengali, Jyotirvid and Brihaspati, to further the dissemination of scientific knowledge in the regional language.