CHAPTER – 16
SHAKTYAADHI KARANAM – THE POWER
This topic deals with power (forces) related to functioning of
vimana in its flight and other operative modes to achieve the
desired effects of motion. The manner in which different sages have
viewed this aspect makes it thought–provoking.
‘Yantra-Sarvaswa’ of which ‘Vymanika Shastra’ is a derivative,
groups the power into seven categories. Each of them vis-à-vis
actuating forces are stated as follows.
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TUNDILA -- UDGAMA SHAKTI
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PANJARA -- PANJARA SHAKTI
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AMSHUPA (SHAKTIPA) -- SOLAR POWER ABSORPTION
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APAKARSHAKA -- ABSORPTION OF POWER-FROM ALIEN VIMANAS
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SAANDHAANIKA -- GROUP OF 12 FORCES
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DAARPANIKA -- KUNTINEE SHAKTI
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SHAKTI PRASAVIKA -- MAIN MOTIVE POWER
Shounaka sootra is in agreement with the classification of forces as
seven. Another guide ‘soudaamini kala’ featuring in ‘Anshu bodini’
is also in tandem with this manner of grouping though based on a
different theory.
‘Kriyaa-saara’ goes further in explaining these forces more
understandably as follows.
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Ascent of vimana : Udgamashakthi
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Descent of vimana : Panjara shakti
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Solar heat absorption : by Shaktyaapa-karshini
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Alien force restraining : Parashakti
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Spectacular motion of the vimana : By Vidyutdwadashaka Shakti
All the above are stated to be basically from the primary force of
the vimana. The twelve activities involved in performing spectacular
motions have been separately mentioned as follows.
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Proceeding : Shuddering
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Mounting : Descending
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Circulating : Speeding
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Circumbulating : Sideways motion
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Receding : Anti-clockwise motion
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Motionless : performing miscellaneous motions
In yet another classification sage
Narayana classifies the forces as
just five and attributes the forces generated to perform all
activities to the power derived from “Sadyojaata yantra”.
Another work ‘sphotayana’ hold the view that spectacular motions are
achieved by Chittinee Shakti. The guide Kriyaa-saara is also in
support of this theory. Other guides Shaktibeeja and Shaktikoustuba
are firm that Panjara Shakti generated by Sadyojaata yantra performs
all motions and all other forces are incidental to it.
Amidst numerous views of several sages and texts stated above
Maharshi Bharadwaja analyses and emphatically rules that only seven
forces are relevant and distinct, all others are corollaries of
these seven forces. Essentially Panjara Shakti is the primary motive
force.
Observations and discussions:
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Sages and texts quoted have some diverse views. This is possibly
due to the type of flying machines they had conceived. They seem to
have differentiated forces depending on how resolution of force
components were done.
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Ex.: Force required for
Udgama ie., take off on vertical mode will
be one, where as if it is on normal roller take off, the forces can
be resolved in to vertical components and horizontally forward
components- Hence it becomes two distinct forces.
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Forces required for aerobatic
maneuvers have been conceived. An
indication that Vimana with capability for combat maneuvers have
been referred to.
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It becomes necessary to understand what type of flying machines
are kept in view to arrive at controlling forces required. As we see
in modern Flying machines, Conventional aeroplane, Rotary wing
machines, Vertical take-off and Landing machines, Hover Craft etc.,
all have different principles of operation. For example, a VTOL
aircraft and conventional aircraft are different, a helicopter is
different from a conventional aircraft. Achieving zero forward
velocity is possible in a VTOL aircraft and helicopter and is not
possible in a conventional aircraft. Sideways movement is possible
in helicopter and the same is not possible in a conventional fixed
wing aircraft. Similarly a glider is distinctly different from other
powered aircraft.
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It is interesting to see that Rolling, Yawing, Banking, Spinning,
Accelerating, Zero-velocity principles are under mention.
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Another way of understanding this is with a comparison with modern
aeroplane. The engines, though meant for propulsion, generate a
number of power sources that are driven by it, eg. Generator to
produce captive power, hydraulic and pneumatic pumps for controls of
various services, pumps to generate fluid pressure and the like. In
such an arrangement these accessories driven by the engine can
themselves be viewed as sources of power.
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Later in the text under the topic
Yantradhikarana there are
references that each system had its own source of power drawn from
Panjara shakti.
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‘Sadyojaata’ as a form of power has been
introduced briefly by Sri M.K. Kawadkar in his article on atmosphere.
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