I 16 i TICE was called at Puri to select an almanac according to which the numerous daily rites of worship were to be conducted in the tenaple. The meeting decided in favour of the almanac com puted after this work. One of Chandrasekhara's pupils has been computing an slmanac every year, which is used not only at Puri but throughout the greater part of Orissa. Another pupil of his publishes a Bengali almadac which has & by no means insignificant sale. Thus Chandrasekhara has already gained a foot hold in Hindu society, and has inaugurated silently but effectually an advance upon the current almanacs. At any rate, he has silenced all opponents, and has made the question of correction possible in the near future. To fully appreciate him, it is necessary to say a few words on his early life and education. Some four years ago, I first made his acquaintance, and from conversation with him on astro- qnomical subjects, I was surprised to find in him a man of genius and extraordinary merit. Since then I have looked into his work, Siddhanta darpaşa, written on palm-leaves in Oriá character, the result of his life-long labour in the field of astronomical research. Two years ago he was honoured by Government with the title of Mabámahopadhyâya -- title bitherto enjoyed only by Brábmagas versed in Sanskrit lore. Chandrasekhara, however, is not a Bráhmaya but a Kshattriya by.caste. He was born in the Saka-year 1757 (1835 A. D.) in the Small village of Khandapárá, some 50 or 60 miles west of Katak, amidst the hills and jungles for which western Orissa is famous. It is the chief town of the Rájé of Khandapárá-ono of the tributary chiefs of Orisse. Chandre.bekhara belongs to Digitized by Google
