Bhubaneswar, Dec 13: Today marks the birth anniversary of renowned astronomer and Siddhanta Darpana author Mahamahopadhyaya Chandrasekhar Singh Harichandan Mahapatra, popularly known as Pathani Samanta. On the occasion, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi paid floral tributes and remembered his remarkable contribution to astronomy.

In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister highlighted that Pathani Samanta used simple bamboo tubes to accurately calculate the daily and annual movements of the Sun, Moon, and planets, astonishing the scientific world. His precise astronomical calculations and the creation of the Pathani Samanta Panji continue to be remembered as landmark achievements.

Born on December 13, 1835, into the Khandapada royal family in Nayagarh district, Pathani Samanta received early education in Sanskrit, mathematics, and astronomy from reputed teachers and his father. Through detailed observation and original calculations, he challenged ancient astronomical assumptions and authored Siddhanta Darpana based on updated celestial movements.

In recognition of his work, he was conferred the title of Mahamahopadhyaya at a durbar held in Cuttack in 1893. Known for his self-respect and integrity, Pathani Samanta remained devoted to research throughout his life and refused to bow before royal authority.