Hinduism and Science [Science in the published version]

In Hindu temples and cultural centers around the world, a visitor today often encounters not only traditional images of the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon, but also a myriad of posters, panoramas, and brochures extolling the scientific discoveries of ancient Indian, particularly Hindu, seers and scientists. These include discoveries in medicine, chemistry, metallurgy, astronomy, and technology. For instance, the newly constructed, magnificent Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in Delhi boasts of a Disney-like underground boat ride during which visitors view displays of “the discoveries and inventions of the rishi-scientists of India ” (Akshardham, 2005). Two of the dioramas “feature plastic surgery and a helicopter, showing the scientific advances of early Hindus ” (Hamilton, 2011). I first encountered this phenomenon at the Hindu Temple of San Antonio. The Temple has displayed a number of science-posters published by the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, USA. One such poster cites the fifth-sixth century Indian mathematical astronomer Āryabhaṭa as effectively proposing the heliocentric model of the solar system (see fig. 1); another poster proclaims that Ayurveda “originated in the Vedas ” (see fig. 2). The point of these science displays and literature is clear: Hinduism is scientific in spirit