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known according to Indian astronomy, has existence of water on the planet long ago.
always evinced considerable curiosity for Yet another name for Mars is Lohitang,
its striking similarities with Earth. Many which means ‘rich in iron (loha) deposits’.
plausible explanations have come from In Ayurveda, blood is referred to as Lohini,
ancient Indian texts as well. Mars, known again with the same meaning as that of the
as Angaraka (that which is red in colour), name for Mars (rich in iron). Hence all links
is also referred to as Bhumi Putra, (son of between Lohitang and Lohini, of iron and
Bhumi). Legends also point blood, is more than a mere coincidence.
to how Mars took form
from Earth, was nurtured The very first recorded, extensive, ancient and
and brought up by Mother
Earth. The red bodied Mars, authoritative study on space travel can be
according to Pauranic attributed to Maharishi Bharadvaja’s Vaimanika
literature was born of Shastra. It bears considerable salience with the
Bhumi Devi or Earth- theories put forth by later astronauts. In fact the
ancient wisdom without treatise even describes a Shaktyudgama Yantra,
any of the latest scientific
innovations stating how which can safeguard Vimanas (air and space
Mars was a ‘break off piece’ ships) during their space voyages.
from Earth or pointing
to the possibility that life
probably began on Mars and then moved
to Earth. Ancient India has venerated Mangal during
times of surgeries and battles. Those
Quest for life on Mars is not a recent pursuit embarking on professions related to the
for India. The very name given to Mars, use of iron and steel also offered prayers to
Dharanisuta and Dharaputra, meaning Mangal. The link has been described in the
‘dried surface’ postulates the possible form of various stories and legends. Thus

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