Tarakka: Ancient Monuments of Bhubaneswar as Reflections of Stars
By Deepak Bhattacharya ¹ & P. C. Naik ²
Edited by Sharif Sakr

Experiment Three - Computer Simulation

Using Iron CAD software a three-dimensional model of the celestial hemisphere was generated, with the help of a Japanese star globe. Angles measured from the centre in reference to vertical and horizontal star positions (declinations and longitude) were determined, such that a celestial dome was formed. This dome was then reflected onto a representative 2D horizontal plane (RHP), by vertical cascading of the stars. Monument positions were then mapped onto the RHP for comparison. The celestial dome and RHP could both be rotated at will to offer virtual reality viewing of the celestial and terrestrial Tarrakas simultaneously. Figure 6 below shows a sample image from IronCAD, comparing the reflected star positions (represented by small coloured domes) with the positions of monuments (figuratively represented). The superimposition is centred over the star Betelgeuse and the Parasurameswar temple, which is coloured red. The arrow represents north for the stars and magnetic north for the temples.

Fig. 6 IronCAD image comparing star positions with monument positions.