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The Lilavati is one of the greatest mathematical contributions given to the world by Bhaskaracharya, for a student to learn computing in a delightful way using simple examples from daily life. However, before we start any work, as laid out by our ancient rshis and gurus, we first seek the blessings of the deities to successfully guide us in our activities, in the form of mangalacharana. Let’s learn the mangalacharana of Bhaskaracharya as given in Lilavati.   

The Lilavati is one of the greatest mathematical contributions given to the world by Bhaskaracharya, for a student to learn computing in a delightful way using simple examples from daily life. However, before we start any work, as laid out by our ancient rshis and gurus, we first seek the blessings of the deities to successfully guide us in our activities, in the form of mangalacharana. Let’s learn the mangalacharana of Bhaskaracharya as given in Lilavati.   

<span style="color:#ff7f50">प्रीतिं भक्तजनस्य यो जनयते विघ्नं विनिघ्नन् स्मृत-

<span style="color:#ff7f50">'''प्रीतिं भक्तजनस्य यो जनयते विघ्नं विनिघ्नन् स्मृत-'''

<span style="color:#ff7f50">स्तं वृन्दारकवृन्दवन्दितपदं नत्वा मतङ्गाननम् ।  

<span style="color:#ff7f50">'''स्तं वृन्दारकवृन्दवन्दितपदं नत्वा मतङ्गाननम् ।'''

<span style="color:#ff7f50">पाटीं सद्गणितस्य वच्मि चतुरप्रीतिप्रदां प्रस्फुटां  

<span style="color:#ff7f50">'''पाटीं सद्गणितस्य वच्मि चतुरप्रीतिप्रदां प्रस्फुटां'''

<span style="color:#ff7f50">सङ्क्षिप्ताक्षरकोमलामलपदैर्लालित्यलीलावतीम् ।। (शार्दूलविक्रीडितम् लीला. 1.1)</span>

<span style="color:#ff7f50">'''सङ्क्षिप्ताक्षरकोमलामलपदैर्लालित्यलीलावतीम् ।।''' (शार्दूलविक्रीडितम् लीला. 1.1)</span>

Having saluted the elephant-faced devata (Ganesha), whose feet are worshipped by all devatas and who bestows happiness on devotees by destroying obstacles when remembered, I state (start) a lucid, graceful, and a charming work on arithmetic by using simple, soft and clear words, which will give joy to the intelligent.  

Having saluted the elephant-faced devata (Ganesha), whose feet are worshipped by all devatas and who bestows happiness on devotees by destroying obstacles when remembered, I state (start) a lucid, graceful, and a charming work on arithmetic by using simple, soft and clear words, which will give joy to the intelligent.  

Learning mathematics includes understanding the numerals, their calculations, followed by higher level computations. Mathematics helps in activating and developing our minds. It increases our ability to understand our surroundings.

Learning mathematics includes understanding the numerals, their calculations, followed by higher level computations. Mathematics helps in activating and developing our minds. It increases our ability to understand our surroundings.

Mathematics, the science of calculation, just like other sciences such as grammar, originated with the primary objective of helping activities explained in the Vedas. It is here that we find the beginnings of the science of mathematics and astronomy. In the Chandogya Upanishad, we find that the eternally travelling Narada Maharshi (the celestial seer chanting the name of Maha Vishnu) stated that he studied various sciences and arts, including astronomy called as nakshatra-vidya, and arithmetic called rashi-vidya.  '''(Image of Narada saying “I know Nakshatra-vidya” and associated picture)'''

Mathematics, the science of calculation, just like other sciences such as grammar, originated with the primary objective of helping activities explained in the Vedas. It is here that we find the beginnings of the science of mathematics and astronomy. In the  

Chandogya Upanishad, we find that the eternally travelling Narada Maharshi (the celestial seer chanting the name of Maha Vishnu) stated that he studied various sciences and arts, including astronomy called as nakshatra-vidya, and arithmetic called rashi-vidya.  

We also see that Jaina and Buddhist Acharyas contributed immensely to the development of mathematics since early times. The knowledge of Samkhyana, literally, the “science of numbers” meaning arithmetic and astronomy, was regarded as one of the principal accomplishments of a Jaina priest. Mahavira was regarded as one of the best mathematicians of his time. He had a great understanding of the subject. He composed the book called Ganitasarasangraha. The following shlokas show his appreciation and use of mathematics.

We also see that Jaina and Buddhist Acharyas contributed immensely to the development of mathematics since early times. The knowledge of Samkhyana, literally, the “science of numbers” meaning arithmetic and astronomy, was regarded as one of the principal accomplishments of a Jaina priest. Mahavira was regarded as one of the best mathematicians of his time. He had a great understanding of the subject. He composed the book called Ganitasarasangraha. The following shlokas show his appreciation and use of mathematics.