Ilvala (इल्वल)

This is the drawing extracted from the book "Orion" by Bal Gangadhar Tilak showing the region of the sky surrounding Orion. The name Ilvala corresponding the belt of Orion has been shown in red circle

Ilvala is an Indian name of a constellation identified with ζ, ε, δ Orionis, the three stars of Orion's belt.

Concordance, Etymology, History

Origin of Constellation

Ilvala as a constellation name is described in the Amarakosa, the authentic dictionary which has been orally transmitted over millenia, as comprising of the three stars near Mṛgaśira (nakshatra). As one of the 27 nakshatras Mṛgaśira is identified with λ+φ_1,2 Orionis and the three stars of Ilvala constitute the belt of Orion (ζ, ε, δ Ori).

The astronomical reference to this name appears in a book dated 1896 by Bal Gangādhar Tilak. The other reference available in a contemporary source is by Sāmanta Chandrashekhar Pathani (1835-1904), the last traditional astronomer. He includes this in his star list in the treatise Siddhānta darpana.

Ilvala as an asterism name seems to have been forgotten as it is not listed in any other astronomical text. The namesake is a demon who killed sages, but his story is not related to the stars.

Mythology

The epic Mahabharata narrates a popular story about Ilvala: this demon plotted to kill sages with the help of his brother - the scheme was to convert the brother Vatāpi into a lamb and cook him to be served to hungry people. Once they are through, he would call out for his brother, who would emerge, tearing open the stomach of those who ate him. The murders went unabated till sage Agasthya also was offered this lunch. Agasthya ate and ordered, ' Vatāpi, get digested'. Thus, the plot did not work.

This story cannot be related to the three stars in any way.

References

• References (general)