Panchang Researcher — Algorithmic & Ephemeris Systems
Research and compute high-precision astronomical Panchangs (Tithi, Vara, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana) across regional Indian traditions.
01About SattvaLok
SattvaLok is a mission-driven technology platform dedicated to bridging the depth of timeless Sanatan wisdom, Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), and cultural heritage with modern digital architecture. Unlike conventional content portals or superficial aggregators, SattvaLok builds high-integrity knowledge engines, research-backed digital archives, and responsible AI-powered discovery platforms. We adhere to rigorous standards of textual authenticity, epigraphical accuracy, and cultural nuance. Our interdisciplinary team unites software engineers, AI/RAG researchers, Vedic scholars, Sanskritists, and creative storytellers to create digital experiences that are trustworthy, inspiring, and globally accessible.
02About the Role
The Panchang is the temporal backbone of Sanatan life, governing festival observances, agricultural cycles, temple rituals, and spiritual practices. However, India's diverse regional traditions—from Drik-siddha to Surya-siddhanta, Amanta to Purnimanta, solar calendars to lunisolar variations—require formidable mathematical and scriptural scholarship to harmonize digitally. As a Panchang Researcher at SattvaLok, you will architect algorithms that compute exact celestial transitions (Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana), sunrise/sunset variants (Udaya Tithi), and festival determinations for any geographic coordinate on Earth.
03Responsibilities & What You'll Do
- →Model and validate astronomical algorithms for calculating the five limbs (Pancha-Angas) with millisecond precision across global timezones.
- →Reconcile regional festival determination rules (Vrata Nirnaya) based on classical Dharma Shastra treatises (Nirnayasindhu, Dharmasindhu, Kalanirnaya).
- →Implement calculation models for solar months (Sauramasa, Sankranti), intercalary months (Adhika Masa), and lapsed months (Kshaya Masa).
- →Audit automated calculation outputs against established traditional regional Panchangs (Vakya, Drik, Chitra, Thiruvananthapuram, Kashi, and Bengal traditions).
- →Collaborate with backend software engineers integrating the Swiss Ephemeris, NASA JPL DE440 ephemerides, and custom celestial algorithms.
- →Document clear, accessible explainers for platform users detailing the astronomical rationale behind festive dates.
04Qualifications & Experience
Required Qualifications
- ✓Mastery of Indian mathematical astronomy (Ganita Jyotish) and classical Siddhantic texts.
- ✓Familiarity with astronomical ephemeris computing, topocentric coordinate transformations, and refraction formulas.
- ✓Deep understanding of festival determination principles in Nirnayasindhu and Dharmasindhu.
- ✓Analytical rigor and comfort working with programmatic tables, datasets, and edge cases.
Preferred / Nice-to-Have
- ★Proficiency in Python, C++, or Julia for numerical astronomical simulations.
- ★Traditional Sanskrit credentials (Ganita Jyotish Acharya or equivalent).
- ★Demonstrated experience building or maintaining digital calendar calculators.
05How to Apply
- 1Review SattvaLok's digital Panchang application and astronomical principles.
- 2Prepare an overview of your experience in celestial calculations or festival determination rules.
- 3Email [email protected] with your CV and sample calculation methodologies.
Application: Panchang Researcher — Algorithmic & Ephemeris Systems06Frequently Asked Questions (AEO)
Direct Answer GuideDirect answers to common candidate queries for AI search and applicant clarity.
Q: Is this Panchang role remote?
Yes, this position is 100% remote. You can collaborate from anywhere with digital connectivity.
Q: How does SattvaLok handle regional Panchang variations?
We support both Drik-ganita (modern accurate celestial mechanics) and traditional regional Siddhantic frameworks, allowing users to toggle their lineage or geographic convention.
Q: Do I need to be a software developer to apply?
Not necessarily. If you possess deep mathematical and scriptural mastery of Panchang Nirnaya, our engineering team will translate your mathematical models into production code.
Q: What is the interview format?
The evaluation includes an initial discussion on Panchang methodologies, followed by reviewing a festival determination case study (e.g., Krishna Janmashtami or Diwali Tithi rules across differing timezones).
Q: Is this position open to part-time scholars?
Yes, both full-time research roles and part-time research fellowships are available.
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Even if you don't match 100% of the requirements, if you have deep dedication to authenticity, craftsmanship, and cultural wisdom, we want to hear from you.
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