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Chakra Yantram In Hindu Astronomy

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In Hindu astronomy, Chakra Yantram is a stick or pipe fixed on the meridian with a circle made of any other metal attached to it at the top constitutes the chakra yantram. A rotating tube is placed on the center of the circle. The tube is rotated so that through it one can observe and recognize a particular body in the sky. The position of the tube from which one observes is marked on the circle, indicating the degrees and minutes of the north/south declination of a particular star/planet. Since the stars have a fixed position, they are easily discernible with the help of this instrument.

The Chakra Yantram is a fascinating instrument used in Hindu astronomy to observe and track celestial bodies in the sky. It consists of a stick or pipe fixed vertically on the meridian, with a circular disc made of any metallic material attached to its top. At the center of this disc, a rotating tube is placed.

The principle behind the Chakra Yantram lies in its ability to aid in observing and recognizing specific celestial objects. By rotating the tube placed at the center of the circular disc, observers can align it with a particular celestial body they wish to study. Once aligned, the position of the tube on the circular disc is marked, indicating the precise degrees and minutes of the north/south declination of the observed star or planet.

This instrument capitalizes on the fact that stars and planets have fixed positions in the sky relative to each other over long periods. By accurately measuring their positions using the Chakra Yantram, astronomers and scholars were able to track the movements of celestial bodies, predict astronomical events, and formulate calendars and timekeeping systems based on celestial observations.

The Chakra Yantram thus represents an ingenious application of astronomical principles by ancient Hindu astronomers, enabling them to deepen their understanding of the cosmos and its movements.