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Significance of Gnomon

Gnomon, according to Vastushastra and Shilpashastra, refers to a vertical device used to determine cardinal points and directions through shadow casting. This tool is essential for site planning and orientation in town-planning. Historical context in India associates the gnomon with measuring time by analyzing shadow lengths and seasonal changes. As the oldest astronomical instrument, it consists of a straight peg positioned perpendicularly to a level base, aiding in the determination of distances and heights.

Synonyms: Sundial, Indicator

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Gnomon'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Gnomon symbolizes a vertical object that casts a shadow, facilitating the determination of cardinal directions, essential for site planning and orientation in urban development. Its utility extends to navigation and spatial alignment.

Significance in Vastushastra (architecture):
Vastushastra Books

From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)

(1) A device used to determine cardinal points necessary for site planning and orientation in town-planning.[1] (2) A device, often a stick or post, used to cast a shadow that helps in determining the cardinal directions.[2]

Vastushastra refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

Significance in Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology):
Jyotisha Books

From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology

(1) This refers to shanku.[3] (2) This refers to the shadow cast by a twelve-digit gnomon when the sun with precession added is at the beginning of Libra or Aries, and is used to determine the shadow of latitude.[4]

Jyotisha (啶溹啶啶むた啶�, jyotisha or jyotish) refers to 鈥榓stronomy鈥� or 鈥淰edic astrology鈥� and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

Significance in Shilpashastra (iconography):
Shilpashastra Books

From: Manasara (English translation)

(1) A vertical object used to cast a shadow, the measurement of which helps determine cardinal directions.[5]

Shilpashastra represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

The concept of Gnomon in local and regional sources

History Books

Gnomon, an ancient astronomical instrument, is a vertical object that casts shadows to measure time, distances, and heights, playing a crucial role in understanding astronomical phenomena and seasonal hour markings.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) This term is referenced in the context of the knowledge of the shadow. The gnomon is an instrument, and the text explores the properties of its shadow.[6] (2) This is a vertical object, whose shadow is used in conjunction with the shadow squares to determine distances and heights.[7] (3) This is a device, also referred to as purusha, used to measure time by casting a shadow, as seen in the context of shadow lengths and the seasonal hour.[8] (4) The gnomon or sun-stick is the oldest astronomical instrument and consists of a straight peg erected at right angles to a level base, perpendicular to the horizon.[9]