Vikramadtiya Vedic Clock

Source-This post on Vikramadtiya Vedic Clock is based on the article “Vikramaditya Vedic Clock: PM Modi inaugurates world’s 1st Indian ‘panchang’-based timepiece in Ujjain” published in “Live Mint” on 29th February 2024.

Why in the News?

The Vikramadtiya Vedic Clock which is mounted on an 85-foot tower at Jantar Mantar in Ujjain, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in a recent ceremony.

About Vikramaditya Vedic Clock

1. About– The ‘Vedic Clock’ is the world’s first timepiece engineered to display time based on the ancient Indian traditional Panchang (time calculation system).

2. Developed by– Lucknow-based Sanstha Arohan

3. Features:
a. It offers details on planetary positions, Muhurat, astrological computations, and forecasts.
b. It also displays Indian Standard Time (IST) and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
c. It can be connected to the internet and offers numerous features through a mobile app named after the clock.

Note– Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is the average solar time at the Prime Meridian, located at 0 degrees longitude in Greenwich, London. The Shepherd Gate Clock at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich always displays GMT.

4. Operational Mechanism– The clock will measure time between two sunrises.
a. The time span between the two sunrises will be split into 30 segments, with each hour comprising 48 minutes, according to ISD.
b. The measurement will begin at 0:00, coinciding with sunrise, and will continue for 30 hours (where each hour equals 48 minutes).

Why was Ujjain chosen for its establishment?

1. Ujjain has a long-standing heritage in timekeeping, spanning centuries. Ujjain has played a crucial role in establishing India’s time zones and differences.

2. Ujjain is situated precisely at the intersection point of the zero meridian and the Tropic of Cancer.

3. Before the adoption of the 82.5E longitude for IST, Ujjain (75.78E) was regarded as India’s time meridian.

4. The Vikrami Panchang and Vikram Samvat calendars are also released from Ujjain, making it the perfect location for the Vedic Clock.

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