Location
: Jaipur
Built in : Between 1727 and 1733
Highlights : Largest Stone Astronomical Observatory in the World
Perfect Time to Visit : October to March
Jantar Mantar, is one of the five astronomical observatories built by
Maharaja Jai Singh and is the largest stone observatory in the World.
Initially known as the “Yantra Mantra”, which means instruments
and formula, it was renovated in 1901 and was declared a national monument
in 1948. With a remarkable collection of architectural & astronomical
instruments, Jantar Mantar depicts the knowledge and interest of our
ancestors in astronomy. The position and shapes of the scientifically
designed instruments depicts our forte of Medieval Indian Astronomy. This
observatory still provides accurate information, which can be compared with
today's modern instruments undeniably.
Jantar Mantar has fourteen statistical instruments of various geometrical
forms for calculating the time of day, predicting eclipses, the heights of
heavenly bodies and the situations of constellations. Its instruments are of
extraordinary precision and can still be used to measure local time, the
sun's declination, azimuth and altitude etc. Amongst all the instruments,
the Sundial attracts the maximum attention. It tells the time to an accuracy
of about two seconds in local time of Jaipur. Other instruments at Jantar
Mantar are Jaiprakash Yantra, Samrat Yantra, Ram Yantra and the Composite
instrument. The Samrat Jantar, tells the time of the day, using the sun's
shadow and the small domed cupola (chhatri) that is used to predict eclipses
and the monsoons.
How to Reach
Air :Jaipur has a well connected airport
Rail : Jaipur is well connected via rail with all the major cities
of India
Road : Jaipur has a well connected bus service as well as the city
public transport facilities
