JANTAR MANTAR : A Combination Of Science And Architecture

Jantar Mantar Jaipur

Jantar Mantar is a monument situated in Jaipur, Rajasthan it is a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments. It was built by the Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh 2 in the year 1743. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

shadows falling on the instruments

It is located next to the City Palace and behind the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. This monument feature’s world’s largest stone sundial.

It also contains masonry, stone and brass instruments. Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is one of the 5 observations made by Raja Sawai Singh2 in Delhi, Varanasi, Ujjain, Mathura. Jantar Mantar at Jaipur is the last one and hence the best and largest one of the lot. All the instruments here are made up of stone, marble, and brass.

small Samrat Yantra

The term Jantar Mantar was derived from the Sanskrit terms ‘Jantra’ means instruments and ‘Mantra’ means formula.

The astronomical observatory features fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time with the help of the sunrays and to follow constellations and even for observing the orbits around the sun. The most popular instruments within the Jantar Mantar are the ‘Samrat Yantra’ ( the world’s largest sundial),’Jaiprakash Yantra, the Hindu Chhatri.

large Samrat Yantra

large Samrat Yantra

Astrologers around the world still come here on the Purnima of Ashad month at sunset time to predict the monsoon of the year. The best way to explore the place is to take a guided tour which will help you to learn about astronomy. This is earlier known as the temple of instruments but during the British rule in India it was mispronounced and became Jantar Mantar. This observatory was built for the guru of Jai singh2 and pandit Jagannath to predict and establish the birth charts and to predict the best time for main events like weddings, wars, parties.

Samrat Yantra

It is a huge triangle that acts like a sundial. It is a 72feet (20m) high

HOW TO REACH

It is very easy to reach Jantar Mantar. You can hire a rickshaw. There are several local buses too which goes to Jantar Mantar. It is well connected with the main town Jaipur through all mediums of transport.

This amazing observatory is open from sunrise to sunset. It opens every day between 9.30 and 16.30 and the entry fee for tourists is Rs200 along with the fee of Rs50 for cameras.