Credit: Merk István
Overview and History
A Unesco world heritage site, Jantar Mantar is one of five astronomical observatories in India. Nested near the city palace and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, awe-inspiring architecture has the world’s largest stone sundial. The other four astronomical observatories are located in Varanasi, Delhi, Mathura, and Ujjain.
Jantar means “yantra” or instrument, and “Mantar” signifies ”calculation.”, Jantar Mantar was commissioned by Rajput King Jai Singh II. The observatory remained functional only for seven years, and the Maharaja faced challenges in deriving precise astronomical observations. In 1901, the monument underwent restoration. After Independence, understanding the importance of the Monument, it was declared a national monument in 1948.
Architecture
Principles of astronomy and ancient Hindu Sanskrit texts are used in designing instruments. Masonry stone and brass are construction materials that were utilized in intricate designs at the Jantar Mantar. Offering an unforgettable glimpse into the celestial wonders above, there are a number of astronomical positions to watch with the naked eye. Among its treasures, the Samrat Yantra, also known as the stone, is the largest sundial in the world. There are more than 15 other astronomical instruments of different shapes that serve different purposes. The occurrence of an awe-inspiring eclipse, determining celestial altitude and latitude, and measuring time are served by these instruments.
The sundial at the centerpiece of the observatory measures time with a mere two-second deviation from the local time of Jaipur. Rising at a height of 27.4 meters, the Samrat yantra is a vital instrument to predict the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima during the monsoon.
The sprawling expanse of the Jantar Mantar consists of many popular attractions like the Samrat Yantra, Jai Prakash Yantra, and Hindu Chatri. Other remarkable structures, such as the Dakshina Yantra, Raj Yantra, Barivalya Yantra, Disha Yantra, Narivalya Yantra, and Dhruv Yantra, are other places to watch.
Plan Your Visit to Jantar Mantar
The observatory at Jantar Mantar is open for visitors between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For Indians, the entrance fee is Rs 40 for Indian nationals and Rs 100 for foreigners.
Location
Faqs
Q: What is Jantar Mantar in Jaipur?
A: It’s an astronomical observatory that is located in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Q: Who built Jantar Mantar in Jaipur?
A: It was built by Rajput king, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who constructed the astronomical observatory between 1727 and 1734.
Q: How many instruments are there in Jantar Mantar in Jaipur?
A: There are 19 architectural astronomical instruments that are designed to measure time, Celestial bodies, and other astronomical phenomena.
Q: Can visitors explore Jantar Mantar in Jaipur on their own?
A: Yes visitors can explore on their own or you can hire a guide to gain a deeper understanding of the instruments.
Q: Is there an entry fee for visiting Jantar Mantar in Jaipur?
A: Yes it’s Rs 50 per person and Rs 150 for foreigners.
Q: Is photography allowed?
A: Yes photography is allowed.
Q: Is Jantar Mantar wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.
Q: How much time does it take to visit Jantar Mantar?
A: Jantar Mantar usually takes around 2-3 hours.
Q: What is the best time to visit Jantar Mantar in Jaipur?
A: The best time to visit is during the daytime when sunlight is available,