Jantar Mantar is a vast observatory in New Delhi that was built to help and enhance upon the study of the time and the movement of the sun. It was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1724. It is also considered as a heritage site that holds 13 architectural astronomical instruments which could be used to predict the timings and movement of the moon, sun, and planets by compiling the astronomical tables. Nowadays, Jantar Mantar is one of the popular tourist destinations all over the country.
The top three instruments of Jantar Mantar, Delhi that should not be missedare – Jai Prakash Yantra, Samrat Yantra, and Misra Yantra. The Jai Prakash Yantra is a hemisphere like structure which is mainly used for the study of the aligning positioning of stars to several markings. On the other hand, the Samrat Yantra is standing parallel to the axis of the Earth that is a large hour sundial that helps to check the exact time of the day. At last, the Misra Yantra which is used to determine the shortest and the longest days of the year. This place also comprises one more instrument that is Ram Yantra which is used to measure the altitude of stars.
The right placement and intelligent construction of the instruments allow the observers to note down the exact position of heavenly bodies with their naked eyes. The instruments of Jantar Mantar, New Delhi are built with rubble and out of brick and then plastered with lime. These instruments have been repaired and restored from time to time without making any significant alternation.
It is one of the finest example of the scientific knowledge of ancient India. Jantar Mantar is one of the five observatories that are built by Sawai Jai Singh II. The other four being located at Varanasi, Jaipur, Mathura, and Ujjain. Even, it represents the accurate astronomical readings that were a great achievement of that era. Apart from it, it also consists of a small temple of Bhairava to the east of the main site and was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II.
Jantar Mantar is situated on the Parliament Street, Janpath. The nearest metro stations are Patel Chowk, Rajiv Chowk, and Janpath Metro Station. Tourists can also hire taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach there. The nearby attractions of Jantar Mantar, Delhi are Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Bible House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Attic, Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Handloom, Humayun Mandir, Parliament House, American Central Library and India Gate, etc.
Jantar Mantar Timings: 10 A.M to 6 P.M
Jantar Mantar Entry Fees: INR 15 for Indian nationals and INR 150 for Foreign nationals
