Brief Description
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It houses unique instruments like the world’s largest stone sundial, Samrat Yantra, offering precise time measurements.
Educational Features:
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• World's largest stone sundial
• 19 astronomical instruments
• Scientific principles demonstration
• Historical significance
Learning Programs:
• Astronomy workshops
• Scientific demonstrations
• Historical tours
• Student programs
• Night sky observation sessions (special events)
Timings: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹50 (Indians), ₹200 (Foreigners).
Location: Near City Palace.
Detailed Description
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is not just a monument; it is a testament to India’s scientific prowess in the 18th century. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an astronomical observatory featuring 19 instruments that were used to study celestial movements, predict eclipses, and measure time with astounding accuracy.
The centerpiece of Jantar Mantar is the Samrat Yantra, the largest sundial in the world, capable of measuring time down to the second. Each instrument within the observatory has a specific purpose, such as the Jai Prakash Yantra for identifying celestial positions and the Rama Yantra for calculating altitudes. These structures are not only functional but also artistic, showcasing Jaipur’s ingenuity in blending science and design.
Walking through Jantar Mantar feels like stepping into an open-air laboratory. The precision with which the instruments were built and their alignment with the cardinal directions reflect the advanced knowledge of astronomy during that era.
Fun Fact
The instruments are so precise that they are still used by astrologers today!
Did You Know?
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built similar observatories in Delhi, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Mathura, but the one in Jaipur is the largest and best preserved.