5 Fantastic Reasons Why You Need To Visit Jantar Mantar Atleast Once

There was a time, hundreds of years ago, when most of the scientific instruments we see around us today had not been invented, technology was fairly non-existent, and keen observation of the position of the sun in the sky and the lengths of the days used to tell people what time of the day and season it was. It was during such times, way back in 1724, that an astronomical observatory called the Jantar Mantar was built in Delhi by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. And we’re here with 5 reasons why you must visit this monument located in the heart of the city. Read on.

1. A Medieval Instrument To Measure Time

Picture Credits: delhigram

The observatory contains a total of 14 gigantic architectural astronomical measuring instruments, covering a staggering area of almost five acres. The major ones include the Samrat Yantra, Ram Yantra, Jai Prakash Yantra and Mishr Yantra. The most interesting instrument, though, is the Mishr Yantra, a group of five instruments that can indicate when it is noon in different cities all over the world. Pretty amazing, isn't it?

2. To Marvel At The Artistic Product Developed By A Talented Visionary

Picture Credits: _wanderer95

Maharaja Jai Singh is said to have been an amateur astronomer and mathematician himself, always poring over texts and attaining knowledge in several languages. He believed that the tables, charts and handheld devices used by the astronomers and scientists of his time could not provide accurate measurements, and he thus decided to apply his knowledge to building such instruments that could solve the purpose more efficiently and precisely. With this sole initiation and determination, the Jantar Mantar in Delhi as well as those in four other cities across India took shape.

3. An Insight For Researchers To Decode The Indigenous Knowledge

Picture Credits: zubair._.zuby

The design of the observatory showcases the scientific acuity and sheer ingenuity possessed by ancient Indians, attracting architects, astronomers, scientists and art historians from all over the world to study and decipher the significance and functioning of the various instruments. The observatory derives its name from the Sanskrit words ‘Yantra’ meaning instrument and ‘Mantra’ meaning ‘talisman’ or ‘formula’. It was designed to accurately measure the positions and movements of the sun, the stars, the planets and the moon; to predict the time of the day and make weather forecasts. 

4. Astronomical Devices That Can Predict Everything From Changing Weather To Planet Placements

Picture Credits: Easin Sayed Adil

The Samrat Yantra or the King Of Instruments is basically a giant sundial with precision markings so that it can measure the declination of the heavenly bodies as well as the exact time of the day. The Ram Yantra is formed by a pair of hollow circular buildings that together measure the altitudes of stars. The Jai Prakash Yantra consists of hollow hemispheres with markings inside. It shows the sun’s position twice a year at the time of the equinox. Another device known as the Hindu Chhatri can predict weather changes and the onset of monsoons. 

5. Easily Accessible By Delhiites Living In Several Districts Of Delhi

Picture Credits: zubair._.zuby

The Jantar Mantar is situated on Parliament Street, close to Connaught Place and very easily accessible from both Patel Chowk and Shivaji Stadium metro station. It’s a popular item on every tourist’s itinerary when visiting Delhi. Since it’s pretty much located in the heart of the city, it makes it easily accessible and one of the major rallying places for protests.

The vast open space and lush greenery of the site provide its visitors with a quiet and comfortable place for some respite from the city’s constant hustle & bustle, making it an ideal place for peaceful contemplation - come on over and get an eyeful of this ancient marvel!

Where | Jantar Mantar - Sansad Marg, C.P
Timings | 6 AM - 6 PM