Jantar Mantar, Delhi 

The word Jantar/Jantra is derived from the Hindi word yantra, which means an instrument, while the suffix Mantar is derived from the Hindi word mantrana, meaning consult or calculate. The primary purpose of Jantar Mantar was to compile astronomical tables and to predict the times and movements of the sun, moon and planets. Some of the most distinct instruments that the complex houses are the Ram Yantra, Samrat Yantra, Jayaprakash Yantra and the Mishra Yantras.

How Does it Work?

Delhi's Jantar Mantar consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments which can be used to compile the astronomical tables and to predict the movement and timings of the sun, moon and planets. The intelligent construction and placement of these instruments allowed the observer to note the position of heavenly bodies with their naked eye alone.

Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur was keenly interested in these astronomical observations and the study of all the systems, and he erected this observatory upon the instructions of Muhammad Shah. Built out of brick, rubble and then plastered with lime, these instruments have been restored from time to time without making any significant alteration.

The apparatus here pertains to Egypt's Ptolemaic astronomy and follows three classical celestial coordinates to track the positions of heavenly bodies- namely horizon-zenith local system, the equatorial system and the ecliptic system. There are four primary devices constructed here: The Samrat Yantra, the Jai Prakash, Ram Yantra and Misra Yantra. There lies a small temple of Bhairava to the east of the main site and even that was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II.

Structures Inside Jantar Mantar

There are various instruments within the observatory of Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, namely Samrat Yantra, Jayaprakash, Misra Yantra. The Samrat Yantra is a giant triangle which is 70 feet high, 114 feet long and 10 feet thick. It is a sundial meant to measure the exact time of the day with the accuracy of half a second. Although at that time sundials did already exist, but Samrat Yantra was a revolutionary one as it was extremely precise and could be used to measure the declination angle of planets as well.

Jayaprakash Yantra consists of hollowed out hemispheres with some marking on the concave surfaces. An observer can align the position of a star with various markings or a window's age from inside. The Misra Yantra was designed in order to determine the shortest as well the longest days of a year. It also indicates the exact moment of noon in different cities and locations regardless of the distance from Delhi. Interestingly, the Misra Yantra is the only tool in the observatory that was designed by Raja Jai Singh. There is also a Ram Yantra which represents the two circular buildings to the south of Jai Prakash.

History of Jantar Mantar

King Sawai Jai Singh was an accomplished scholar himself and was commissioned the task of confirming and rectifying the current data available on the movement of celestial bodies by Emperor Muhammad Shah. Jai Singh wanted to refine the ancient Islamic zij tables so that the exact hour of the day could be determined. Eventually, he wanted to define a precise calendar and make accurate astrological predictions for both individual and social benefit. To achieve this, he built Jantar Mantar in the year 1724 and the observatory in Delhi was the first one to be built. Eventually, other observatories were constructed in Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura as well. However, the condition of this observatory deteriorated quite a bit by 1867. After ceaseless efforts on the part of the government to restore it to its former glory, Jantar Mantar is now a popular tourist destination famous all over the country.

Best Time To Visit Jantar Mantar

The best time to visit Jantar Mantar in Delhi is during the cool, dry season. You can choose to go sightseeing anytime between November and March. During this period, the weather remains pleasant. The temperature of Delhi ranges from 20 to 25 degrees in October. In November, the temperature falls from 15 to 20 degrees. We suggest you wear light clothes along with sunglasses and a hat.

Tips For Visiting Jantar Mantar

• Most of the instruments depend on sunlight, so to understand how they work, make sure you visit on a sunny day.
• Paying for a local guide is highly recommended if you wish to learn how each fascinating instrument works.
• Don’t forget to carry a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated.

How To Reach Jantar Mantar, Delhi

By Metro: The nearest metro stations are Rajiv Chowk and Patel Chowk. You can get down at Rajiv Chowk metro station (Gate 6) and hire an auto to reach the complex. It is 2 km away from the station. If you choose to get down at Patel Chowk, the observatory is situated within walking distance.

By Train: The observatory is 2.5 km away from New Delhi railway station.

By Bus: You can hire buses from any part of the city to Palika Kendra bus stand, which is very close to the entry gate of the observatory.