Jantar Mantar Jaipur – Everything to Know before you go

What is Jantar Mantar? It is a historical astrological monument in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This monument was built in 1738. The site is a collection of 19 historic structures.

Also there are 17 other substructures. Thus, making a total of 35 structures. These structures allow observers to calculate astrological positions with naked eye.

Where is Jantar Mantar?

It is situated in the heart of Jaipur city across a street from City palace. The whole compound area is called Jaleb Chowk.

Also read: Samsung Service Centers in Jaipur

Jantar Mantar Jaipur History

Sawai Jai SIngh ll laid the foundation of Jantar Mantar in 1718 AD and the construction continued for 16 years. Eventually in 1734 AD it was completed.

Question – Who built Jantar Mantar?

Answer – Sawai Jai Singh ll built Jantar Mantar Observatory.

Must read: Tourists Places in Jaipur

Why was Jantar Mantar built?

Sawai Jai Singh ll witnessed a heated discussion in the court of Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah in 1718 AD. The argument was about calculating an auspicious date when the emperor could start a journey. For this reason he built observatories at 5 places:

• Delhi
• Mathura
• Ujjain
• Benares
• Jaipur

These observatories would help in calculating more precise readings of movement of sun, stars, planets and moon.

Also read:

• Travel Delhi to Jaipur
• Double Decker Delhi to Jaipur Train

Henceforth it would help in making astronomical calculations and predictions of solar or lunar eclipses. This was a benchmark amalgamation of religion and science in that era.

What does Jantar Mantar means?

Jantar in Sanskrit means instrument or machine. The origin of word Jantar is a Sanskrit word Yantra. Yantra means instrument or machine. Mantar is derived from Sanskrit word Mantra or Mantrana which means consultation or calculation. Thus, Jantar Mantar means Calculating instruments.

Also read: Jaipur Masala Chowk

Construction

Structures or Yantras in observatory are made of stone masonry. These are plastered with lime.

Some instruments are built using marble and polished for better finishing and precision. Certain parts of structures are made of astronomical metal scales and filled with lead for precise calculations.

Interesting Jantar Mantar Jaipur Facts

• This monument is protected & maintained by Archaeological Survey of India.
• The Samrat Yantra is world’s largest sundial with height of 27 meters.
• The Samrat Yantra sundial is precise up to 3 seconds
• An amount of 100000-150000 Indian Rupees were spent on its construction in 18^th century

UNESCO has given Jantar Mantar the status of World Heritage Site

List of structures/instruments in Jantar Mantar Jaipur

At the present time there are 19 structures in the observatory. To summarise here is the list with their functions:

Instrument's Name	Function
Brihat or Samrat Yantra	To tell time during day or night
Sasthamsa Yantra	To calculate Sun's distance and Zenith destance
Jai Prakash Yantra	To observe night time
Small Ram Yantra	Also to observe night time
Dhruva Darsaka Yantra	To show the pole star
Nadivalaya Yantra	To observe solar time
Horizontal Sundial atop Madivalaya Yantra	Horizontal sundial to observe time
Krantivritta Yantra	To function as Torquetum
Krantivritta ll Yantra	To measure celestial latitude and longitude
Daleshinottara Bhitti Yantra	To calculate altitude of a celestial object
Yantra Raj	To measure altitude, Zenith distance, local time, declination on longitude
Chakra Yantra	To calculate declination of celestial objects
Digamsa Yantra	To calculate angle of a zimuth
Unnathamsa Yantra	To calculate altitude of a celestial body
Rasivalaya Yantra	To calculate latitude of a celestial object
Kapala Yantra	To calculate local time and coordinates of the sun
Laghu Samrat Yantra	To measure time
Disha Yantra	Unknown

Historical Significance

The observatory was a result of culmination of principles of observational astronomy from various cultures. Jai Singh ll studied models of:

• Maragheh
• Ulugh Beg’s observatory at Samarkand
• European literature about instrumental astrology
• Ancient Sanskrit scriptures.

He contributed Zij-i Muhammad Shahi by observations made at these observatories. Jaipur became a Mecca for astrologers from around the country after the establishment of Jantar Mantar. Astronomers and astrologers would come to Jaipur to study and discuss their views.

Significance in Modern World

In fact some instruments are in working condition till today. The site attracts tourists from around the world. On the full moon day of Ashada month local astronomers gather at the Jantar Mantar so as to perform religious rites. They also predict monsoon rains in the radius of 100 kms.

Also read: Jaipur to Vaishno Devi Flight

Sound and Light Show

The Sound and Light show is a tribute to Jai Singh ll. For this reason it uses lighting, graphics and animations for storytelling. Timings for Sound and Light Show are:

Month	English	Hindi
October - February	6:30 PM	7:30 PM
March - April	7:00 PM	8:00 PM
May - September	7:30 PM	8:30 PM

The show duration is for 45 mins.

Jantar Mantar Jaipur Timings

The monument is open for tourists everyday from 9 AM in morning to 4:30 PM in the evening.

Jantar Mantar Jaipur Ticket Price

Ticket price are 40 Rs for Indian and 200 Rs for Foreigner (per person).

In case you are carrying a still or video camera additional charges are applicable.

Nearby attractions

The monument is situated in the center of tourism activities in Jaipur. In brief here is a list of some equally important places of interest around it. In other words, Jantar Mantar nearby places.

• City Palace (50 Yards)
• Hawamahal (1.1 Kms)
• Sargasuli (450 meters)
• Albert Hall (2.6 Kms)
• Kalki Temple (500 Meters)

How to reach Jantar Mantar Jaipur?

The site is well connected to every part of town by buses, cabs, taxis, autos & e-rickshaws. Buses drop in the market 350 meters far from Jantar Mantar therefore, visitors can hire an e-rickshaw or walk up to the site.

• Airport – Jaipur International Airport (12.3 Kms)
• Railway Station – Jaipur Railway Station (5.2 Kms)
• Bus Stand – Sindhi Camp Bus Stand, Jaipur (2.7 Kms)
• Metro Station – Chandpole Metro Station (2.1 Kms)

Was it interesting and helpful read? Do share it with your friends online and give us a like on Facebook.