Jantar Mantar in Delhi

The famous Jantar Mantar is an integral part of Delhi Tour. It is Delhi's historical astronomical observatory that was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur, India in 1724.

Jantar Mantar in Delhi is a collection of massive stone astronomical instruments that aid in making accurate astronomical calculations. Raja Sawai Jai Singh built this observatory beacause he wanted to calculate planetary positions accurately, so as to perform pujas (sacred rituals) at the right time. He drew inspiration for the construction of Jantar Mantar from the observatory at Samarkhand that was constructed by Ulugh Beg. Several astronomical experiments were carried out at the massive Jantar Mantar that were utilized for creating astronomical tables that were later compiled by Zij Muhhamad Shahi.

The four main instruments at Jantar Mantar are the Samrat Yantra, Jayaprakash Yantra, Misra Yantra and the Ram Yantra. These instruments are large and fixed, making them resistant to vibrations.The two concave hemispheres at the Jayaprakash Yantra are simply marvelous. Used to note the local time, Sun's position and zodiac signs, the Jayaprakash Yantra was especially significant. The Ram Yantra was utilized to determine celestial co-ordinates and the Misra Yantra was used to find out the shortest and longest days of the year.

An integral part of India's scientific and historical heritage, the Jantar Mantar in Delhi is a history seekers delight. The term Jantar Mantar owes its origin to the Sanskrit terms 'Yantra Mantra' that mean instruments and formulae.


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