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Jantar Mantar (Yantra - instruments, mantra - formulae) was constrcted in 1724. Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur who built this observatory went on to build other observatories in Ujjain ,Varanasi and Mathura. ai Singh had found the existing astronomical instruments too small to take correct measurements and so he built these larger and more accurate instruments. The instruments at Jantar Mantar are fascinating for their ingenuity, but accurate observations can no longer be made from here because of the tall buildings around.

History

The history of Jantar Mantar traces the history of astronomical interest of India. The Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory in Delhi constructed by King Sawai Jai Singh II. Located in the bustling Sansad Marg, the Jantar Mantar is another example of the scientific achievements of ancient India.

Constructed in the year 1724, the observatory was the result of Sawai Jai Singh’s passion for astronomy related subjects. It was called the Yantra Mantra. Jai Singh built four other such observatories in Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura and Varanasi.

Fast - Facts

Location: It is located in Parliament Street in Connaught Place.

History: It was built by Sawai Jai Singh II.

Architecture: It is an astronomical observatory which consists of different structures in sandstone to calculate the movement of celestial bodies and the planetary positions.

How to Reach: The tourists can take auto rickshaws, taxis, buses or the Metro Rail to reach Connaught Place. Jantar Mantar is located in Connaught Place.

Attractions: Astronomical shows are organized yearly where you can get to know about the planets and their position.

Nearest Shopping Venues: Connaught Place, Janpath, Palika Bazaar, Central Cottage Industries Emporium

Nearest Metro Station: Connaught Place

Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport

Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station

Nearby Attractions: Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory, built by Sawai Jai Singh II. The tourists who visit Jantar Mantar also visit the nearby attractions of Jantar Mantar. The Jantar Mantar built in 1724 reflects the rational and curious mind of the Indians and their thirst for scientific knowledge. In the 18th century this observatory stands as a proof of the nascent scientific achievements of India. The other Jantar Mantar is located in Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain and Mathura.

There are six main instruments inside the Jantar Mantar Observatory.

Samrat-Yantra: The most important instrument kept inside Jantar Mantar is Samrat-Yantra, a huge sundial. It is an equinoctial (equal hour) dial, which comprises of a triangular gnomon. The hypotenuse of the gnomon is parallel to the earth's axis. Either side of the gnomon is attached with a quadrant of a circle, which is parallel to the plane of equator.

Jai Prakash Yantra: Jai Prakash Yantra is used to determine the position of Sun, along with other heavenly bodies. This instrument was designed by Jai Singh and is made up of two concave hemispherical structures.

Ram Yantra: To the south of the Jai Prakash Yantra is Ram Yantra. A circular structure, it has a tall pillar in the middle. Jai Prakash Yantra was used for reading azimuth (horizontal) and altitude (vertical) angles.

Misra Yantra: Misra Yantra, a combination instrument, is sited to the northwest of Ram Yantra. The instrument is so called since it comprises of a number of instruments in one. It is much similar in appearance to the stylized 'namaste', the Indian form of greeting. The Niyta-Chakra of Misra Yantra indicates Greenwich, Zurich, Notkey (Japan) and Serichew (Pacific Ocean) meridians.

Dakshinottarabhitti Yantra: Dakshinottarabhitti Yantra is the instrument that was used for obtaining meridian altitudes. The Karka-rasi-valaya of the instrument revealed the entry of the Sun in Cancer constellation.

Agra Yantra: Agra Yantra is the second quadrant on the west side of the building. It is not known for what purpose was the instrument used.