Jantar Mantar : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Jantar Mantar, one of India’s most unique World Heritage Monuments, is an 18th-century astronomical observatory located in the city of Jaipur. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, this remarkable monument is a valuable example of the Hindu astronomical tradition, complex mathematical calculations, combined with a scientific approach. Visiting this monument provides a remarkable insight to its rich historical and scientific significance. In this blog, you will find interesting facts about Jantar Mantar, its ancient history, key information and a travel guide to the site.

Interesting Facts About Jantar Mantar

1. Jantar Mantar Jaipur is the largest among the 5 remaining observatories of Jai Singh II, who was the founder of Jaipur.

2. The observatory was built by Maharaj Jai Singh II in the 18th century.

3. It was built to measure time, predict eclipses and track the position of stars and planets.

4. Several instruments present in the observatory were used to measure the local time, azimuth, altitude and declination of celestial bodies.

5. The structures of the Jantar Mantar are built out of stone and marble, which gave way to its name – Ja-tar – which means stone.

6. The Jaipur observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, and tracking stars in their orbits.

7. The most important instrument used in Jantar Mantar is the Samrat Yantra – an enormous triangular structure.

8. Thesamrat yantra acts as a sundial and stands 27 meters high.

9. Jantar Mantar also houses an instrument called the Brahma Yantra, which was designed to show the altitude of a star in the sky.

10. The Vrihat Samrat Yantra, constructed in 1734, is one of the largest sundials in the world. It has the capability of telling the exact time, accurate to 2 seconds.

• Jama Masjid : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

History & Information About Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. It was completed in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who was a Rajput ruler of the Kachwaha dynasty. The observatory is an important characteristics of Jaipur city and is filled with various instruments which were used to measure time, track celestial bodies and observe the orbits of the stars. Each structure represents a different astronomical instrument, all composed of stone and marble. The instruments were used to measure the position of heavenly bodies, the local time, and to calculate the dates of eclipses, solstices and equinoxes, among other things.

This observatory is one of five built between 1724 and 1730 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the other four are located in Ujjain, Varanasi, Mathura and Delhi, which are now in a state of disrepair. Jantar MantarJaipur is thought to be the most accurate and largely preserved of the five, and continues to work with great precision even after almost 300 years. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.

Today, Jantar Mantar is a popular tourist attraction but is still used by astrologers and astronomers to study the movement of celestial bodies. In addition to its astronomical purpose, Jantar Mantar is also an important architectural feat. Its large stone masonry and intricate details make it a unique part of Jaipur’s history and an important element of Indian Heritage.

• Interesting Facts,History & Unique Things About City Palace,Udaipur

Travel Guide For Visiting Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, Rajasthan is a collection of architectural structures built in the early 18th century by Hindu Raja Sawai Jai Singh II. The structures are used for astronomical observations and contain various instruments like sundials, zodiacal instruments, astronomical tables, and even time-keeping devices. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the five Jantar Mantar monuments built by the founder of Jaipur.

Getting There

To get to Jantar Mantar from Jaipur city centre, it’s about a 10-15 minute drive. There are buses and auto-rickshaws that will take you there.

What to See & Do

At Jantar Mantar, visitors can explore the monumental works of astronomy and learn about the history and uses of each instrument. Astronomy enthusiasts can also take part in interactive activities like star gazing and astronomical talks. The observatory has become a popular tourist attraction in the city and is a must-visit for anyone interested in astronomy.

There are several activities that can be enjoyed at Jantar Mantar. Tourists can spot stars, planets and constellations from Jantar Mantar’s astronomical instruments. They can also observe the sunrise and sunset and experience the sound of time machines ticking all around them.

Jantar Mantar is open everyday from October to March from 8.00 AM to 6.00 PM and from April to September from 9.00 AM to 7.00 PM.

Where to Eat and Stay

Nearby to Jantar Mantar, you will find a range of local restaurants and eateries. Hotel Solitaire near Jantar Mantar offers guests top-notch amenities and great service. Alternatively, for a budget-friendly stay in the Rajasthani capital, you can check into Arya Niwas, which is also conveniently situated near the monument.

Overall, Jantar Mantar is a great way to learn about Indian astrological heritage and explore the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Whether you are an astronomy buff or not, it is a must-visit when in the city.

• Amaravati Stupa : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Basar Saraswati Temple : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Jantar Mantar

Q: What is the history of Jantar Mantar?
A: Jantar Mantar is an 18th century astronomical observatory located in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was built by the founder of the city, Maharaja Jai Singh II, in 1734. It is comprised of 14 astronomical instruments, which were used to measure the movements of the stars and planets.

Q: Why does Jantar Mantar attract so many visitors?
A: Jantar Mantar is a spectacular example of Rajput engineering and attracts visitors due to its advanced features and stunning structure. The instruments at Jantar Mantar are still used to measure the positions of the stars and planets, making it an awe-inspiring sight.

Q: What are the main instruments found at Jantar Mantar?
A: The main instruments at Jantar Mantar are the Samrat Yantra, Ram Yantra, Jaya Prakash Yantra, Misra Yantra, Chakra Yantra, Digamshamsha Yantra, Kranti Yantra, Mishra Yantra, Nadi Valaya Yantra, and Vrihad Yantra. They’re used to measure the stars, planets, time, and distances.

Q: Are there any opening and closing hours for Jantar Mantar?
A: Jantar Mantar is open every day from sunrise to sunset and there is no entry fee.

• Great Living Chola Temples : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide