JANTAR MANTAR
INTRODUCTION
 Jantar
Mantar is an important landmark of Delhi and a unique edifice.
It is an observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II, the erstwhile
ruler of the princely state of Amber and a contemporary of
the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Constructed in 1724, this structure
lies at the heart of the city as a symbol of the technological
strides of the Rajput dynasty. The various abstract structures
within the Jantar Mantar are, in fact, instruments that were
used for keeping track of celestial bodies. Nevertheless,
the Jantar Mantar is not only a timekeeper of celestial bodies:
it also tells a lot about the technological achievements under
the Rajput kings and their endeavor to unravel the mysteries
pertaining to astronomy.
HISTORY OF JANTAR MANTAR
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.Jantar Mantar was created to monitor movements
of the celestial bodies. It consists of different abstract
structures which were used to know the deepest secrets of
the universe.
During the reign of Muhammad Shah, the Hindu and Muslim
astrologers were involved in brainstorming debate about
certain planetary positions. So to put an end to that and
also to determine the most auspicious hour for the emperor’s
expedition, Sawai Jai Singh decided to rectify the astronomical
tables. This resulted in the construction of Jantar Mantar.
DESCRIPTION OF JANTAR MANTAR
 A
massive masonry observatory, Jantar Mantar is a collection
of massive stone astronomical instruments that aid in making
accurate astronomical calculations. Raja Sawai Jai Singh 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 Zij Muhhamad Shahi. The four
main instruments at Jantar Mantar are the Samrat Yantra, Jayaprakash
Yantra, Misra Yantra and the Ram Yantra.
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.
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.
HOW TO REACH JANTAR MANTAR
Air- Delhi has an international Airport,
the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Taxi and Coach
Transfer, pre paid taxis, air conditioned and non A/C coaches
all can take you to the Jantar Mantar from the Airport.
Rail- Delhi is also the hub of Indian
railways Network with trains running to and from all parts
of the country.
Road- Buses from all the major places
in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh and Rajasthan are available for getting to Delhi.
During the summer months, air-conditioned coaches are recommended.
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates special services
from railway stations to different parts of the city.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
October to March
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