jantar mantar, dehli

 Jantar Mantar, Delhi: An Overview

Jantar Mantar in Delhi is an astronomical observatory built in the early 18th century by the Rajput king Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. The name "Jantar Mantar" comes from the Hindi word Jantar (instrument) and Mantar (formula), reflecting the site's purpose of astronomical observation and study.

Location

Jantar Mantar is located in the heart of Delhi, on Sansad Marg, near Connaught Place. It is easily accessible by metro, buses, and taxis from various parts of the city.

History and Purpose

Jantar Mantar was one of five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, who was a keen astronomer. The purpose of this observatory was to study celestial movements, and it was equipped with several large instruments that helped determine time, the position of stars and planets, and other astronomical phenomena.

This observatory in Delhi was completed in 1724, and it remains one of the largest of the five Jantar Mantars constructed in India, the others being in Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Mathura. However, the Delhi Jantar Mantar is the best preserved and most visited.

Key Instruments

Jantar Mantar houses 13 major architectural astronomy instruments, including:

1. Samrat Yantra (Supreme Instrument): This is the largest and most important instrument in the observatory. It is a massive sundial used to calculate time with great precision. The Samrat Yantra can measure time to an accuracy of 2 seconds and is a giant triangular structure.

2. Jaiprakash Yantra: A set of small, hemispherical instruments designed to measure the altitude and azimuth of celestial bodies. It provides highly accurate readings of planetary positions.

3. Rashivalaya Yantra: This instrument is used for finding the positions of the 12 zodiac signs and is a key component of the celestial study at the observatory.

4. Misra Yantra: A device used for measuring time during the day and also for measuring the altitude of celestial objects.

5. Chakra Yantra: A circular instrument used to measure the altitude and azimuth of stars and planets.

Function and Usage

The instruments at Jantar Mantar were primarily used to measure time, observe celestial bodies, and make astronomical calculations. The observatory's designs were based on traditional Indian astronomy and were remarkably advanced for its time. They allowed the king and astronomers to observe stars, planets, eclipses, and other celestial phenomena. The instruments were also used to determine the proper times for religious and agricultural activities.

Although it no longer functions as an astronomical observatory today, it stands as a testament to the advanced understanding of science and mathematics during the Mughal and Rajput periods.

Architectural Features

Jantar Mantar is an excellent example of Indian scientific architecture, with each instrument carefully designed to serve a specific astronomical purpose. The structures are built in stone and marble, and many are quite large, some towering as high as 27 meters. The precision of the instruments reflects the scientific knowledge of that era.

Jantar Mantar Today

Today, Jantar Mantar is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It serves as a popular tourist attraction and is a symbol of India’s scientific heritage. It’s a place where people can learn about astronomy, historical scientific advancements, and India's contributions to the field.

Visiting Jantar Mantar

• Opening Hours: Jantar Mantar is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Entry Fee: A nominal fee is charged for entry. There are discounts for students and children.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Jantar Mantar is during the cooler months, from October to March, when the weather in Delhi is more pleasant.

How to Reach Jantar Mantar, Delhi

Jantar Mantar, located in the heart of New Delhi, is easily accessible by various modes of transport. Here’s how you can reach the monument:

1. By Metro:

The Patel Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line) is the nearest metro station to Jantar Mantar. From here, it’s a short walk of about 5 minutes (500 meters) to the monument. Alternatively, you can also alight at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station (Yellow or Blue Line), located about 1 km from Jantar Mantar. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk from Rajiv Chowk.

2. By Bus:

Delhi’s extensive bus network connects Jantar Mantar with many parts of the city. The closest bus stop is Sansad Marg or Jantar Mantar Stop. You can catch buses from areas like Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, and Chandni Chowk.

3. By Taxi or Cab:

You can easily book a taxi or use ride-hailing services , a taxi ride to Jantar Mantar will take about 5 minutes.

4. By Auto-Rickshaw:

Auto-rickshaws are also an affordable and convenient option for short distances. Jantar Mantar is well-known, so most drivers can take you directly.