Jantar Mantar - New Delhi

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Site Name: Jantar Mantar
Site Type: Astronomical Observatory
Location:  New Delhi, India
Highlights: One of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh
Nearest Railway Station: Delhi
Nearest Airport: Delhi
How to reach: Well connected by road, rail and air
Hotel: A lot of options are available within Delhi city
Restaurants: Many options and varieties across the city

New Delhi, the capital city of India, has a lot of important tourist sites. Some of them are religious sites whereas many of them are historical places and monuments. There are even parks, gardens and malls. Out of all these places of interest, Jantar Mantar alone stands as a unique site. It is one of the five astronomical observatories constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the beginning of 18th century AD.


Jantar Mantar means 'instrument and formula'. The Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah gave him the task of revising the calendar and astronomical tables. The king Jai Singh, who was a great astronomer, built five astronomical observatories across central and north India. All those structures are called as 'Jantar Mantar'. The one found in New Delhi was built in 1724 AD.




The observatory in New Delhi has four distinct instruments - Samrat Yantra, Ram Yantra, Jayaprakas and Mishra Yantra.


The Samrat Yantra is the supreme instrument in this structure. It is a giant triangle. It is meant for measuring declination and other related coordinates of various heavenly bodies. The Jayaprakash Yantra can be used to align the position of a star with various markings. The Mishra yantra can indicate when it is noon in various cities all over the world.


Although it is difficult for a common man to understand the purpose of these instruments, Jantar Mantar has become an important picnic spot for the common Delhi citizens. It is one of the frequently visites sites in the city.


Happy travelling.



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