Jantar Mantar, located in Jaipur, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the biggest observatories in the world. The monument was far ahead of its time at the time of its construction and the techniques involved in it. Covering an area of almost 18,700 sq. km, the Jantar Mantar combines the elements of science, art and religion. It stands as a symbol of the princely era in Jaipur and royal heritage in Pink City. The unique structure of the monument attracts both lovers of astronomy as well as those attracted with its significance and heritage.
Jantar Mantar was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734, with the name itself derived from Sanskrit words meaning “Yantra” and “Mantra”. Yantra means instruments and Mantra means formula.
The term Yantra was replaced with Jantar. Inside the monument there are various kinds of astrological and architectural instruments which arouse the interests of astronomers and historians all over the world.
Maharaja Jai Singh II, the founder of Jantar Mantar, had a passion for astrology and other subjects including religion, philosophy and architecture.
He was well-acquainted with several mathematical concepts including Ptolemy’s syntaxes, Aryabhatta’s master works and Euclid’s elements.
The Jantar Mantar observatory is renovated often and houses various instruments that provide time measurement, sun declination, constellation positions, azimuth and other astrological phenomena.
Jantar Mantar also consists of 19 geometric devices that measure time, observe orbits around the sun and track constellations.
The most famous structures in Jantar Mantar include Hindu Chhatri, Jai Prakash Yantra, Samrat Yantra, Rasivalaya, Chakra Yantra, Rama Yantra, Yantra Raj, Nadivalaya and Digamsa, besides other astronomical devices that help in the analysis of the universe.
If you and you loved ones want to explore this brilliant and historic piece of architecture, then Maharajas Express is the way to go about it. There are a number of itineraries which let you visit the Jantar Mantar, including Treasures of India, Gems of India Tour, The Indian Panorama, The Indian Splendour and The Heritage of India.