The Jantar Mantar Observatory is the name of a remarkable ancient astronomical device located in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. This complex consists of 19 unique architectural structures, each serving a distinct purpose. The most impressive among them is the Samrat Yantra, a giant triangular structure standing 20 meters tall.
The Jantar Mantar Observatory is a unique complex of ancient astronomical devices located in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
This complex consists of 19 unique architectural structures, each serving a distinct function.
This complex was commissioned by Maharaja Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734 for the purpose of mapping and predicting the orbits of celestial bodies.
This is one of four Jantar Mantar observatories built based on the model of the first observatory in Delhi, located in various places across India. Among them, the Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the largest and best-preserved.
The most impressive structure is the Samrat Yantra, a gigantic triangular device functioning as a sundial.
The Rama Yantra consists of two large cylindrical structures with open tops and a vertical pillar in the center, used to measure the height of stars based on Earth’s latitude and longitude.
The Jai Prakash Yantra consists of two hemispherical sundials with marble slabs marked to create a reverse map of the sky, allowing observers to move inside to measure the altitude, azimuth, hour angle, and solar declination.
The Chakra Yantra consists of four semicircular arcs that create shadows to determine the solar declination at four specific times of the day, indicating the noon time at four observatories around the world.
The Nadi Valaya Yantra includes two sundials on different faces, one representing the Northern Hemisphere, allowing time to be measured with an accuracy of less than a minute.
The Rashi Valaya Yantra consists of 12 structures used to measure the coordinates of 12 different constellations, corresponding to the 12 zodiac signs.
Other structures measure various parameters of celestial bodies, track time at different levels, and calculate the Hindu calendar…
The Jantar Mantar Observatory is a vibrant testament to the architectural and astronomical achievements of ancient India. In 2010, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
