Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, Rajasthan is quite an interesting architectural marvel. It was constructed in the 17th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The monument is basically an astronomical observatory that enables one to make cosmic observations that otherwise remain hidden to the general public. The structure is one amongst the five observatories made by the Maharaja. The monument was constructed with a purpose to build the interest of the common people in unraveling the mysteries of the cosmic world.

The name of the observatory comes from Sanskrit words 'Yantra' and 'Mantra'. Since Rajasthanis pronounced the letter 'Y' as 'J', the building was called Jantar Mantar. Every construction that the observatory houses, has a vital importance of its own. When combined these geometrical constructions are used to calculate eclipse, planetary positions and other such things. The observatory has amazed the historians and astronomers in India and abroad. The instruments present here are made out of stone and provide accurate information till date.

The Brihat Samrat Yantra, the giant Sundial is the most striking structure in Jantar Mantar. The sundial is triangular in shape with markings for hours and minutes on it. It held great importance in the ancient times when no other sources for knowing the time existed. It displays the exact local time in Rajasthan. The left arc displays the time from the morning till noon. The time for the rest of the day is shown by the right arc of the sundial. Do not miss the visit to this interesting monument during your trip to Rajasthan.