Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar, New Delhi India

Only a short stroll down the Parliament Street from the Park Hotel, lies the strange collection of salmon-coloured structure of Jantar Mantar, one of Maharaja Jai Singh's observatories. Surrounded by new office buildings it portrays an almost futuristic look, in fortuitous harmony with its modern surroundings. The esoteric structures corroborate many astronomical phenomenon and are even used by modern day scholars to determine position of astral bodies. A perfect amalgamation of religion and science, the observatory, still in its own unsecularized integrity, is comparable only with the witnesses in stone of the archaic cultures. Built in 1710, during the period generally known as the dark age of Indian history, this awe-inspiring melting pot of astronomy and related architecture is a must see for every tourist to Delhi.

Revealing A Scientific Thesis In Red Sandstone

As soon as you will step into the premise, an unsurpassable urge of inquisitiveness will embrace your mind. At first glance, the observatory appears to be a curious, if somewhat compelling collection of sculptures. In fact, each construction has a specific purpose, for example measuring the positions of the stars, altitude and azimuth, and calculating eclipses. Jantar means 'instrument' while Mantar (the same word as 'mantra') is usually translated as 'formula' but here it means 'calculation'. So, 'Jantar Mantar' means something like 'instrument for calculation.'

The sprawling periphery of Jantar Mantar is dominated by the colossal Samrat Yantra, or supreme instrument that according to the size and architectural precision, reflects the local time accurate within four minutes! Walk a few metres to the south of the Samrat Yantra, to experience the amazing Jai Prakash, an instrument designed by Sawai Jai Singh himself. The imagination consists of two concave hemispherical structures which together ascertain the position of the sun and other heavenly bodies.

Wander around the lush manicured garden and you can see people enjoying their evenings with their loved ones. The place always bustles with crowd who come here to see the grand construction and rest in the shadow of science. Walk up to the awesome Misra Yantra or Mixed Instrument, which stands to the right of the garden near the main entrance.

You will be amazed to know that this ingenious device accurately depicts the time in four other places in the world when it is noon in Delhi. One can also enjoy typical Indian snacks sold by the mobile vendors who cluster outside the main gate. It is indeed fun to chew 'chatpati moongfali' (spicy fried peanuts) while exploring the mysteries of old Indian way of astronomical forecasting.

The Jantar Mantar is open daily from sunrise to sunset and there is no entry fee. Situated in the heart of Delhi, near Connaught Place, the most happening place in Delhi, it is easily accessible from all over the city. Regular city bus services are available to fetch you to this curious creation of maharaja of Jaipur. Beside at a stone's throw is the bustling Janpath market, from where you can pick up exquisite souvenirs for your loved ones. All these never-ending enchantments together with a thirst to know more, attracts millions of tourists round the year from all pockets of the globe.