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Jantar Mantar is an important monument of Rajasthan. It is one of the five observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the period 1727-1733. The Jantar Mantar is the largest observatory and its name is derived from the Sanskrit word Yatra Mantra meaning chanting Instruments. The observatory has a collection of astronomical instruments which are believed to give correct information now also. There are fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars in their orbits, determining the declinations of planets, and also measuring the celestial altitudes and related ephemeredes. At Jantar Mantar in Jaipur each instrument built by stone and marble with an astronomical scale on the inner lining of each device.
At Jantar Mantar you will find different instruments like the Dhruva Yantra used to pinpoint the position of 12 Zodiac signs as well as the Pole Star at night. Kranti Yantra is used for direct measurement of the longitude and latitude of other heavenly bodies apart from earth and Unnsyhsmsa Yantra for determining the altitudes of the heavenly bodies. Chakra Yantra helps you to find an angle of an object from the equator. Disha Yantra is the compass which points always to the north. Dakshina Yantra observes the position of heavenly bodies when passing over the meridian. Jai Prakash Yantra act as a cross check on all the other instruments. Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the biggest stone observatory in the world, and it still gives correct information.
You can travel Jantar and Mantar by various means of transportation such as taxi, bus, car, jeep, animals, safari, and rickshaw (most common means of transportation).You can travel by booked vehicles according to your presence, comfort and budge which is suitable for long distance and not for short distance. You can travel by rickshaw for short journey. Some portion you can see on foot. Camel safari is also the best means. |
