The Colossal Telescopes

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 observatory consists of elephantine stone observation devices, which get a good degree of accuracy due to their enormous dimensions. It is the biggest of the five observatories, which Jai Singh II had built. The majority of the devices are typical for big observatories in the Islamic world. But his instruments are unique as concerns precision, size and architectural perfection. At least, 120 years after the invention of the telescope, they still provide amazing results. At first glance, this famous Astronomical monument of Jaipur 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. With these creations, Sawai Jai Singh II made studying astronomy and astrology easier. His observatories were used as laboratories, where one could test oneself on various calculations and check them by practical observations. Formerly, these observatories were used to accommodate academic seminars, conferences, discussions, and, especially, to prepare zodiac charts and almanacs. Over 90 feet in height, the big sundial (Brihat Samrat Yantra) is the most impressive and the largest structure. The ramp that forms the indicator is orientated to the north at 27 degrees, gradient equivalent to the latitude of Jaipur. Thus the ramp points exactly to the Celestial North Pole. The wing shaped scales are made of marble as the side edges of the indicator are covered with delicate measuring divisions. According to the size and architectural precision, the shadow shows the local time accurate within four minutes. Using a sighting stick accuracy lies within seconds! It is still used by astrologers today and acts as a cynosure for them during the full moon days of June and July, when the instrument is used to predict the monsoon rains, and subsequent success or failure of crops. Horoscopes have played, and still play a copious role in Indian life, so it is not at all surprising to find here a separate structure for each of the 12 signs of the zodiac. Someone dexterous in taking the readings, can ascertain the position of the dominant planet with respect to earth and the sun, and if supplied with such information as the exact local time at the moment of birth of the subject, the astrologer can chart a unabridged horoscope. The scales are also devised to allow calculation of each person's most auspicious time of the day. This magnificent structure surely amalgamates learning and playing and you can enjoy the vivacity in these astronomical domains while still looking for your "most auspicious time of the day"! Take a tour of Jantar Mantar to see the historical monument of Rajasthan

Jantar mantar is one of Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories. Constructed with stone and marble its complex instruments whose settings and shapes are precisely and scientifically designed represent the high points of Medieval Indian astronomy. The Ram Yantras used for gauging altitudes are unique in their isolation. this is the largest of the five observatories founded by Sawai Jai Singh-II in various parts of the country.

Major Yantras or instruments that you can watch moving clockwise are: Small 'Samrat', 'Dhruva', 'Narivalya', The Observer's Seat, Small 'Kranti', 'Raj' 'Unnathamsa', 'Disha', 'Dakshina', Large 'Samrat', 'Rashivalayas', 'Jai Prakash', Small 'Ram', Large 'Ram Yantra', 'Diganta', Large 'Kranti'

Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

November 9th 2009 Administrator

The Jantar Mantar is a unique collection of oversized brick and mortar astronomical instruments located in the old city of Jaipur. Built between 1728 and 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it is an unusual example of architecture designed in the service of science Highlights include: 1. Ram Yantra: A cylindrical instrument built in pairs to measure the altitude and azimuth of celestial objects including the sun. 2. Digansa Yantra: Used to calculate sunrise and sunset and forecast weather. 3. Kapala Yantra: Predecessor to the Jai Prakash. 3. Chakra Yantra 4. Jai Prakash Yantra or The Mirror of the Heavens: This is a complex hemispherical sundial designed for both daytime and nighttime readings. 5. Rashivalaya Yantra: This instrument is composed to twelve pieces, each representing a different

zodiac sign, and was used to draw horoscopes. 6. Samrat Yantra: This Supreme Instrument is the largest sundial in the world and is designed to tell the local time of Jaipur. It rises over 73 feet above its base and creates an arc that reaches 45 feet in height. 7. Dhakshinodak Bhitti Yantra: This instrument is used for observing the different altitude of heavenly bodies. 8. Unnatasha Yantra: Designed to measure altitude of any object at any time. 9. Yantra Raj: This is an astrolabe, used to calculate the positions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars. The circular disc is made 7 alloys so that its size remains unaffected by the weather. The hole in the center of the instrument is the position of the Pole Star. 10. Narivalaya Yantra: Used to calculate the position of the sun as well as the local time. 11. Laghu Samrat Yantra: Small sun dial.