Jantar Martar India, The Super Astronomical Observatory - Hidden Science, History, Timing & Mysterious Facts

The Jantar Martar at Delhi one of the five astronomical observatory, was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in 1724.  He was an astronomer and mathematician too, and designer of most of the astronomical structures in this observatory. 

The most amazing fact is that this observatory uses no telescopes at all, but has some structures that were built to keep track time, and other important astronomical observations, and able to do a good job. One of the main objectives to build this observatory was obtain accurate astronomical precise and exact times for several reasons, like the exact times for beginning of religious ceremonies, and the astrologers also need exact time for their astrological tables, and calculate astronomical predictions, and horoscopes. In general, the topic of astrology in the Hindu Scriptures has been discussed a lot in Sanatan chronology. Many think that these type of observatory can be seen in ancient Hindu temples, but unfortunately most have been destroyed. For example, according to some historians, the famous Qutub Minar actually was an observatory that was made in the Gupta period and was known as the Vishnu Stambh at that time.

This amazing astronomical observatory has between thirteen and nineteen brick and mortar instruments, possible this observatory also houses the world's largest sundial. This is so Incredible but true, still very advanced instruments, with mathematical precision, that steps on some of the instruments measure accurately the position of the star, the seasons, the motion, and positions of the planets, more amazing when it is noon time, not only in India, but other cities of the world. Even advanced for our present day. These instruments. none made of metal unlike the previous ones, that with use, wear and tear lose their accuracy. Something so necessary in astronomical observations, and astrological too. Most of these brick and mortal instruments were designed by Maharaja Jai Singh II, except one was designed by his friend Jai Prakash, and this instrument is named after this other astronomer friend, of this Maharaja. From time to time these brick instruments are repaired, unfortunately in the opinion of some visitors, and others, these structures need more care and more upkeep. As already mentioned, this observatory is still used by astronomy students, amateur astronomers, and also by astrophysicists, and others. Another issue is this scientific buildings, now around this ancient site to study the stars, obstructs the view of the sky, also projecting their shadows on the instruments, at different times of the day. Back when this observatory was originally built, little did Maharaja Jai Singh II, and his friend Jay Prakash imagined one day in their future, Delhi would be a large metropolis and this amazing observatory would be surrounded by tall buildings. Even so, up to this present day it is accurate.

Some of the most important instruments in this Jantar Mantar Observatory are: 

Samrat Yantra: This is a large triangular shape. It base is 21.3 meters height, a 34.6 meters base, a width, and a large hypotenuse measuring 39 meters. which is parallel to the Earth's axis.This instrument is built pointing to Polaris, also measures hours, minutes and seconds. Also used for other astronomical study. It is an amazing instrument. 

Digamsa Yantra: Also called the Azymuth Yantra, as this name implies it was used to measure the Azymuth of stars, and to compliment the measurements from the Ram Yantra, Ram Yantra, this is a tall pillar that is the middle of two circular structures, with a division in the middle, making this structure a base floor, and another on top of the base floor. There are strings, or cords that are attached to the markings on the complimentary instrument, a concave (sphere) with marking, and an astronomer standing at the Ram pole and by placing the strings on the markings, to find out the exact position of stars and other celestial bodies.

Jayayaprakash Yantra: Named after a close friend, and astronomer, who designed this instrument Jai Prakash. This instrument that measures the position of the Sun, Moon, stars and other celestial bodies. 

Yantra Raj: This instrument accurately calculates eclipses lunar and solar, as well as the position of the planets. There is more about all the astronomical work able to be done with these amazing brick and mortar structures. If ever in Delhi visit this observatory, you will enjoy this great accomplishment of Indian astronomy. The Jantar Mantar Observatory is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

How To Reach There:

Airport :Indira Gandhi International Airport

Railway Station :New Delhi Railway Station

Bus Station :ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Anand Vihar ISBT Terminal

Opening and Closing Time:

Opening Time :06:00 am

Closing Time :04:00 pm