Varanasi Jantar Mantar

The observatory is located in the roof of the famous palace, Man Mahal that is near Dashashwamedh Ghat. The observatory is located 6 km away from the railway station and 7 km from Banaras Hindu University(BHU). One can easily reach the observatory by taxi, auto rickshaw or rickshaw from any major destination.

What to See ?

The observatory includes many stone instruments that are used to find the position, distance and other characteristics of all the planets, moon and sun. Top instruments to spot are

• DigansaYantra : finding the angle of stars
• SamratYantra and LaghuSamratYantra : declination, hour angle, time and other characteristics of stars
• Chakra Yantra : declination of moon and sun
• Narivalayandakshin : location of stars
• Dakshinobiti Yantra : altitude of stars on meridian

Attractions Nearby Jantar Mantar

• Ramnagar Fort
• Shitala temple
• Man Mandir Ghat
• Dashashwamedh Ghat
• Darbhaga Ghat

History behind Jantar Mantar

Maharaja Jai Singh II was an astronomer who sent scholars to study the technology and construction of observatories to several countries in early 18th century. In 1724, he started building observatories and completed his work in 1737. There are literature works that indicate that the observatories were functioning about 200 years before 18th century. According to the literature, the observatory was built by Mawnsing which mural and marble. The king built the observatories to measure local time for finding the auspicious time. It also measures the distance of planets from the sun, eclipses and others.

Best Time To Visit Jantar Mantar?

The observatory is open from six in the morning until five in the evening. The observatory will be at prime beauty throughout the year but the best time to visit is during winter due to pleasing climate. With cloudy skies, the rainy season is the worst time to visit this observatory.

Eat ?

There are no restaurants inside the observatory. You can find a lot of stalls and shops around the spot, near the ghats.

Enquire Now