The World's Largest Stone Astronomical Observatory
Commissioned by astronomer-king Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II between 1728 and 1734, Jantar Mantar contains 19 geometric architectural instruments constructed from local stone and marble. It holds UNESCO World Heritage status for its exceptional scientific and architectural significance.
- Vrihat Samrat Yantra: The world's largest sundial, standing 27 meters (90 feet) tall, capable of measuring local solar time to an astonishing precision of 2 seconds.
- Jai Prakash Yantra: Two concave hemispherical bowls mapping the celestial sphere.
- Guided Tour Recommendation: An authorized astronomy guide or official audio guide is indispensable to understand how the instruments function.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a visit to Jantar Mantar take?
A standard guided tour requires approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.