Jantar Mantar In Varanasi Is A Marvel Of Ancient Indian Science

Ancient Indian scholars and astronomers have always been fascinated with the planets and stars and there are texts that have details on the various studies that have been done on these. From manually observing the changing seasons and the effects of the planetary positions on these seasons to maintaining a record of these observations, the studies on planets and especially the sun have been continuous. Before the advent of technology and satellite pictures, Indian scholars and astronomers had built observatories to study the movements of the sun and other relevant planets. Some of the noted observatories are in Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura and in Varanasi. 

The Jantar Mantar in Varanasi was built by the Raja of Jaipur, Jai Singh in 1737 and he was well known as a keen astronomer and as someone interested in science and technology. Records indicate that he sent his scholars abroad to observe observatories and they returned armed with many manuals on astronomy and the latest findings from their visits. He then started work on the Jantar Mantar in Varanasi based on the ones already existing in different places in India. The main purpose of the Jantar Mantar was to study the stars and the planets, the declination of the stars, the Suns declination and altitude and importantly to measure time. Many instruments were built of masonry that recorded the motion of the stars and planets along with their speed and to further study astronomy, the most relevant fact about the Jantar Mantar in Varanasi is that it is still relevant today and is as efficient as it was when it was first built. Its most important structure is the equatorial sundial that is installed allowing for an in depth study of the suns movements that also helped in anticipating the next eclipse.

The accuracy in the geometry here has fascinated historians and astronomers and records show that there were yantras or instruments here too like the Ram Yantra, Samrat Yantra, Disa Yantra, Krantivritta Yantra etc. This structure must be a definite stop on ones itinerary while in Varanasi and it is situated quite close to the famous Dasavamedha Ghat. Varanasi is also a very ancient city, reputed to be among the oldest living city in the world and is a sacred city for Hindus. It has an importance in Buddhism as well as for the Jains and sees thousands of visitors every day. Many people come here for the religious experience while others come to see and to experience the unique feeling that this fascinating city has. Varanasi is also known as the Lord Shiva’s favorite place on earth and his devotees come here to pay homage to him as well as to the Goddess Ganga who is found here in the form of the holy river, Ganga.

Visit the ancient temples and the Ghats of this city as well as the Jantar Mantar in Varanasi to get a glimpse of the various facets of this incredible place.