Jantar Mantar, Ujjain - Timings, Entry Fee, History & Artifacts

At a distance of 2.5 km from Ujjain Junction, Jantar Mantar is an observatory located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Also known as Vedha Shala, it is the oldest observatory in India, and among the well-known places to visit as part of Ujjain packages.

Jantar Mantar in Ujjain was built by Sawai Raja Jai Singh between 1725 and 1730 AD to help the Hindu scholars and astrologers with their research and studies. Furthermore, the then Maharaja of Gwalior, Madhav Rao Scindia renovated it in 1923 AD. It is the oldest among the five built by Jai Singh in India, the others situated at Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, and Varanasi. According to some Indian astronomers, the Tropic of Cancer is supposed to pass through Ujjain, which makes Jantar Mantar a more important observatory for Hindu geographers as well. The architectural masterpiece enjoys a great significance in the field of astronomy even today.

The name Jantar Mantar comes from the Sanskrit words 'Yantra' and 'Mantra' meaning the magical instrument. This observatory has various instruments like Shanku Yantra, Digyansha Yantra, and Sundial used for many astronomical calculations such as time of day, positions of Sun, stars, and planets in the solar system. The Samrat Yantra calculates the time, Nadi Walaya Yantra calculates the Equinoctial days, Digyansha Yantra calculates the positions of the planets and stars, while Bhitti Yantra calculates the suns declination and its distance from the zenith. Also, the observatory has a telescope and planetarium.

It is the only observatory among the observatories of Jaysingh where Masonic instruments are even today utilized for astronomical studies. Several data including the study of planetary motions get published every year.

Timings: 7 AM - 7 PM

Entry : Rs. 40 for Indians & Rs. 200 for Foreigners, Rs. 50 for Camera, & Rs. 150 for Audio Guide