Jantar Mantar, Ujjain – Overview

Jantar Mantar (Vedh Shala) in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is an 18th-century astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1733. Part of a network of five observatories across India, this site showcases ancient Indian astronomical brilliance with its stone and brass instruments designed to study celestial movements. You can visit during Ujjain Local sightseeing By cab

Located near the Tropic of Cancer, Ujjain’s Jantar Mantar features 17 instruments, including the Samrat Yantra (largest sundial in India), which accurately measures time to 2 seconds. The observatory played a key role in Vedic astrology and calendar calculations.

How to Reach Jantar Mantar, Ujjain

• By Air: Nearest airport – Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore (55 km, 1.5-hour drive).

• By Train: Ujjain Junction (3 km, 10-minute drive).

• By Road:

  • From Indore: Buses/taxis (55 km, 1.5-hour drive).

  • From Mahakaleshwar Temple: Auto-rickshaws (5-minute ride).

Key Instruments & Timings

• Samrat Yantra (Sundial): Measures local time with precision.

• Nadivalaya Yantra: Tracks celestial equator movements.

• Digamsa Yantra: Determines sunrise/sunset directions.

• Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Open all days).

Things to Do

1. Study ancient astronomical instruments with a guide.

2. Observe the Samrat Yantra’s shadow for time calculation.

3. Attend the light-and-sound show (seasonal).

4. Photograph the geometrically precise structures.

5. Visit the small museum explaining Vedic astronomy.

Significance

• Scientific Heritage: UNESCO-listed as a site of astronomical importance.

• Vedic Connection: Ujjain was a prime astronomy hub in ancient India.

• Architectural Marvel: Instruments built with mathematical precision.

Nearest Tourist Places

1. Mahakaleshwar Temple (2 km) – Jyotirlinga shrine.

2. Ram Ghat (3 km) – Sacred Kshipra River bathing site.

3. Kal Bhairav Temple (4 km) – Tantric worship site.

4. Sandipani Ashram (3 km) – Krishna’s guru’s hermitage.

5. Harsiddhi Mata Temple (5 km) – Shakti Peetha.

FAQs

Q1. Is there an entry fee?

• Yes (₹25 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners).

Q2. Are guides available?

• Yes (₹200–500) for detailed explanations.

Q3. Best time to visit?

• Clear mornings (10 AM–12 PM) for accurate shadow readings.

Q4. Can kids visit?

• Yes, educational for science enthusiasts.

Q5. Is photography allowed?

• Yes, no restrictions.

🚩 Travel Tip: Visit between 11 AM–2 PM when the sundial’s shadow is most visible. Carry a hat/water bottle in summer! 🌞