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This is the second Jantra Mantar that we visited (the first being in Delhi) both were built by Sawai Jai Singh II in the 1720s and 30s. It is located close to the City Palace. Sawai was an honouree title given to Jai Singh (and his descendants) by Emperor Aurangzeb due to his wisdom and wit. In rough terms it means that he is above other men in mind, a man and a quarter. If you look at the palace two flags are flying, a flag and a quarter, in recognition of this title.
Some of the instruments here were similar to the ones in Delhi, including the Samrat Yantra below. This one is 90ft in height and 147ft in length and is accurate to with 2 seconds.
This is one of the arcs where readings are taken. The steps up are very steep.
Below is the Narivalaya Yantra which has a couple of functions. The two parallel faces are inclined at 27o and so are in the plane of the celestial equator. This means that one faces is in use between 21st March and 23rd September and the other works the rest of the year.
The angle of the shadow around the pin in the centre of the disc shows the time, as this gentleman is checking.
To the foreground of the picture below are the Rasivalaya Yantra which are Zodiac Instruments. The set of twelve instruments are unique to this park. Each is a small sun dial but they are aligned with its corresponding constellation, enabling readings to be taken when the zodiacal sign crosses the meridian. It is therefore used in the making of horoscopes.
This is one part of the Jai Prakash Yantra, which consists of two hemispherical instruments that can be used to record the position of the sun and other heavenly bodies. The pair can also be seen in the previous picture. Each marble strip will give readings for one hour and are divided between the two bowls. The gaps enable someone to stand inside and take more accurate readings. Indeed it is considered one of the most accurate instruments on the site and was used to double check the others. The foundations are lined with lead to reduce the effect of temperature changes. If you look carefully you can see a pair of cross wires at round level supporting a small disc above the centre. The disc has a hole in it and where the light shows in the shadow, cast by the sun, is where the reading is taken. At the time this picture was taken the shadow is was on the brick work, so readings would need to be made in the other bowl.
This view taken from within the park shows the rear of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), described in the section on the Pink City.
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