Samrat Yantra: A Monumental Sundial in Delhi

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Explore the Samrat Yantra, a colossal sundial in Delhi's Jantar Mantar, showcasing 18th-century astronomical precision and India's scientific heritage.

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Samrat Yantra

The Samrat Yantra, located within the Jantar Mantar complex in New Delhi, is a colossal sundial and one of the most significant instruments for astronomical observation. Constructed in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, it showcases India's advanced understanding of astronomy in the 18th century.

A brief summary to Samrat Yantra

J6G8+QJQ, New Delhi, Janpath, Connaught Place, Delhi, 110001, IN

Local tips

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the Samrat Yantra and the other instruments within the Jantar Mantar complex.
Hire a local guide or rent an audio guide to learn about the history and function of each instrument.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like Connaught Place, Janpath Market, or India Gate.

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Getting There

Walking

From Connaught Place, head southwest on Janpath Road. Walk for approximately 10 minutes until you reach Jantar Mantar on your left. The entrance is easily visible from the road. There are no entry fees for photography, but video filming will cost ₹25.
Public Transport

Take the Delhi Metro Violet Line to Janpath Metro Station. Exit from Gate 2 and walk for about 10 minutes (650 meters) to Jantar Mantar. Alternatively, Patel Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line) and Rajiv Chowk Metro Station (Yellow/Blue Line) are also nearby, about 1 km away. From the metro stations, you can hire an auto-rickshaw for around ₹30-₹50. A metro ride typically costs ₹10-₹20.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From anywhere in Delhi, use a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Ola) to reach Jantar Mantar, located on Sansad Marg, near Connaught Place. A short taxi ride within Connaught Place will cost approximately ₹55-₹70. Be aware that parking in Connaught Place can be challenging and expensive; hourly parking rates are around ₹40 for four-wheelers.

Discover more about Samrat Yantra

The Samrat Yantra, meaning 'Supreme Instrument,' is the centerpiece of the Jantar Mantar observatory in Delhi. Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah, constructed it in 1724 as part of his mission to revise astronomical tables and calendars. This remarkable structure is not just a sundial; it's a precision instrument designed to measure time and the declination of celestial bodies with remarkable accuracy. The Samrat Yantra stands as a giant triangle, with its hypotenuse aligned parallel to the Earth's axis, pointing towards the North Pole. Flanking the triangle are quadrants marked with graduations indicating hours, minutes, and seconds. As the sun moves across the sky, the shadow cast by the gnomon (the triangle's hypotenuse) falls on these quadrants, allowing observers to calculate the local time with an accuracy of up to two seconds. The structure stands 27 meters tall and the base of the gnomon is 44 meters long. Beyond its time-telling capabilities, the Samrat Yantra served as a tool for advancing astronomical research in India. It facilitated accurate timekeeping, eclipse predictions, and the study of celestial positions. Today, the Jantar Mantar, including the Samrat Yantra, stands as a testament to India's rich scientific and architectural heritage, attracting visitors from around the world. Other instruments within the Jantar Mantar include the Ram Yantra, the Jai Prakash Yantra, and the Mishra Yantra, each designed for specific astronomical observations.