St. Philomena’s Church | Mysore

Information

Landmark: St. Philomena’s Church
City: Mysore
Country: India
Continent: Asia

St. Philomena’s Church, Mysore, India, Asia

The Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observation complex located in New Delhi, India. It comprises a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments.

Visual Characteristics

The Jantar Mantar is constructed primarily from local stone and plastered with lime. The structures are large, geometric, and designed for precise measurement. Key instruments include the Samrat Yantra (a large gnomon), the Jai Prakash Yantra (a hemispherical bowl), and the Ram Yantra (a cylindrical structure). Colors are predominantly earth tones of stone and plaster, with some weathered metal components.

Location & Access Logistics

The Jantar Mantar is situated in the heart of New Delhi, adjacent to Connaught Place. It is approximately 2 kilometers west of India Gate. Vehicle access is restricted within the immediate vicinity; parking is available in paid lots around Connaught Place. The nearest metro station is Rajiv Chowk (Blue and Yellow Lines), approximately a 5-minute walk away. Several DTC bus routes serve Connaught Place.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Jantar Mantar in New Delhi was constructed in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. Its purpose was to compile an accurate astronomical table and to study celestial movements. It is one of five such observatories built by Jai Singh II across India.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the function of the large astronomical instruments. Guided tours are available, explaining the purpose and operation of each structure. Photography of the instruments is permitted. Educational demonstrations of how the instruments track celestial bodies are sometimes conducted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shaded areas are provided by the structures themselves. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good within the complex. Food vendors are not present within the Jantar Mantar; however, numerous options exist in the surrounding Connaught Place area.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for observing the Samrat Yantra's shadow is between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, when the sun is highest. The best months for visiting are from October to March, offering cooler temperatures and clear skies. No tide considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

The Samrat Yantra, the largest instrument, can measure the declination of celestial bodies to an accuracy of 20 arcseconds. A lesser-known fact is that the instruments were designed to observe the heavens without the aid of telescopes, relying solely on geometric principles and the sun's position.