Man Singh Observatory is a historical and astronomical site in Varanasi, India. It is situated on the rooftop of Man Mahal, a palace built by Raja Man Singh of Amber in 1600 AD on the banks of the Ganga River.
Later on, the observatory was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur, who was a keen astronomer and patron of science. It houses several instruments made of stone and masonry that were used to measure the positions and movements of celestial bodies.
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The observatory is one of the five similar observatories built by Jai Singh II in different cities in India. It is a testimony to the ancient knowledge and scientific curiosity of India.
In this article, you will get to know the following points about the Man Singh Observatory,
Let’s see each of these points in detail.
How to reach Man Singh Observatory
By car: Once you reach Varanasi, take the Dashashwamedh Ghat Road and follow the signs to the observatory. The observatory is located on the western bank of the Ganges River, just adjacent to the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
By bus: Several buses run from the Varanasi bus station to the Dashashwamedh Ghat. Once you reach the ghat, you can walk to the observatory.
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By rickshaw: Rickshaws are a popular way to get around Varanasi. You can hail a rickshaw from anywhere in the city and ask the driver to take you to the observatory.
Man Singh Observatory timings
The timings of Man Singh Observatory in Varanasi are,
| Everyday | 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Time required | 1-2 hours |
Man Singh Observatory entry fees
The entry fees to Man Singh Observatory for various visitors are,
| Category | Entry Fee |
|---|---|
| Indian Citizens | ₹25 |
| Foreigners | ₹300 |
| Children (below 12 years) | Free |
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Attractions in Man Singh Observatory
Man Singh Observatory is famous for being a masonry composition observatory and is popularly known as the Jantar Mantar of Varanasi. It stands on the roof of the 300-year-old Man Mahal (Palace) or as it is called, the Man Singh Vedshala. You can reach it by climbing the stairs.
Inside, you can see some amazing instruments, such as:
- Samrat Yantra – This instrument measures the time and declination, and hour angle of celestial bodies.
- Digansha Yantra – This device calculates the azimuth or direction of celestial bodies from the observer’s location.
- Nadivalaya Yantra – This tool determines the altitude and azimuth of the sun above the horizon.
- Krantivritta Yantra – This apparatus estimates the coordinates of celestial bodies along the ecliptic plane.
In addition to these four, there are other yantras on display, such as Dhruv yantra, Disha Yantra, Dakshinottara Bhitti Yantra, Prakash Yantra, Chakra Yantra, Ram Yantra, and Uttar Gola. These yantras showcase a remarkable fusion of geometric shapes and scientific knowledge. They were used to study and measure the time, angles, movements, and distances of planets, stars, and other celestial objects and to create solar and lunar calendars.
The Man Mahal is a splendid example of Mughal-Rajput architecture with painted ceilings and stone balconies. The terrace offers a stunning view of the sacred River Ganga.
Things to do in Man Singh Observatory
- A literature and journalism section is there to know and learn more about the place.
- Watch the videos that are displayed depicting the incredible Varanasi.
- Discover the historical artifacts and items from different eras in the museum.
- Visit the music corner and listen to the masterful performances of various instruments through the headphones provided.
- Explore the entire structure of the palace and observatory.
- Admire and learn more about the architecture of the palace.
- Look at the scenic view of the ghats and the river Ganges from the top of the observatory.
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Best time to visit Man Singh Observatory
You can visit the Man Singh observatory throughout the year. However, the ideal time to visit this place is during winter, when the weather is more relaxed and more comfortable for exploring.
Other attractions near Man Singh Observatory
| Attraction | Distance from Man Singh Observatory |
|---|---|
| Man Mandir Ghat | 0.1 km |
| Dashashwamedh Ghat | 0.3 km |
| Kashi Vishwanath Temple | 1 km |
| Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das Park | 0.2 km |
These are some points you must know about the Man Singh Observatory. If you are in Varanasi, you should definitely visit this splendid place. It showcases astronomical achievements of the past and the meticulous craftsmanship of the instruments.
This place appeals to explorers who love new destinations and enthusiasts who are fascinated by astronomy. So make sure to visit and experience this historical and scientific wonder in Varanasi.
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