Type Observatory Nearest city Ujjain, Indore Original use Determine Eclipses Construction started 1725 Rebuilt 1974 | Location Ujjain, India Area Malwa Elevation 76 m Founder Jai Singh II Restored 1982 | |
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Address Chintaman Road, Jabsinghpura, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh 456010 Owner Ujjain Municipal Corporation Similar Chintaman Ganesh temple - U, Kal Bhairav temple - Ujjain, Gopal Mandir, Mangalnath Mandir U, Maharshi Sandipani Ashram | ||
Vedh Shala or Jantar Mantar is located in the holy city of New Ujjain. It is an observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1725 which consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments. The observatory is one of the five observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II when he was governor of Ujjain.
Vedh Shala was constructed with the aim of measuring local time, altitude (of the place) and also to measure declination of the Sun, stars and planets and to determine eclipses. Motion, speed and properties of stars and planets were also recorded using several special instruments.
Jai Singh II was also an astronomer and had deep interest in science and astronomy. In early 18th century, he sent his scholars to several countries to study design, construction and technology of the observatories and also the prevalent technology. The scholars returned with their observations and many manuals on astronomy. Subsequently between 1724 and 1737, Jai Singh II had five observatories constructed in Jaipur, Mathura, New Delhi, Ujjain and in Varanasi.
Geographically, the city of Ujjain is considered the Greenwich of India due to the fact that the first meridian of longitude passes through it.