Varanasi . Kashi, the capital of all learning, is the mine of knowledge, including religion and spirituality. Astronomy is also not untouched by this. To support this, Sawai Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur shaped the observatory in 1734 on the second floor of Maan Mahal near Dashashwamedhghat. This made the unsurpassed example of Rajasthani architectural craft made of sandstone in 1600 by Raja Man Singh of Amer (Rajasthan) even more unique and magnificent.
Due to Maan Mahal, this end of Dashashwamedh Ghat is known as Maan Temple Ghat. The palace attracts unmatched specimen of Mughal and Rajput architecture, with a balcony built of stones. The evidence scattered in the upper part of the palace shows how planets and constellations were used 400 years ago through Vastu and Astrology. Between 1699 and 1743, the observatory was shaped by saving individual instruments. Like the precious pearl of the Science Rosary of Kashi, the intricate heritage is preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Sarnath Mandal. According to records, for the spread of astronomy, Raja Jai Singh had built similar observatories in Delhi in 1724, Ujjain in 1719, Mathura in 1737 and Jaipur in 1728.
Look at the Sun and Moon with instruments
The observatory was used to find the position of the lunar-sun, to study the speed and distance of stars and planets. For this, one to one instruments were installed at that time. In them, the emperor instrument was used to know the time and change in space, and the miniature emperor instrument used to tell the change in time and space. In addition to the position of the Sun-Moon and stars, the chakra instrument was used to measure their distance from the equator. Time and space calculations from the pulse ring, the northwest mural machine used to tell the planets reach the equator in space. Apart from this, information related to space was collected through Digansha Yantra.
Astrologer started construction of the observatory
According to the information recorded in the records, Samarth Jagannath, who was himself a skilled astrologer, played a major role in bringing this plan to the ground. The work was completed by Jaipur architect Mohan under the supervision of Sardar Sadashiva.
Time period shock till 19th century
By the 19th century the observatory had collapsed. In 1912, the observatory was renovated at the behest of then King of Jaipur Sawai Madho Singh. Lala Chimanlal Daroga, Chandulal Overseer, Raj Astrologer Pt. Gokulchand and Bhagirath Mistry are listed on a wall of the observatory.
ASI got four decades ago
The idea of a Jaipur royal house which gave heritage to Kashi, but in the stroke of time, everything got mixed up in the soil. Now only memories are left here. The instruments are still inhabited but parts of them have disappeared. Only time can be seen. In fact, after the kings, this heritage came under the possession of Rajasthan Government PWD. In the year 1980, it was given to the Archaeological Survey of India Sarnath Mandal for preserving it. Even after the handover, the rooms were occupied by the rough. The matter also went to court and could be preserved thereafter. At present, small information is lodged with the instruments so that people can understand about them.
Old walls have saved Benaras
The ancient walls of the Maan temple have saved the living Banaras in their hands. By saving technology and knowledge, the first virtual museum of the state was shaped by the National Science Council, which was inaugurated by the PM in January last year. It shows Banaras in a lively style through projectors from past to present. Whether it is the descent of the Ganges, the tour of the streets of Shivarchan or Benares, standing in one place can be done with great leisure. Ganges ghats are seen on 3D murals. On the screen, you will be able to see great sculptures, archaeological , historical and religious places of Kashi.
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