Jantar Mantar undergoing renovation

Jaipur's world-renowned Jantar Mantar observatory is undergoing renovation since January 2007 -- but is still open to visitors. The restoration efforts were required to fix the various openair architectural astronomical instruments and allied aids, which were deteriorating in condition. The structures were becoming brittle, breaking, some on the verge of collapse; the cemented plaster (mortar) on the devices were coming off and glass coverings were damaged.


The renovation, undertaken by the government, has displeased traditional Indian astrologers who say that some of the ancient gadgets are being dislocated and disturbed by the inexperienced workers who lack knowledge about astronomy and astrology.

Astrologers through hundreds of years have been using these monumental instruments as fixed tools - using their shadows to make forecasts. Dislocating these would lead to distortions in astrological calculations and upset the accuracy which has prevailed for hundreds of years.

Well, I only hope that if the structures are indeed being displaced, then somebody do something about it and right the wrongs!! Definitely not worth spoiling something that has stood and worked for hundreds of years...