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Jama Masjid: The Great Mughal Mosque
Jama Masjid is the largest
mosque in India. Located in Old Delhi, the mosque has the capacity
to accommodate 25000 devotees. Jama Masjid was completed in 1656 AD
and it was again the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan behind this architectural
masterpiece. Close to some 5000 craftsmen were involved in the construction
of the msque. It is located in Old Delhi, just opposite to the famous
Lal Quila or the Red
Fort.
Jama
Masjid is also called the Friday congregational mosque because Muslims
turn up in large numbers to offer Namaz on Fridays, called as the
yaum al-jum`a. Masjid-i-Jahan Numa popularly called as Jama Masjid,
means the mosque commanding a view of the world. The mosque is a real
example of great architecture that existed during the Mughal period.
It has the blend of both Hindu and Mughal
style of architecture.
Jama Masjid has three gates, two minarets - 40 meters in height and
four towers. The minarets are made up of red sand stone and white
marbles bearing stripes of black color. Tourists visiting the mosque
have the option of wearing the traditional ceremonial clothes available
at the northern gate. Jama Masjid used to be the main mosque of Shah
jahan. The mosque stands on the hill of Bho Jhala, in the old Mughal
capital called Shahjahanabad. Prayer hall on the west is adorned by
high cusped arches and marble domes.
The mosque contains several remnants of the Muslim Religion like a
replica of the Quran written on a deer skin, a red beard-hair of the
prophet, sandals of the prophet and his footprint. It is believed
that the total cost of Rs.10 lakhs was incurred for the construction
of the mosque. Shah Jahan has many mosques to his names that include
the famous Moti Masjid at Agra and other mosques in Ajmer and Lahore
(in Pakistan). One of the specialties of Jama Masjid is the high ground
construction that makes the appearance even more beautiful. Broad
and high steps lead to the main gateways.
The eastern gateway was perhaps used by the emperors during the Mughal
Rule. It is close on weekdays. One can have the view of Old Delhi,
Red Fort and some parts of New
Delhi from the Southern Minaret. A nominal fee of Rs. 5 is charged
for sight seeing from this particular spot.
Additional Information about Jama Masjid
Located At:
Old Delhi, near Read Fort
Visiting Hours:
Daily from dawn to dusk. Closed during prayer times. (Entry closed
for women after 6 pm)
Entry Fee:
Entry is free but tourists will have to pay Rs. 100 if they carry
a camera along with themselves.
Best time to visit:
Between October and March. However, there is no specified or advised
time because it is a religious place and one can visit at any time
of the year.
Other Instructions:
- Leave your shoes at the entrance. The person taking care of
your shoes will charge you Rs. 10 for the service.
- Be neat and clean while you visit the mosque.
- You can easily reach the mosque via important land mark like
ISBT, Connaught
Place and ITO.
- One can also reach Jama Masjid by Delhi Metro Rail Service.
The nearest Metro
station is Chawri Bazaar
- Guides and local tours operators in the city would guide you
to jama Masjid.
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