Jama Masjid Delhi




Delhi was under the Mughal rule for nearly three centuries and as a result the city has many monuments that were constructed during this time. These monuments are the finest examples of the Mughal architectural grandeur and prosperity. The construction of Jama Masjid began during the era of Emperor Shahjahan in 1650. The construction of this famous masjid took six years to complete. Although Emperor Shahjahan has constructed many mosques in and around Delhi, Jama Masjid still remains as the biggest mosque ever constructed in India.

Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, is situated in Chawri Bazaar road. This is one of the busiest streets in the Old Delhi. This becomes the largest mosque in India because of the courtyard of this mosque can accommodate up to 25,000 people. This large courtyard is 75m long and 65m wide. The masjid is constructed with red sandstones with eight domes. These domes are decorated with marble in a pattern of purple and white stripes. There are two minarets that are separated by three galleries and they overlook open twelve sided domed pavilions. The hall under the domes of the masjid has seven arched entrances and is paved with marble as well. The prayer hall has eleven arched entrances with slim minarets. The mosque stands on the pulpit that is about five feet high and one can enter the mosque from the east, west, north and south. The floors of the mosque are decorated with white and black marbles. These patterns on the floor resemble the prayer mat used by the Muslims, which is three feet long and one and half feet wide, thus there are total of 899 mats marked on the floor.  

The peculiarity of this mosque resides in the fact the large hall stands on 260 pillars and on all these pillars are artistically carved as per Hindu and Jain traditions. Near the north gateway there is a cupboard which displays many antique items that are several centuries old. Some of them are the Quran written on deer skin, the red bread hair of Prophet Muhammad, his sandals and also his footprints that are imprinted on marble blocks are all on display.  

History of Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is the largest and most renowned mosque in India which is the brain child of Emperor Shahjahan. This Masjid remains the last architectural endeavor of the great Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. As per the history, Emperor Shahjahan himself laid the foundation for this holy shrine on the hillock of Shahjahanabad, the bygone capital of Mughal Empire.

It is said that the Jama Masjid was completed at a cost of ten lakhs under the supervision of Saadullah Khan, the then Prime Minister of Shahjahan. The Masjid is built 30 feet above the ground level. It took 5000 highly skilled workers to complete this biggest monument which was completed over a period of six years.

The Masjid was constructed with utmost faithfulness and Holy Quran was recited before the installation of each stone. A special care was taken during its construction to ensure that the podium was above the royal throne in the Red fort. It is believed that many nobles have gifted precious stones for the decoration of the Masjid.

Best Time to Visit

Devotees can visit the mosque on all days of the week and mosque is mostly crowded during the festive days. There are no entrance fees to the mosque.

How to Reach

By Road

As this mosque is one of the major attractions in Delhi, thousands of visitors come here daily. There are local bus services available as well as rickshaws that can take visitors to the destination without much hassle.

By Rail

The nearest metro railway station is the Chandni Chowk station.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

OUR PLANING

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