Jama Masjid is also known as Friday congregational mosque because thousands of worshipers visit the mosque to offer Namaz. Masjid-i-Jahan, popularly tagged as Jama Masjid, means the sacred place controlling a view of the world.

Location

It is located at a distance of 500m away from the stunning edifice Red Fort, on the Bho Jhala in Old Delhi.

History

The Jama Masjid is one of the largest and oldest mosques in India that flaunts the architectural finesse of bygone era. The splendid Jama Masjid was built in 1628 AD by more than five thousand workers and took almost seven years in completion. This unique structure was constructed around an enormous budget of ten lakh rupees and built under the direction of Shah Jahan’s prime minister-Saadullah Khan. The edifice was constructed in such a way that you can get entry in the main prayer hall from any direction. Earlier the mosque was used to be a madarasa, which was destroyed during Indian Independence struggle.

Architecture

Jama Masjid is an architectural marvel of Delhi. The stunning and fascinating mosque is an outstanding example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The magnificent building is built with marble and red sandstone. This architectural wonder has the capacity to accommodate approximately 25,000 worshippers at one time. Wide red sandstone leads to entryways on East, South and North sides of the mosque. The tower is constructed of five separate storeys; each one is marked by a shielding balcony. Beautiful and captivating calligraphy beautifies its adjacent structures. The first three storeys of the tower are framed with red sandstone; the fourth one is wrapped up with marble, while the fifth storey is constructed of red sandstone again. The grounds of the South Minar are 1076 sq feet and it can easily accommodate 25,000 devotees in a single time.

The main entryway is through the Buland Darwaza, which is 54 metre high. Buland Darwaza or the Gate of Victory was built to celebrate Akbar’s conquest in Gujarat. This imposing entrance is reached by an equally stunning flight of steps. Inside is the colossal courtyard that is took over by white striped and two red sandstone minarets that cap the main prayer hall on the west side facing the holy pilgrimage Mecca. The mosque is covered with elaborated carvings and has verses written from holy Quran.

The main prayer hall of the mosque is made up of marble domes and high cusped arches. It is 28 meters on the west side and stands on 260 pillars that hold up 15 marble domes at several elevations. The marvelous façade has more than eleven arches; all are bedecked with three splendid domes. In comparison with other arches, the central arch is higher and serves as the main entry gate. Devotees use this hall on all week days. The cabinet, which is placed in the north gate of shrine, consists of a collection of Muhammad’s artifacts- the text of Quran written on deerskin, sandals of prophet, footmarks of prophet his red beard hair, all these are placed in a marble block.

Most impressive and attractive features of Jama Masjid

The must see attention-grabbing features of the mosque consist of the main gateway, the central dome, pointed arches, the iron door of the principal entry gate. The sight of the main gateway from within the mosque, embellishments of interiors and exteriors, the prayer hall within the holy place and views from southern entryway are some of the best features of this intriguing piece of architecture.

Main Imam

The first imam of Jama Masjid was employed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, till now there is no break on it. The main imam of the mosque is the direct descendant of the first imam. People of other religions are not allowed to visit the sacred mosque between 12:30 pm-2:00 pm. Devotees are required to enter the mosque bare-footed, wearing lungi and head covered with handkerchief.

Tombs

The tomb of Sultan Ahmed Shah is known as ‘roja’ that is located at the eastern entryway of the mosque. The tomb was built Mohammad Shah II in the remembrance of his father. It houses the graves of three great rulers of Gujarat- Qutub-Ud-din Ahmed Shah II, Mohammed Shah and his grandson and Ahmed Shah I along with his son. A nobleman, Farhatul Maluk repaired the tomb after a period of 100 years; he also got the mosque walls carved. Today, even after centuries, the mosque looks stunning and serving as a sacred prayer place for countless Muslim worshippers who are living in the city.

Quick look on some important facts

• Location- Old Delhi
• Built by- Shahjahan
• Built between- 1644-1656
• Significance- Largest mosque of India
• Best time to visit- October to May
• Visiting Hours- 9 am to 7 pm (Except 12:45 pm to 2:15 pm and 4 pm to 5:15 pm) (All Days Opened)
• Photography / Videography- Rs 150/- is charged for both still camera and movie camera.
• Entry fee- Entry is free For worshippers who visit the mosque every week, but tourists have to pay Rs 100-/

Jama Masjid is an ideal pilgrimage destination for Muslims, to pay their reverence. This elegant mosque throng s thousands of worshippers from every part of India and open for people of all caste, religion and creed. Visit this mammoth architectural structure and get impress with Mughal architectural skills.