Jama Masjid in Delhi India

Jama Masjid, situated in the busy and narrow by lanes of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi is one of the most significant mosques of the country. This is one of the greatest Mughal mosques which came into existence in that grand era. It is also known as 'Masjid-i-Jahanuma' which translates into the meaning of 'the mosque commanding view of the world'. It is located in the area, just opposite to the famous Red Fort. This is often seen as the replica of the Moti Masjid of Agra.

History & Construction of Jama Masjid

The great mosque of Old Delhi is thought out as the final architectural extravagance of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan with a courtyard that has the capacity to hold more than 25,000 devotees and is spread across a vast area and measures about 65m by 35m. Built in 1656 comprising a court that forms a square of 100m, it is an eloquent reminder of the Mughal religious dedication. Its spacious courtyard holds thousands of the faithful devotees who offer their prayers here with purity in their hearts. More than 5,000 craftsmen have put in their hard work and dedication in the construction of this mosque. The artistic architectural has the blend of both Hindu and Mughal style of architecture. This great mosque was constructed out of vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. The three domes of the mosque has been extensively been carved out of white marbles and have been inlaid with stripes of black. It is said, that during the Mughal era, every Friday, the emperor and his followers used to travel in the state from the fort to the mosque in order to attend the congressional prayers.

Jama Masjid is also called the Friday congregational mosque because Muslims turn up in large numbers to offer Namaz on Fridays. This magnificent structure stands on the Bho Jhala, one of the two hills of the old Mughal capital city of Shahjahanabad. On the east, this monument faces the Red Fort and is surrounded by three gateways, four towers and two minarets. The characteristic feature of the mosque which makes it unique is its wide staircases and arched gateways. The main eastern entrance, which was believed to be used by the emperors are kept closed on weekdays. The floor of the mosque has been ornamentally covered with white and black marble to give an impression of the Muslim prayer mat. The main prayer hall on the west side is adorned by a series of high cusp like arches, standing high and erect on 260 pillars which support about 15 marble domes at various elevations. The mosque contains several miscellany 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.

The courtyard of the mosque can be reached from the east, north and south by three flights of steps, all constructed in red sandstone. The northern gate of the mosque has 39 steps, the southern side comprises 33 steps and the eastern gate of the mosque which is believed to be the royal entrance has 35 steps. These steps used to stock food stalls, shops and street entertainers in earlier times and in the evening, the eastern side of the mosque used to be converted into a bazaar for poultry and birds.