JAMA MASJID Location : Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi Original Name : Masjid-i-Jahan Numa Built By : Mughal Emperor Shahjahan Famous As : Largest mosque in India

Hallowed Be Thy Hands That Created Such Magic

Jama Masjid

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A voluminous shrine surely concocts a huge awe, and if it is the most eminent, no doubt, it will elevate a spiritual spirit to a million high. The Masjid-i-Jahan Numa, commonly known as Jama Masjid is ranked as the largest of the buildings of its class in India. It was built at a cost of a million, within a period of six years (1650-1656 AD) by Shahjahan, after he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. Masjid-i-Jahan Numa means 'the mosque commanding a view of the world', and the name Jama Masjid is a reference to the weekly congregation observed on Friday at the mosque. Despite the over-all vast proportions of the mosque, its various component parts have been blended together in such perfect harmony and effortless homogeneity as to result in a magnificent monument of great grace and elegance. The mosque is also known to house a curious collection of several relics in a closet in the north gate, more popularly a copy of the Holy Quran written on deer skin! During your holidays in Delhi, don't miss the chance to visit this haloweed shrine, for you will be overwhelmed to see the history unfold before your peeled eyes in the markets embracing the Jama Masjid.

Experience The Majestic Mosque

To get a good feel of the ancient royal era, enter the Masjid through the eastern gateway. Originally open only for the Emperor who retired to a private gallery above the gate, the gate can be reached via a flight of steps, all built of red sandstone. Prior to the 1857 War of Indian Independence, there was a 'madrassah' near the southern side of the mosque, which was pulled down after the mutiny. Stroll around the voluminous centre courtyard to see the 12 pillared kiosks surmounted by marble domes embellishing the four corners of the shrine. You will be amazed to know that it is one of the few mosques in India which women can enter.

Enter into the spacious prayer hall and you will see 11 multi-foil arches (a speciality of Jama Masjid) with a greater emphasis on the central one rising far above the roof level. The beauty is mindblowing! And the architecture is marvellous too! Surmounted by 12 sided domical marble kiosks, the roof top is adorned with alternating vertical strips of red stone and white marble. Three extremely elegant domes of white marble ornamented with strips of black marble, and white marble cupolas at the corners, have turned this imposing hall into a colouful checkerboard of great beauty and dignity. For some minimal amount, you can climb the southern minaret - if you're a man or you have one with you. Gaze around and you will be greeted with a magnificent view of the bustling Chandni Chowk market and the imposing Red Fort that dominates the skyline of this sector. You can also see one of the features that Sir Lutyens incorporated while designing New Delhi - the Jama Masjid, Connaught Place and Parliament House are in a direct line.

Cool Tips

The Jama Masjid is easily accessible from all parts of the city. Nestling in the old quarters of Delhi, the mosque can be reached via road and rail. Especially with the advent of Metro Rail, the mosque has come closer to the heart of Delhi. Shoes should be removed and tourists considered unsuitably dressed (bare legs for either men or women) can hire robes at the northern gate. The mosque is open to non-Muslims from half an hour after sunrise until half an hour before sunset, but it closes every Friday for two hours during mid-day prayers. The eastern gateway is open to public only on Friday and on Muslim festival days, while the regular entry is by either the north or south gate.