Jama Masjid, Delhi

About Jama Masjid
Built in 1656, Jama Masjid is the country's largest mosque in India, where thousands of Muslims offer prayers. Jama Masjid lies opposite the Red Fort and is surrounded by a large number of shops, which deal in a variety of goods. The great mosque of Old Delhi is both the largest in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees.

Built by Shahjahan, the massive Jama Masjid can hold about 20,000 worshipers at a time (Drive past). Located close to Chandi Chowk (one most vibrant shopping region in Delhi) and the colossal Red Fort, the mosque receives large number of visitors coming to Delhi.

The Architecture
A religious masterpiece, Jama Masjid is also known as 'Masjid-i-Jahan Numa', 'Jahan' means 'World' and Numa means 'Visible'. Designed as Emperor Shahjahan's principal mosque, the masjid is built in red sandstone. White marble has also been used extensively, specially in the three domes and has been inlaid with stripes of black.

The vast paved courtyard is a rectangle nearly 75 metres by 66 metres. The whole of the western chamber is a big hall, standing on 260 pillars all carved from Hindu and Jain traditions. The central courtyard is accessible from the East, though there are three ways on the other side too. Built by a workforce of 5,000 people, the mosque's three gateways, four towers and two minarets are testimony to the fine architecture of that period.

Tourist Information
Visiting Time: Daily dawn-dusk; closed during prayer times.
Entry Fee : Entry is free but tourists must pay Rs100 if carrying a camera.
Went To Visit : Between October to March is the best time, but being a religious monument it can be visited at any time of the year.
Note : Please open your shoes before entering the mosque. The shoe wallah should be tipped Rs10.

Other Attractions Near the Jama Masjid
Red Fort
Built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan, the Red Fort is a sight to see. Red Fort or lal qila as it is more popularly known is a masterpiece of architecture and one of the most haunting spots for tourists from both India and abroad.

Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar was the first Islamic structure Built in India. One of the most visited tourist spot of Delhi, Qutub Minar was built in 1199 by Qutub-ud-Din. . It is 72.5 m high and one has to climb 379 steps to get to the top. The diameter of the base is 14.3 m while the top floor measures 2.7 m in diameter.

India Gate
India Gate is a majestic high arch, 42 meters high, built as a memorial to the Indian soldiers killed in the World War I. The surrounding area is an ideal place for spending sometime with family and friends.

Getting There
Air : The temple is located in New Delhi so reaching it won't be a problem.
Rail : Delhi has two railheads - New Delhi Railway Station and Old Delhi Railway Station, both of which is connected to rest of India by several trains.
Road : Delhi has well defined road and can be reached from nearby place very easily.