Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid in Delhi

Jama Masjid of Delhi is the largest mosque in India. The Jama Masjid is located in the old city. It stands in front of the Red Fort across the road. It projects beautifully into the Old Delhi skyline. It was built between 1644 and 1658. Near the Red Fort about 500m away is the Jama masjid mosque, the biggest masjid in India. It was begun by Shah Jahan in 1650 and was completed six years later and the whole cost about a million rupees. It is hard to imagine a building more suited to evoking the awe of the majesty of Allah in man. The Jama masjid mosque stands on a rocky elevation. Its huge gateway looks down at you like fastidious connoisseur from an immense platform which has steps that lead up to it.

History of Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid, the Friday congregational mosque, in Delhi is the largest and glorious mosque in India. It was the last architectural extravaganza of the Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan built in the year 1656 AD with the help of 5,000 craftsmen. It was made across the road from the Red Fort. The mosque is also known as Masjid-I-Jahanuma, which means 'mosque commanding view of the world'. The measurement of the mosque is 65 m X 35 m while the courtyard is forms an area of 100 n square. The mosque has the capacity to hold as many as 25,000 devotees. The Lal Qila or the Red Fort stand towards the east of the mosque.

Architecture of Jama Masjid

Constructed in Sandstone and white marble, Jama Masjid can be entered from both the directions - North and the South Gates. The eastern gateway is supposed to remain open in Friday and was used by the emperor himself. Jama Masjid Mosque is cluttered by devotees who offer namaz, especially during Muslim Festival. For those who don't belong to non - Muslim community, a specified time is mentioned to enter the mosque.

Beyond the intimidating entrance, there is a vast courtyard measuring nearly 100msq at the Jama Masjid India. It is flanked by pillared corridors which run all along the courtyard and have domed pavilions in the middle on either side.

The prayer hall, measuring 61m by 27.5m, is quite a marvel. It is has a magnificent façade of eleven arches, the central one being higher than the others and serving as the entrance. It is topped off by three magnificent domes which are richly ornamented and have black and white marble stripes – much like the Nizamuddin Dargah.

Accommodation near Jama Masjid

As the Jama Masjid is situated in the heart of the capital city of India, you are served with numerous options. In old Delhi i.e. around Jama Masjid you can get many low cost and medium cost hotels and lodges. If you head towards New Delhi, you can have numerous options of 3 star, 5 star and 7 star hotels.

How to reach

Airways: Indira Gandhi International Airport of New Delhi is directly connected to all the important cities in the world with all the majors in the airlines industry.
Palam Airport is the Domestic Airport which connects Delhi to the other cities of India. From both airports you can hire vehicles like taxi or auto rikshaw.
Railways: Being a capital, Delhi is very well connected to every part of India by train. Old Delhi, Hajrat Nijamuddin and New Delhi are the main railheads in Delhi. You have an exclusive option of metro railway to roam in the city for your fast moving.
Road ways: By road you can come to Delhi by numerous bus options or taxi. All types of vehicles will take you here. You can hire a taxi, auto rikshaw or cycle rikshaw to reach Jama Masjid. You also have an option of public transport buses for cheaper way of transportation.