Considering to visit the largest mosque in India Delhi? Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosque in India and really worth visiting. I’m going to present you a fact-sheet about Jama Masjid, and what to expect with some of my best photography tips.
One of the largest Mosques in India – Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid History
Another Mughal empire’s astonishing architecture is the largest Mosque in India aka Jama Masjid. Taj Mahal is world known monument built by Shah Jahan. But Jama Masjid is another important landmark of Mughal empire perceived by the same emperor. Constructed in the mid 16th century, then 1 million rupees(INR) Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. The mosque inaugurated by the highest Islāmic leader from Bukhara(now in Uzbekistan). Constructed by 5000 workers, and supervised by Shah Jahan’s prime minister. Built just opposite to the famous Red Fort, Jama Masjid is one the largest monuments of Shah Jahan’s reign. The Mosque can accommodate as many 25000 people for offering their prayers.
Jama Masjid Architecture
The largest mosque in India had a typical Persian style housing three main gates, and two main minarets. The entire Jama Masjid is of red sandstone and marble. The mosque is in the similar pattern of Jama Masjid of Agra.
The Prayer Hall
The main building of the Mosque is the prayer hall I recommend not to disturb the people offering their prayers here. Respect the culture and try not to step into the zone where people are praying.
The Courtyard
The 408 square feet courtyard is one of the largest ones in India and is able to accommodate 25000 people. If you wish to take photographs from the courtyard of the prayer hall, try standing near the gate 1. That gives the best angle of the entire Prayer Hall building in a single frame, like the below one I captured.
The Minarets
The two minarets are 40m high having 5 storeys each and an accompanying balcony. The minarets also have small windows used for maintaining rainwater flow. They also make a unique angle for photography.
The Left Minaret in the above picture is open for the public to go till top for amazing views of the Mosque and Delhi city. The ticket counter is on the southern end of Mosque. A ticket needs to be purchased to go on the top of the Minaret. Also, it is mandatory to remove shoes before entering the mosque.
The 121 steps to the top the Minaret are quite steep and takes us through a dark path. Even the top of the Minaret holds a very small standing space. So, I would suggest to stay safe there, and not get carried away by the wonderful views from the top.
Hook yourself to a corner and try as many as angles while there in the short span. If you are planning to go on a weekend, you will have probably be met by a queue. So, keep that in mind and let the queue rotate. Or, I suggest going there as early as dawn to get the entire area to yourself.
How to reach Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is in the Old Delhi, accessible through Chandni Chowk & Red Fort. The Mosque can be reached through 2 metro stations, either Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid. Both are different routes, Chandni Chowk falls on the Yellow Line of Metro going from Badli/ Vishwavidhalaya towards Gurgaon. Jama Masjid falls under new started Violet line starting from Kashmere Gate going until Faridabad. If you planning to visit Chandni Chowk first and then the Mosque, then the Chandni Chowk station is your pick. Although, like me, if you wish to start by Jama Masjid in old Delhi, then the Jama Masjid metro station is the best choice. As the lanes are narrow, and traffic heavy, I recommend walking from either station. The rickshaws are also a medium to reach here if the traffic is less. But even the rickshaw can get stuck and take a huge amount of time to cover a small distance.
Heading to Delhi for the first time? Read my top tips for first-time travel to Delhi, India!!
Feeling hungry with all those tempting food smells outside Jama Masjid? Read more about the places in Jama Masjid to satisfy your hunger!
Would you like to visit the largest mosque in India? Did you visit Jama Masjid in your last visit to Delhi? Do share your thoughts with me…
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Beautiful pictures. I will soon plan to visit
Amazing. Hope you like it 🙂
What an incredible pictures. Thanks for sharing us.
Beautiful Photos. Lovely place to take some architecture shots.
Thanks for sharing, Its very useful
[…] Jama Masjid is considered to be one of the biggest mosques in India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan after he shifted his capital to Delhi and was commissioned in 1656. This mosque was built on an elevated platform and can be accessed by climbing stairs. There are 3 entry points to the main compound and these are known as east, north and south gates. The 3 domes of the mosque are capped with white and black marble stripes, in contrast to the red minarets. The mosque faces west towards Macca. The Hauz (Shallow water tank) in the middle of the compound is used by people to wash hand and face before offering prayers. This courtyard of Jama Masjid can accommodate approx 25,000 K people. The outer and inner walls of it have ornamentations with floral motifs or calligraphic inscriptions. Three sides of the mosque are covered by open arched colonnades. Dress code is strict especially for women, better to wear long dress, skirt or trousers which should be till ankle and tops should cover at least half arm else they will not allow you entry or ask you to rent a long tunic (Which is worn by others). […]
[…] Note: Chandni Chowk is basically a part of Old Delhi and located just near to Jama Masjid, which is the largest Mosque in India. To know more about Jama Masjid, you may also read this article from Shivani: Visit the largest mosque in India – Jama Masjid […]
[…] Jama Masjid – The largest mosque in India lies in close proximity to Red Fort and comes under Chandni Chowk. Being largest in the country, the mosque has respective religious values. The mosque can be reached either from Chandni Chowk Delhi metro station or the recently opened Jama Masjid station from the violet line of Delhi metro. […]
Really amazing pictures. Now I really want to visit this place!
Glad you liked it 🙂 Hope you visit soon.
Well don’t forget about those “paranthas” of chandni chowk 😂😍
What a beautiful, intriguing post. It’s fabulous on all counts. I’d love to visit this place one day. Thanks for sharing such informative post.
Gorgeous photos, thanks for sharing them. The architecture is stunning!
So glad you liked the post 🙂
It is gorgeous architecture ,loved the view from the top
Would love to visit it in my next trip to delhi
Thnku for the such informative post
Glad you liked the post 🙂
Wow lovely photos, giving me serious Wanderlust for India! So cool you were able to go and capture these amazing images..!
Glad you liked the pictures <3
Wow, this place looks so impressive! The structures are just so striking. What a great way to see the city from on top!
Yes the views from the top are mesmerising!
Such a gorgeous building and the views from the top are incredible, would love to photograph this place.
Yes, it is an amazing place to photograph 🙂
What an incredible pictures you took of the masjid! And you gave tips on how to take the pictures. Awesome! I’m curious though. When you took off your shoes, did you carry it with you or left it a special place?
Glad you liked the tips. Yes we carried them in a bag. We went on a Sunday, it was extremely crowded with no shoe counter. It didn’t seem a risk I wanted to take 😉
Beautiful photos! the arches and doorways/windows provide beautiful framing for photos making for unique views and perspectives. Looks like a lovely place to take some architecture shots. 🙂
Yes it indeed it 🙂
That is a stunning photo of the courtyard! I will definitely add this mosque to my itinerary when I visit India next year!
Hope you like it as well 🙂
Wow! The view from the top is breathtaking, and so are the photos! I have not made it to India yet, but will absolutely visit the mosque when I do. I can already see myself climbing the steps for the rewarding view 🙂
Your pictures of the Jama Masjid are amazing! I love your fact sheet information and your tips for getting the best pictures (at the best times!) This mosque is beautiful and you’ve portrayed it well!
Happy you liked the tips and information 🙂
Beautiful! I always think mosques are just so gorgeous, and I love to see when other people go and experience them too. They’re such a unique experience
Yes, they indeed give us a one of a kind experience.