Visit the largest mosque in Delhi – Jama Masjid

Shivani

8 years ago

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.