12 Jan, 2023

Jama Masjid Delhi: History, Architecture, Facts & Location

 

 

The Jama Masjid in Delhi is a stunning example of Mughal architecture and one of the largest mosques in India. Built in the mid-17th century, this majestic landmark has been standing for hundreds of years and has been witness to some of the most important events in our nation's history. This article will explore the history, architecture, facts and location of Jama Masjid Delhi, as well as how to get there.

 

Jama Masjid in Delhi is one of the largest mosques in India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656 AD at a cost of one million rupees. The mosque has three great gates, four towers and two 40 m high minarets constructed of red sandstone and white marble. The main hall of the mosque can accommodate 25,000 people at a time.

 

The Jama Masjid Delhi was built on the orders of Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor. Construction began in 1650 and took six years to complete. The mosque was built on the site of an earlier mosque that had been constructed by Shah Jahan's grandfather, Akbar.

 

The Jama Masjid Delhi is one of the last architectural works of Shah Jahan. He was deposed by his son Aurangzeb while construction was still underway and spent the rest of his life under house arrest in Agra Fort. Aurangzeb did not make any changes to the design or layout of the mosque and it was completed according to Shah Jahan's original plans.

 

The Jama Masjid Delhi is one of Delhi's most popular tourist attractions. It is also an important place of worship for Muslims and is always crowded with worshippers during prayer times.

 

Who Built Jama Masjid Delhi?

 

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of Jama Masjid Delhi in 1650. The mosque was built by more than five thousand workers over a period of six years. The main hall of the mosque can accommodate twenty-five thousand worshippers at a time. The mosque has three gates, each decorated with carved floral designs. The central prayer hall is topped with three domes, while the two side halls have smaller domes. The exterior of the mosque is clad in red sandstone and marble, while the interior is decorated with elaborate calligraphy and geometric patterns.

 

The History of Jama Masjid Delhi

 

The mosque was built over a period of six years and employed around five thousand workers. The main hall of the mosque is decorated with beautiful arches and has a total of three gateways. The central gateway is the largest and is reserved for the use of the emperor himself. The courtyards have fountains to cool down worshippers during hot summer days.

 

The Jama Masjid has been an important site of Islamic worship for centuries and continues to be so today. It is also a popular tourist destination, both for its architecture and its location within Old Delhi.

 

The Architecture of Jama Masjid Delhi

 

The architecture of the Jama Masjid is a perfect blend of Islamic, Persian and Indian styles. The main entrance to the mosque is through the Lahori Gate, which leads to the enormous courtyard. The courtyard has two storeys with an ablution tank in the centre. The main prayer hall is located on the upper storey, which can be accessed by stairs on either side of the courtyard.

 

The prayer hall has three domes supported by four pillars. It is decorated with beautiful carvings and calligraphy work on its walls and pillars. The qibla wall (facing Mecca) has a large arched niche, which contains a copy of the Holy Quran. There are also several smaller niches on either side of the qibla wall, which contain copies of other religious texts such as Hadith collections.

 

The Jama Masjid is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi  and is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the magnificence of Mughal architecture.

 

Facts About Jama Masjid Delhi

 

Jama Masjid is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi, and receives hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The mosque is open to all visitors, regardless of their religion. Visitors are advised to dress modestly (covering their shoulders and legs) and to remove their shoes before entering the prayer hall.

 

There are several interesting facts about Jama Masjid Delhi:

 

-The name "Jama Masjid" means "congregational mosque".

 

-The mosque was built on the orders of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal.

 

-Construction of the mosque began in 1650 and took six years to complete.

 

-The main prayer hall can accommodate up to 25,000 people.

 

-The courtyard of the mosque is paved with red sandstone from Rajasthan.

 

-The mosque has four minarets, each measuring 130 feet (40 meters) tall.

 

Location of Jama Masjid Delhi

 

The Jama Masjid in Delhi is one of the largest mosques in India. It is located in the Old City, just outside the Red Fort. The mosque was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656 AD. It is made of red sandstone and white marble, and has three large gates and two minarets.

 

The main hall of the mosque can accommodate up to 25,000 people. The floor of the hall is paved with marble and has a large central dome. There are also several smaller domes around the perimeter of the hall. The walls of the hall are decorated with intricate Islamic calligraphy.

 

The Jama Masjid is open to all Muslims for daily prayers. Non-Muslims are also allowed to enter the mosque, but only during certain times and days.

 

How to Reach Jama Masjid Delhi

 

The best way to reach Jama Masjid is by taking the Metro. The closest Metro station is Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line. From there, it is a short walk to the mosque. Alternatively, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw from any nearby location.

 

Tourist Attractions Nearby Jama Masjid Delhi

 

There are plenty of tourist attractions nearby Jama Masjid, making it the perfect place to start exploring Delhi. The Red Fort, one of the most iconic landmarks in India, is just a short walk away. Chandni Chowk, the vibrant and historic market area, is also nearby. Other notable attractions include the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Jain Mandir, and Rajghat.

 

Exploring Jama Masjid Delhi is a worthwhile endeavour for anyone interested in Indian history and architecture. This majestic mosque has stood the test of time, providing a beautiful backdrop to countless memories and moments that have been shared by millions of visitors over the years. While it’s easy to be overwhelmed by its grandeur, taking the time to appreciate its history and beauty will leave you with an appreciation for one of India’s most iconic landmarks.