Jama Masjid, Delhi 

The Jama Masjid, another favorite tourist attraction is situated opposite the Red Fort in the capital city- Delhi. Built by Shah Jahan, the Jama Masjid exhibits another Mughal architectural splendor. The mosque is known to be one of the largest and oldest in India. The Jama Masjid is open to tourists on all days except the prayer intervals. At the mosque the tourists are requested to open their shoes and cover their feet and arms before entering Jama Masjid. It is done as an act of reverence for the Muslim faith. The Id-ul-Fitr and the Id-ul-Zoha are the two very special events attract tourists and devotees from all over the world.

History of The Jama Masjid

In 1638, Shah Jahan decided to make Delhi the capital of his empire and thus relocated from Agra to Delhi, which was at that time called Shahjahanabad, located on the eastern bank of Yamuna. He constructed the Red Fort on the northeastern side of the city and placed this Mughal mosque about 500 meters to its west.

Jama Masjid has two main parts which resemble the earlier congregational mosques in Delhi – the main prayer hall and a large courtyard towards the east from the main prayer hall. The exterior of the Jama Masjid was inspired by the Akbar’s mosque at Fatehpur Sikri, whereas the interior was moulded after the Friday Mosque at Agra.

Architecture of Jama Masjid

Among other notable features are the three entrance gates (Eastern, Northern and Southern Gate) and two tall minarets (precisely 40 metres high) - the minarets were done in strips of red sandstone (a regular raw material in the construction of many famed Mughal monuments) and white marble, adorned by winding steps and cupola at the top for a panoramic view of the city.

The main courtyard has an ablution tank made of marble where the devotees wash themselves before settling for the prayers and because time is very important for offering Namaz so there are two sun dials in the courtyard for the purpose of indicating prayer time...

Interesting Facts About the Architecture of Jama Masjid

• Built of sandstone and white marble, this architectural masterpiece is an imposing structure with significant Islamic relics like the red-beard hair of the Prophet Muhammad, his footwear and foot mark along with an Old Quran transcript on a deerskin preserved inside.
• Facing westwards, towards the holy city of Mecca, this grand and impressive mosque is visible from a distance of up to five kilometres.
• Most of the enhancement has been done through fluorescent motifs. The structures are adorned with floral designs with the lavish use of arches, under the arch, wall, under domes, on the columns and floors.
• Standing tall on a thirty feet high red sandstone porch, the Jama Masjid has a massive archway to the centre which welcomes you with the words, "The Guide". The roof encapsulates three black and white marble domes flanked by a couple of forty meter high minarets. Each of the minarets is a hundred and thirty step climb, but only the southern gate is open to the public for a nominal fee.
• The Eastern Gate of Jama Masjid had thirty-five steps and was initially used as a reserved entrance for Mughal Emperors and then later for royal visitors and Viceroy of India during the British rule. It is octagonal, and the roof is decorated with honeycomb carvings. The gate is 15.4 meters high and has a massive opening with three archways. There is also a projected balcony on the other side of the gate. The northern gate has thirty-nine steps and was initially meant for nobles. The southern gate with thirty-three steps was the only gate accessible to the common public. The northern and southern gates are smaller in size with seventeen arched openings on each side.
• The open courtyard in front of the Jama Masjid has an ablution tank with a fountain in the centre. The ablution tank has been installed for the rituals to be performed before the Namaz. There is a Sandstone platform for the 'Muazzin' (one who gives the call for the prayers) in front of the tank and also a couple of sundials in the courtyard. The main shrine has been divided into two halls which have been further split into seven bays of ornamental pillars. The floor of the mosque is beautifully decorated with black marbles, and there are 899 markings for devotees.

Best Time To Visit Jama Masjid, Delhi

Jama Masjid can be visited all through the year. Cooler months from October to mid-March are ideal for sightseeing Jama Masjid as the summer months are extremely hot in Delhi. During the festive season of Eid, Jama Masjid and the entire area surrounding the mosque including Chandini Chowk becomes electrifyingly vibrant.

Food stalls serving piping hot non-veg delicacies like chicken kebabs and desserts like rabri, firni, badam milk, and shahi tukda mushroom up all through the lanes leading to the mosque. These stalls are open until the wee hours of midnight making the place go bustling with lakhs of footfalls.

Tips For Visiting Jama Masjid, Delhi

• Leave your footwear outside the mosque for a minimal change. Don't pay any money to enter the mosque.
• Dress up conservatively and avoid wearing shorts and skirts.
• Tourists are not allowed inside the mosque during prayer time.
• Travelers may also hire robes outside the North gate

Restaurants Near Jama Masjid, Delhi

Karim's is one of most famous eating joints of Delhi, located couple of hundred meters away from the mosque. This place becomes a street food paradise during the time of Iftar when the lane opposite to the mosque is filled with beef biriyani, excellent kebabs, keema samosas and Rooh Afza sharbat.

How To Reach Jama Masjid Delhi

Jama Masjid station on the violet line is the nearest metro station almost three hundred meters away. Chawri Bazar metro station on the yellow line is five hundred meters from the mosque. There is a dedicated DTC bus stop at Jama Masjid and also the Red Fort (600 meters) with AC and Non-AC buses plying to almost all parts of the city.

If you plan to come by your vehicle, Red Fort Parking on Shantivana Marg would be the best option. You could also consider Parade Ground Parking near the Cycle Market.