Jama Masjid
About Jama Masjid
Built in 1656, Jama Masjid is the country's largest mosque in India, where thousands of Muslims offer prayers. Jama Masjid lies opposite the Red Fort and is surrounded by a large number of shops, which deal in a variety of goods. The great mosque of Old Delhi is both the largest in India and the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees.

Built by Shahjahan, the massive Jama Masjid can hold about 20,000 worshipers at a time (Drive past). Located close to Chandni Chowk (one most vibrant shopping region in Delhi) and the colossal Red Fort, the mosque receives large number of visitors coming to Delhi.

The Architecture
A religious masterpiece, Jama Masjid is also known as 'Masjid-i-Jahan Numa', 'Jahan' means 'World' and Numa means 'Visible'. Designed as Emperor Shahjahan's principal mosque, the masjid is built in red sandstone. White marble has also been used extensively, specially in the three domes and has been inlaid with stripes of black. The vast paved courtyard is a rectangle nearly 75 metres by 66 metres. The whole of the western chamber is a big hall; standing on 260 pillars all carved from Hindu and Jain traditions. The central courtyard is accessible from the East, though there are three ways on the other side too. Built by a workforce of 5,000 people, the mosque's three gateways, four towers and two minarets are testimony to the fine architecture of that period.

Tourist Information
Visiting Time: Daily dawn-dusk; closed during prayer times.

Entry Fee: Entry is free but tourists must pay Rs100 if carrying a camera.

Went To Visit: Between October to March is the best time, but being a religious monument it can be visited at any time of the year.

Note : Please open your shoes before entering the mosque. The shoe wallah should be tipped Rs10