Jama Masjid, Delhi
Towering over Old Delhi, the magnificent Jama Masjid stands as the reminder of the Mughal architecture which was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The name Jama Masjid is derived from the word Jummah which is referred to as a congregational prayer observed by the Muslims on Friday. Considered the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid is built from red sandstone and white marble and stands tall dominating the skyline of the busy Chawri Bazar in Central Delhi.
Visiting the mosque, visitors come across the view of the courtyard standing on more than 30 steps higher than the street, giving the mosque a commanding view of the surrounding area that fills the atmosphere with sanctity. Not just this, but the visitors are sure to get impressed at the first glimpse of the mosque as it is the austere grandeur that makes it a must-visit place in Delhi.
History of Jama Masjid
The crest of Mughal architecture was achieved during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, and Jama Masjid is an excellent example to showcase this fact. The Mughal king had lofty ambitions when he first set out to construct the mosque, as he had initially named it Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa, which can be translated as a “world-reflecting mosque.” The religious monument was the last of Shah Jahan’s creative contributions.
Work on the mosque began in 1644 and was finally completed in 1656. It is believed that over 5,000 workers were employed during the building of Jama Masjid. The total cost of construction was around one million rupees, a staggering amount at the time. This amount included only wages and not the cost of the materials. Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari was the first imam (Muslim religious leader) appointed by Shah Jahan. He was from Bukhara, Uzbekistan, which was a leading Islamic intellectual hub during the time.
Architecture of Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture.
- Material: Red sandstone & white marble.
- Dimensions: 261 feet long, 90 feet wide.
- Domes & Minarets: 3 marble domes, 4 towers, and 2 minarets (130 ft each).
- Courtyard: Can hold over 25,000 worshippers at once.
- Flooring: Black-and-white marble tiles with 899 demarcated spaces for prayer.
- Gates:
- Eastern Gate (Royal Entrance – 35 steps).
- Northern Gate (39 steps).
- Southern Gate (33 steps).
The mosque houses sacred relics, including:
- A Quran inscribed on deerskin.
- Hair from the beard of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Prophet’s footprints & footwear preserved inside.
Entry Fee & Dress Code
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | Free for visitors |
| Camera Charges | ?300 – ?400 (for photography) |
| Minaret Visit | ?100 per person (approx.) |
| Dress Code | Modest clothing required (robes available on rent) |
Nearby Attractions to Jama Masjid
- Red Fort (Lal Qila) – UNESCO heritage site, just 1 km away.
- Chandni Chowk Market – Famous for street food & shopping (500m).
- Digambar Jain Lal Mandir – Oldest Jain temple in Delhi.
- Raj Ghat – Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, around 3 km away.
- Dariba Kalan – Silver jewelry market, perfect for shopping.
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid heavy crowds.
- Carry a scarf or shawl (for women) to enter the mosque.
- Avoid visiting during prayer times unless participating.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll need to remove them before entering.
Quick Facts About Jama Masjid Delhi
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Old Delhi, near Chawri Bazar & Chandni Chowk |
| Built By | Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan |
| Construction Period | 1644 – 1656 |
| Original Name | Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa |
| Cost of Construction | ~1 Million Rupees (17th century) |
| Capacity | 25,000+ worshippers in the courtyard |
| Height of Minarets | 130 feet each |
| Material Used | Red sandstone & white marble |
| First Imam | Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari (from Bukhara, Uzbekistan) |
| Entry Fee | Free (photography charges apply) |
Jama Masjid is not just a mosque, but a living symbol of Delhi’s Mughal heritage. With its grand courtyards, sacred relics, and stunning minarets, it offers both a spiritual and historical journey for travelers. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture lover, or a cultural explorer, Jama Masjid deserves to be on your Delhi sightseeing itinerary.
