Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. Located in Old Delhi, the mosque has the capacity to accommodate 25000 devotees. Jama Masjid was completed in 1656 AD and it was again the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan behind this architectural masterpiece. Close to some 5000 craftsmen were involved in the construction of the msque. It is located in Old Delhi, just opposite to the famous Lal Quila or the Red Fort. Jama Masjid is also called the Friday congregational mosque because Muslims turn up in large numbers to offer Namaz on Fridays, called as the yaum al-jum`a.
Masjid-i-Jahan Numa popularly called as Jama Masjid, means the mosque commanding a view of the world. The mosque is a real example of great architecture that existed during the Mughal period. It has the blend of both Hindu and Mughal style of architecture. Jama Masjid has three gates, two minarets – 40 meters in height and four towers. The minarets are made up of red sand stone and white marbles bearing stripes of black color. Tourists visiting the mosque have the option of wearing the traditional ceremonial clothes available at the northern gate.
Jama Masjid used to be the main mosque of Shah jahan. The mosque stands on the hill of Bho Jhala, in the old Mughal capital called Shahjahanabad. Prayer hall on the west is adorned by high cusped arches and marble domes. The mosque contains several remnants of the Muslim Religion like a replica of the Quran written on a deer skin, a red beard-hair of the prophet, sandals of the prophet and his footprint. It is believed that the total cost of Rs. 10 lakhs was incurred for the construction of the mosque.
Shah Jahan has many mosques to his names that include the famous Moti Masjid at Agra and other mosques in Ajmer and Lahore (in Pakistan). One of the specialties of Jama Masjid is the high ground construction that makes the appearance even more beautiful. Broad and high steps lead to the main gateways. The eastern gateway was perhaps used by the emperors during the Mughal Rule. It is close on weekdays. One can have the view of Old Delhi, Red Fort and some parts of New Delhi from the Southern Minaret. A nominal fee of Rs. 5 is charged for sight seeing from this particular spot
