Why Jama Masjid Is Famous
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Introduction
Towering over Old Delhi, the magnificent façade of Jama Masjid stands as the reminder of Mughal architecture. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Masjid-i Jah?n-Num? (meaning Mosque commanding view of the world) was his final architectural opus. On the other hand, the popular name, Jama Masjid is derived from the word 'Jummah', referring to the congregational Namaz observed by Muslims on Fridays. Built from red sandstone and white marble, the edifice dominates the skyline of the busy Chawri Bazar in central Delhi and is considered the largest mosque in India. Each year, on Eid, thousands of reverent Muslims throng the mosque to offer special Eid Namaz in the morning. The mosque is jointly maintained by the Delhi Wakf Board and the Jama Masjid committee under the directives from the Shahi Imam._____________________________________________________________________________
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Highlights some of those facts about Jama Masjid that could provide you a different experience altogether next time you visit it.
Yes, you heard it right. Jama Masjid’s approximate costing was calculated to be around one million rupees at that time. The whole design and infrastructure were done during Shah Jahan’s rule, under the supervision of Saadullah Khan who was the Wazir during Jahan’s reign.
#2 More than 5000 Workers were Involved
Clearing people’s doubt, Jama Masjid was constructed with the help of more than 5000 workers at that time. An enormous force was hired by Shah Jahan that ensured the creation of this mosque or monument, whatever you want to call it. Imam Bukhari, a Muslim priest from Bukhara inaugurated the mosque on the invitation from Shah Jahan.
#3 British Wanted to Destroy Jama Masjid
After winning the revolt of 1857, the British seized the mosque by settling and stationing their soldiers here. According to sources, the British carried a deep desire to destroy this mosque for punishing the people of the city. But due to strong opposition by the local people, British were unable to do it and hence Jama Masjid survived and became one of the most historic monuments available in India.
#4 How is it the Largest?
Because.. a whooping amount of 25,000 people can Namaz in the courtyard of the mosque at the same time. That’s a LOT of people.
#5 Attacked Twice
The mosque has been attacked twice- 2006 and 2010. The 2006 attack was a bomb explosion and the 2010 attack was an open firing.
#6 Courtyard is Very Approachable
There are several different ways to reach the courtyard. There are 39 steps made up of crimson stone from the north gate, 33 steps from the southern gate and 35 steps from the east gate which is the main entrance to the mosque.
#7 The Evening Aura
In the evening, the steps of the mosque are converted into various stalls including book and food stalls. The west of the mosque is converted into poultry where meat is sold and in the south of the mosque books are sold.#8 Capacity of the Mosque
Not just the courtyard, but the mosque in whole can handle 85,000 people at once! That’s more than A LOT!
#9 Multicultural Inspiration
The western portion of the shrine constitutes a huge hall which features 260 columns that have been sculpted in the Jain and Hindu architectural pattern.
#10 The Meaning
Ever thought why we call it ‘Jama’? Well, Jama means ‘Friday’ and a huge number of muslims arrive in order to recite the namaz on this day.
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Important Information About Jama Masjid Delhi
In the northwest corner of the masjid there is a small shed. For a small fee, the faithful are shown a hair from the beard of the prophet, as well as his sandal and his footprint in rock.For an extra charge you can climb the narrow southern minaret up 121 steps for incredible views over the city of Old Delhi. From the top of the minaret you can see one of the features that architect Edwin Lutyens incorporated into his design of New Delhi – the Jama Masjid, Connaught Place and Sansad Bhavan (Parliament House) are in a direct line.
Entrance is via gate 1 or 3. Visitors must remove their shoes at the top of the stairs before entering the mosque. Entry into the mosque is free; however, there is a camera charge fee to take your camera into the mosque.
Sadly, non-Muslims are not allowed in during prayers, but photographs (sold outside) of the thousands of supplicant worshipers provide some idea of the atmosphere as you wander the huge expanse within.
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HISTORY & Architecture
Jama Masjid History
The Jama Masjid was built between 1644 and 1656 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It was originally called Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa, meaning ‘mosque commanding view of the world’. It was constructed by more than 5000 workers. The construction was done under the supervision of Saadullah Khan, the wazir (or prime minister) during Shah Jahan’s rule. The cost of the construction at the time was one million Rupees.
After the British won the Revolt of 1857, they confiscated the mosque and stationed their soldiers here. They also wanted to destroy the mosque to punish the people of the city, but due to opposition they faced the Jama Masjid was not destroyed.
Jama Masjid Architecture
The Jama Masjid is much simpler in its ornamentation than Shah Jahan’s secular buildings. It has three gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high, and is constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble, which are interspersed in the domes, minarets and cusped arches.
A magnificent flight of sandstone steps leads to the great arched entrances. Symbolizing the separation of the sacred and the secular, the threshold is a place of great importance where the worshipper steps to a higher plane. There are three huge gateways, the largest being to the east. This was reserved for the royal family who gathered in a private gallery in its upper storey. Today, the faithful enter through the east gate on Fridays and for Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Adha.
The hauz, in the centre of the courtyard, is an ablution tank placed as usual between the inner and outer parts of the building for washing hands, face and feet, and to remind the worshipper that it is through the ritual of baptism that one first enters the community of believers.
The dikka, in front of the ablution tank, is a raised platform. Muslim communities grew so rapidly that by the eighth century it sometimes became necessary to introduce a second muballigh (prayer leader) who stood on this platform and copied the postures and chants of the imam inside to relay them to a much larger congregation. With the introduction of the loudspeaker and amplification, the dikka and the muballigh became redundant.
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More Visiting Places
Botanical Garden
Houz Khas
Click Art
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F A S T F A C T S
~ Construction Started : 1644
~ Construction Completed : 1656
~ Cost of Construction : 1 million rupees
~ Who Built It : Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
~ Maintained By : Delhi Waqf Board
~ Where is it Located : Delhi, India
~ Structure Type : Mosque
~ Dimensions : 80m in length; 27m in width; 41m in its highest point
~ Materials Used : Red Sandstone, Marble
~ Architectural Style : Islamic
~ Architect : Ustad Khalil
~ Capacity : 25,000
~ Visit Timing : 7am to 12pm, 1:30pm to 6:30pm, all days of the week
~ Entry Fee : Free entry, Rs. 200-300 photography charge, Rs. 100 from climbing the southern minaret.
~ How to Reach : Walking distance from Old Delhi Railway station and ISBT Kashmere Gate. Chawri Bazaar is the nearest Metro Station - 500m away. AC and non-AC buses connect Jama Masjid to the entire Old and New Delhi. Autos and taxis can also be availed to reach here.
~ Near By Metro Station : JAMA MASJID & LAL QILA
~ Near By Visiting Place : Laal Qila , Meena Bazar , Chandani Chowk , Daryaganj Books Road
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_____________________________________________________________________________Q N A
What is Jama Masjid famous for?
Jama Masjid of Delhi, Jama Masjid also spelled Jāmiʿ Masjid, Jama Masjid of Delhi also called Masjid-i Jahānnumā, mosque in Old Delhi, India, constructed in 1650–56 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahān, a noted patron of Islamic architecture whose most famous work is the Taj Mahal, in Agra.
Why Jama Masjid was built?
Built in 1656, it is an eloquent reminder of the Mughal religious fervour. Its spacious courtyard holds thousands of the faithful who offer their prayers here. It's also known as 'Masjid-i-Jahanuma' or 'Mosque commanding view of the world'. It was designed as Emperor Shahjahan's principal mosque.
When was Jama Masjid built?
363
c. 1656
Jama Masjid/Age
Who built Jama Masjid Agra?
Shah Jahan,
Popularly known as the Jami Masjid, the Jama Masjid in Agra is perhaps the largest mosque in India. Overlooking Agra Fort railway station, the Jami Masjid or Friday Mosque was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and dedicated to his favorite daughter, Jahanara Begum.
What is the Speciality of Jama Masjid?
This great mosque of Old Delhi is the largest in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was begun in 1644 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. white marble.
Are ladies allowed in Jama Masjid?
In India, women are allowed to enter mosques, including the Jama Masjid in Delhi, but are not permitted to sit in the same congregation along with men to offer prayers.Oct 11, 2018
Why Taj Mahal was built?
The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, to be built in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, a Persian princess who died on 17 June that year, giving birth to their 14th child, Gauhara Begum.
In which city Jama Masjid is located?
Jama Masjid is located close to the hub of the city and is close to the main bazaar of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk. It was commissioned by Shah Jahan, the great Mughal emperor. This magnificent and the principal mosque was built sometime between 1644 to 1656. If you are visiting Old Delhi, make sure to go to Jama Masjid.
Is Jama Masjid the largest mosque?
Jama Masjid, New Delhi
Jama Masjid is one of the very famous mosques in India and in the world. Built by Shah Jahan in 1956 having the capacity to accommodate near to 25,000 persons. The minaret made of red sandstone and marble is of 135ft in height making it the largest mosque in India.
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More Visiting Places
Botanical Garden
Houz Khas
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