Travel to Jama Masjid

About Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid located in Old Delhi is one of the principal mosques of Delhi. One of the last architectural extravagances of Emperor Shahjahan this is one of the largest mosques in India and its courtyard can hold around 25000 people. Construction of this mosque began in 1644 and was completed in 1658 by 5000 artisans. The Jama Masjid has three great gateways and four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high and is constructed of alternating strips of red sandstone and white marble.

Jama Masjid Architecture

The mosque stands on a platform about 5 feet from the pavement of the terrace, while three flights of steps lead to the interior of the mosque from the east, north and south.

The floor of the mosque is covered with white and black marble designed to look like the Muslim prayer mat.

The architecture of the Jama Masjid is a beautiful amalgamation of the Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture and is very similar in Design to the famous Moti Masjid in Agra.

Jama Masjid Attractions

For a minimal fee it is possible to climb the Southern minaret (women can do so only if accompanied by a male). The view from here is splendid. You can also see one of the features that the architect Edwin Lutyens incorporated into his design of New Delhi-The Jama Masjid, Connaught Place and the Sansad Bhawan are in direct lines. There is also a beautiful view of the Red Fort from the east side of the mosque.

Just below the eastern stairs of the Jama Masjid is the famous Meena Bazaar. Built in the 1970' the Meena Bazaar sells items like embroidered caps for Muslim men, local cosmetics and ready made garments, like Burquas, worn by Muslim women. The area around Meena Bazaar is also famous for its food stalls and dhabas that serve delicious non-vegetarian food.