Jama Masjid, Delhi

Jama Masjid Facts

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Initial Construction: 1650 A.D.
Length: 75.5 meters
Width: 24 meters
Area: 1,170 square meters
Where is Jama Masjid: Its location is in the northeast corner of Delhi
Who built Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid was built by 5,000 craftsmen under the order of the fifth generation emperor Shah Jahan
What is Jama Masjid famous for: It is famous as the largest mosque in India

The largest masjid in India, Jama Masjid, is also one of the world's top three sacred masjids, along with the Great Masjid in Saudi Arabia and the Al-Azhar Masjid in Cairo. Devout believers come here to attend sacred ceremonies every festival and Sunday. Nowadays, many Muslims come here every day to read the Koran. Every year, tens of thousands of tourists come to make pilgrimages here.

Jama Masjid History

Jama Masjid Delhi was started to be built on Friday, October 19, 1650. In Hindi, "Jama" means "Friday". Shah Jahan, the fifth emperor of the Mughal Empire, ordered the construction of the masjid. The masjid was built with 5,000 craftsmen and it took six years to complete.

The Largest Mosque in India

The masjid has three gates leading to the main building, the largest of which is the east gate, which is dedicated to emperors. Tourists have to enter through gate 3. Masjid has three white marble domes on top, decorated with gold-plated round nails and black marble strips. The square can accommodate 25,000 people with a large pool in it. People need to clean your hands and face before worship. On each side of the square is an 80-meter-high and three-story red sandstone minaret, built of red sandstone and white marble alternately. There are 130 steps in the tower. You can enjoy the whole city view after you get to the top of the tower. The octagonal marble gazebo on the top of the tower is a place where Muslims worship in the direction of Mecca and is also a unique symbol of Islamic architecture.

The Square of Jama Masjid with Countless People

Jama masjid is a miracle in architecture field. The whole building does not use wood at all. The ground, ceiling and walls are all made of finely ground white stone and sealed with lead water, which is strong and indestructible.

Travel Tips

1. You must take off your shoes when entering the masjid, and you need to pay 10 rupees to deposit your shoes in the deposit office. If you carry your shoes into the temple, do not put your shoes on the ground. In addition, the ground temperature is very high, it is recommended to wear socks.
2. No matter men or women, it is best to take a thin scarf. Bare shoulders and legs are not allowed in the temple. Women will be charged 100 rupees for renting headscarves and robes provided by masjids.
3. Women need to be accompanied by men to ascend the minaret.
4. There is a charge for carrying a camera even if you do not take pictures, and someone will check your bag before you get into the masjid.

How can I go to Jama Masjid

Take the yellow line of the subway to Chawri Bazar station and walk about 20 minutes from gate 3, or take a rickshaw to get there.