Jama Masjid, Delhi

Jama Masjid, old Delhi

Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. It is located in Old Delhi, near the Red Fort. It can accommodate up to 25,000 people and has three domes and two minarets. It is also known as Masjid-i-Jehan-Numa, meaning "the mosque commanding a view of the world" in Persian.

History of Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal, in 1644. It took 14 years to complete and was designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori and Ustad Khalil. It was inaugurated by its first Imam, Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari. It served as the imperial mosque of the Mughal emperors until the end of their rule in 1857.

Architecture of Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is built with red sandstone and white marble, following the Indo-Islamic and Mughal styles of architecture. It has a rectangular courtyard that can hold up to 25,000 people. It has three domes with black and white stripes, two minarets with 130 steps each, and four turrets with pyramidal roofs. It also has a prayer hall with 11 arches and a central niche facing Mecca.

Best time to visit Jama Masjid

The best time to visit Jama Masjid is between October and March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. You can also experience the festive atmosphere during Ramadan, which usually falls between May and June. However, you should avoid visiting on Fridays, as the mosque is very crowded with worshippers. You should also respect the dress code and cover your head, arms and legs. The mosque is open from 7 am to 12 pm and from 1.30 pm to 6.30 pm, except during prayer times.

What is the nearest metro station to Jama Masjid?

The nearest metro station to Jama Masjid is Jama Masjid Metro Station, which is an elevated station on the Violet Line of Delhi Metro. It is only 400 meters away from the mosque and you can walk there in about 5 minutes. Another option is Chawri Bazar Metro Station, which is an underground station on the Yellow Line of Delhi Metro. It is about 1 km away from the mosque and you can take a rickshaw or walk there in about 15 minutes.

Entry fee details of Jama Masjid

It has an entry fee of INR 50 for Indian nationals and INR 300 for foreign tourists. You may also have to pay extra for photography or climbing the minarets.

How old Jama Masjid, Delhi?

According to the search results, Jama Masjid of Delhi was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1658. That makes it about 365 years old.

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