JAMA MASJID
AT
DELHI
The
Jama Masjid, the Friday congregational mosque, in Delhi is the largest and
glorious mosque in India. The
Jama Masjid was designed as the main mosque of Shahjahan. It stands on one of
the two hills, Bho Jhala in the Mughal capital, Shahjahanabad.
The
last architectural venture of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid holds the
reputation of being the biggest mosque in India. Located in Delhi, besides the
famous Red Fort Jama Masjid derives its name from the word 'Jummah', which
refers to the ritualistic congregational prayer that Muslims observe every
Friday.
Jama
Masjid is located on a mound in the heart of the old city and projects
beautifully into the Old-Delhi skyline. Jama Masjid Mosque was built in red
sandstone and marble by more than 5000 artisans.
The
main entrance is on the eastern side facing the red fort. It was probably used
by the emperors. The tower of the Jama Masjid is made up of five distinctive
storeys. Each one of the storeys has a projecting balcony. The adjoining
edifices are beautifully done with calligraphy.
The
main prayer hall of the Jama Masjid is made up of high cusped arches and marble
domes. The cabinet in the north gate of the Jama Masjid contains a collection
of Muhammad's relics - the Koran written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of the
prophet, his sandals and his footprints, implanted in a marble block.
Jama Masjid is a
visual treat for the eyes. The main tower of the mosque has five distinct
storeys, two minarets, and four foundation pillars carved with complex designs.
All days of the
week
7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
1:30 PM - 6:30 PM
By Air
Indira Gandhi International Airport is located 23 km
southwest to Central Delhi and the domestic terminal is located in Palam, which
is 5 km away from the international terminal. Once you arrive at the airport,
you can hire cabs or avail the tourist buses to reach Jama Masjid.
By Train
Delhi is the main
center of the Indian Railways network. The capital has two major railway
stations - New Delhi and Old Delhi. New Delhi station is at a walking distance
from Connaught Place whereas Old Delhi station is about 7 km away from
Connaught Place.
By Road
There are buses
available from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar
Pradesh and Punjab. One can also avail the private taxis to reach Delhi.