Jama Masjid, Asia’s largest mosque, was built between 1644 and 1658 by the Mughal emperor
Shah Jahan. The mosque, also known as Masjid-i-Jahanuma, is considered the final architectural extravaganza of Shah Jahan, who also built the historic
Taj Mahal. Situated in the
Chandni Chowk area of
Delhi, Jama Masjid stands on the Bho Jhala, one of the two hills in
Old Delhi. This magnificent structure highlights the architectural beauty and heritage of
Mughal period.
The main prayer hall of the mosque, situated on the west side and topped with marble domes, is large enough to accommodate 25,000 worshippers. The Holy book, Quran, written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of Prophet Muhammad, his sandals and his footprint, embedded in a marble slab can be seen here.
Constructed by 5,000 artisans in red sandstone and white marble, the Jama Masjid has three gateways, four towers and two minarets. Devotees except unaccompanied women can climb the minarets at the southern gate. The eastern gateway is open only on Fridays and Muslim festival days. On Fridays and other holy days, the mosque is full of devotees. A pool is located at the center of the courtyard. Before entering the mosque, the devotees are required to wash their feet and hands.
