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 Jama
Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and the final architectural
extravagance of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It's also known as
'Masjid-i-Jahan Numa', 'Jahan' means 'World' and Numa means 'Visible'.
It is situated some quarter of a mile from the Red Fort. It was
designed as Emperor Shahjahan's principal mosque. The sprawling
esplanade, which separates it from the arterial road is a fascinating
leisure ground.
A Religious Masterpiece - Jama Masjid
The construction work continued for six years, ending in 1644.
The structure was placed on a high platform so that its magnificent
facade would be visible from all the adjoining areas. It's an
austere, yet, a beautiful building. Just like other buildings
of Shahjahanabad, this one was also built with red sandstone.
White marble has also been used extensively, specially in the
three domes and has been inlaid with stripes of black.
The pulpit is one of its best features, being carved out of a
single block of marble. Built by a workforce of 5,000 people,
the mosque's three gateways, four towers and two minarets are
testimony to the fine architecture of that period. The slender
minarets grace the facade, one on each side, rising to a height
of 130-feet. The eastern gate was reserved for the Emperor when
he used to arrive here every Friday and on Id.
A stadium like courtyard greets the visitors as they enter this
mosque in the Old Delhi area. Wide staircases and arched gateways
are the hallmark of this popular mosque. There is a small shrine
within that houses the relic of the Prophet as well as the Holy
Koran. Its courtyard has a capacity to hold nearly 25,000 worshippers
and is also open to the general public.
The Mosque was based on the plan and design of Ostad Khalil,
the then great Sculptor. Emperor Shahjahan built Jama Masjid at
the cost of Rs 10 crore and it can be called as the replica of
Moti Masjid in Agra. The premises of the South Minar are 1076-sq-ft
wide where 25,000 devotees at a time may sit together for namaz.
Jama Masjid also comprise of a great treasure that has been kept
in the northeast corner of the white shrine- a hair of the beard
of Hazrat Mahmmad, his used chappal, a chapter of Koran taken
from its original holy book, the canopy of his tombstone and the
foot print of Muhammad on the stone.
Main Imam - Jama Masjid
The main imam of this Jama Masjid is the direct descendent of
the original and first Imam appointed by Emperor Shahjahan and
till now there is no break in its descendency. People of other
religions are not allowed in between 12-30-2-00pm. One is allowed
to enter the mosque bare-footed, head covered and wearing lungi,
- these are the norms visitors have to follow and are available
on payment. For taking photographs one has to buy tickets first.
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