Jama Masjid, Delhi

Jama Masjid is India's largest mosque, where thousands of Muslims offer prayers. Country's largest mosque, Jama Masjid is the place where thousands of Muslims offer prayers to Allah.Jama Masjid is situated at 6km north of Connaught place in New Delhi. It is one of the largest mosques in world. It is a mughal monument now considered as archaeological heritage of India. The mosque was built by around 5000 craftsmen in the year 1656 AD . The courtyard of the mosque can hold up to twenty-five thousand worshippers. The mosque also houses several relics in a closet in the north gate, including a copy of the Qur'an written on deer skin.

The Jama Masjid was completed under the supervision of Saadullah Khan who was the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan. A sum of Rs 10 lakhs was spent in the construction of the Jama Masjid. The Jama Masjid is built on a red sandstone porch, about 30 feet (10 m) from the level of ground and is about 1400 square yards (1200 m²) in extent. The Jama Masjid has three gateways, four towers and two minarets. The main entrance is on the eastern side facing the red fort. The gateways in the north and south are led by a fleet of steps. 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. Jama Masjid used to be the main mosque of Shah jahan. The mosque stands on the hill of Bho Jhala, in the old Mughal capital called Shahjahanabad. Prayer hall on the west is adorned by high cusped arches and marble domes.

The mosque stands on a rocky elevation. Its huge gateway looks down at you like fastidious connoisseur from an immense platform which has steps that lead up to it. 

The grand Red fort (Lal Qila) stands on the eastern side of the Jama Masjid. The main prayer hall of the Jama Masjid is made up of high cusped arches and marble domes. 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 and 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.