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Jama Masjid in Delhi is the largest and most famous
mosque in India . The original name is Masjid-i-Jahan
Numa which means 'a mosque commanding a view of the
world' . The commissioning of the mosque was started
by Shah Jahan in 1644 AD and it was completed in 1656AD.
The Jama Masjid is located in Old Delhi and this name
has been accorded to the mosque in reference to the
weekly congregation on Friday. This mosque lies just
opposite to the famous Red Fort and is a perfect example
of Mughal architecture , in fact this was the last monument
built by Shah Jahan. It is completely devoid of the
influence of pseudo Italian art which was much in vogue
in Lucknow at that time.
Though the floor plan of Jama Masjid is much similar
to that of Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque this is more
splendid in structure
The building of the mosque is a typical blend of Hindu
and Muslim style of architecture . There are 260 pillars
which support 15 domes of different sizes. The monument
is composed of yellow sandstone. You will find a huge
paved courtyard here in rectangular shape with a huge
hall on the western side which has pillars all carved
with influence of Hindu and Jain tradition. You can
enter the courtyard from the east though there are other
three sides as well from which you can enter in the
central courtyard. There is the mausoleum of Sultan
Ahmed Shah in the enclosure entered from the eastern
side . The huge courtyard can hold 25000 worshippers.
Under the dome of the mosque there is entrance with
seven arches.
Jama Masjid also has some relics like a copy of Quran
written on deer's skin is kept in a closet here.
The main imam who presides in Jama Masjid is the direct
descendent of the first Imam appointed by Shahjahan.
Restrictions:
Between 12-30 and 2-00pm, only Muslims can enter
the premises .If you want to enter the mosque you have
to be bare footed with head covered and one has to wear
lungi. If one wants to take photographs one has to buy
tickets for that.
Jama Masjid, much revered by the Muslims is an important
tourist attraction in Delhi for its imposing structure
and glorious past , contact TourofTajMahal.com for more
details.
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