Mosques In India

Jama Masjid Agra

Jama Masjid, Agra is in Agra and opposite to Agra fort and overlooking the railway station near Agra fort. Jama Masjid here is also called as Friday Mosque or Jami Masjid and is one of the largest mosques present in India. This is one of the main attractions for tourists who visit this place and are left with a wonderful experience. Many Muslims come here for prayers and has become one of the biggest Masjid in India. Many devotees offer prayers and meditation here from centuries and worship it as a holy place.

History

Jama Masjid is constructed in 1648 by the great mogul emperor Shah Jahan and he dedicated it to hid loving daughter Jahanara Begum. There is a big octagonal Tripolia present between the Jama Masjid and Agra fort and the Tripolia is destroyed and Agra Fort Railway Station is built. The entrance is in the east side and there are large domes present with inverted lotus. There is a fountain in the center of the courtyard. The interiors of the wall have beautiful paintings with white marble. This is built by using red stone and marble. It is a big mosque in the center of Agra which surrounded by bazaar.

Architecture

Jama Masjid is simple with construction of red stone and little white marble and blue color paint on walls and ceilings. Jama Masjid lies on a lofty platform alternated by stairs. It has five arched entrance to the courtyard and is crowned by three domes made of sandstone. The prayer hall is to the western side of the mosque. Panels of sandstone are placed beautifully in the main hall which to those of gateway of Taj Mahal adds an eye catching touch to the visitors. The walls in the mosque are covered with colored tiles. The central courtyard of this mosque serves thousand of devotees to offer prayers. The Masjid is decorated beautifully with carvings, tiles, paintings, inlaid stones. The mosque has Chhaja, Chhatri, and pillared Dalan on the roof. The main hall of the mosque is simple and has arch with design.

Buland Darwaza which is 40 meters high from the ground level is a gate through which it can be reached. The tomb of Sufi saint is present in the complex of this mosque. On the east side the main entrance is present. In the center is the prayer chamber with broad arch’s.

The Persian message can be seen on the white marble which is written to admire Jahanara and Shah Jahan on the central portal. The main prayer hall is large and can accommodate 10,000 men at a time and panels of wonderful inlaid sandstone add a feminine touch.

Significance

The Jama Masjid in a way is different from other mosques as it is built by Shah Jahan and dedicated to his daughter. This is one the largest mosques and became famous which brings thousands of Muslims here to offer their prayers. The spacious courtyard and the paintings, design, tiles that are used are unique and catches every tourist that comes here. The architecture is splendid and beautiful which has a feminine touch to it. As it is surrounded by market it one of the reference point to many which is in the center of Agra. It is near to Agra fort and is overlooking to Agra fort station which is very easy to find out and visit.

How to reach Jama Masjid, Agra

By Air

To reach Jama Masjid by air one has to reach Agra by air. Agra is well connected by air from all the major cities in India. After reaching Agra it is 7 kilometers from the Agra airport and can be found easily as Jama Masjid is situated in the center of Agra. If you want from Delhi, it takes only 40 minutes in flight from Delhi to Agra.

By Train

Agra is well connected by trains and trains are there from all the cities and the main station in Agra is Agra Cantonment. It was built in 1648 by shah jahan to his daughter jahanara begum.

By Bus

Main bus stand in Agra is Agra fort and Idgah bus stand. Buses are there from all the routes to here.

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