Mosques In India

Jama Masjid Delhi

Masjid-i Jahān-Numā has its other name known as Jama Masjid which is situated in the capital of India known as Delhi and also known as principal mosque in India. This mosque was completed by that Mughal Emperor who has built one of the Seven Wonders of the World known as Taj Mahal and this wonder was completed in 1650 CE. Although the mosque was completed in 1656 AD this mosque is also considered as the biggest mosque in the country. This mosque begins on the road of Chawri Bazar which is the busiest road of Old Delhi.

Although later this mosque got it’s another name known as Jummah which was decided to keep on the day of Friday noon which is considered as a special day for Muslims to pray. This mosque has the capacity to which can occupy more than 25000 worshippers in the courtyard at a single time. In the north gate of the Mosque number of relics are being written, which include a copy of Qur'an which is antique in nature and written on the skin of deer.

History

The internationally magnificent, acclaimed Delhi Jama Masjid was named originally as Masjid Jahan Numa which was constructed by the 5th Mughal Emperor known as Shahjahan. The foundation of this Masjid was laid in the year 1650 in the month of October which correspond tenth Shawwal of 1060 AH.

Excellent workers and experts in their field such as eminent artisans, best calligraphers, engineers, sculptors, best chiselers and construction persons who are best in the world are deployed in the construction of this world class Mosque. Approximately more than 6 thousand labours are deployed in order to stand the building of the Mosque known as Jama Masjid. However, the construction of Mosque was continuous for about 6 years and finally the building of the Mosque was completely ready in 1656 AD i.e. 1066 AH.

In those olden days the charges for labour are very cheap i.e. only two paisa or one paisa a day but then to the overall construction of the Mosque was considered approximately 1 million rupees. Gifted stones as well as other material of construction were provided by various nawabs and noble persons in order to help the Emperor in completing the Mosque’s building. However, all these donations are not included in the total cost.

When the construction of the Mosque was taking place then Emperor Shahjahan came to know from his sources that the construction work was slow. However, after receiving this complaint Emperor deputed Saadullah Khan as a minister to investigate regarding the constructions progress. It was decided that embedded stone work should be done before the holy recital of Quran Phrases. This information was very much liked by the Emperor and Emperor ordered that this construction should be continued in that way only.

It was taken care of that pulpit of Jama Masjid should be leveled upto the level of the famous Peacock Throne of the emperor Shah Jahan in Red Fort. The basic objective in the construction was to maintain simplicity in which its spectacular vision lies. This simplicity is unmatchable to any kind of Great Architecture Structure.

Construction

Shahjahan who was the fifth emperor of Mughals had laid foundation of a historical building known as Jama Masjid on nineteenth October, 1650 AD on Friday. Six thousand workers had contributed for approximate time of 6 years for actual building construction. The overall cost for construction of Jama Masjid was around ten lakh at that time period. The two other famous buildings are also built Shahjahan known as Red Fort and Taj Mahal where Red Fort is situated opposite to Jama Masjid. The construction of Jama Masjid was finished at 1656 AD and the building is having 4 towers, 3 great gates and two high minarets with having forty meter height and white marble and red sandstone are the material used for this purpose. Total numbers of people who can pray simultaneously in Jama Masjid are approximate twenty five thousand in numbers. A big paved courtyard of rectangular shaped which is approximate seventy five meter by sixty six meter is also a part of this mosque. A large hall which is standing on pillars which are 260 in numbers has a reflection of Jain and Hindu traditions. East direction can be used for accessing courtyard at central point and another enclosure which contains mausoleum of a Mughal Emperor known as Sultan Ahmed Shah can be got from entrance of eastern side.

Many famous Mosques are built by Shah Jahan in the cities known as Lahore, Ajmer, Agra and Delhi. The floorplan used in Jama Masjid is approximate similar to Jama Masjid situated in Fatehpur Sikri place near to Agra but Jama Masjid situated in Delhi is more big and imposing between the two. Aurangzeb who the son of Shah Jahan had constructed a Badshahi Mosque at Lahore in the year 1673 and the appearance of building is approximate same to Jama Masjid situated at Raipur.

Architecture

• Mosque courtyard can be visited by three sides south, north and east and all these are being constructed with the use of red sandstone.
• Mosque northern gate is having 389 steps.
• Southern side has steps in this Mosque.
• Eastern side of the gate is having 774 steps and considered as a rural entrance.
• These steps are for the utilization of street entertainers, shops and food stalls.
• Bazaar is being organized on eastern side on every morning and this bazaar is mainly for birds and poultry.
• The direction of the mosque is south and free sides are opened with farchiet chrophyll, appearing like a mhofty gateway which is tower-like in centre.
• The mosque is approximately 22561 feet i.e. 8058 meter long and wide about 25858 inch i.e. 549 meter wide. Roof of the mosque is entirely covered with domes which are numbered in 8 and having white marble and purple repeated stripes, however, the lowest part is being covered with the material known as loasd.
• There are lofty minarets numbered in two having height of forty one meter and containing one thirty steps, which are striped longitudinally with red sandstone and white marble as well as domes and flank on each side.
• Projecting galleries divide minarets which are also having domed pavilions surmounted by twelve-sides which are open in architecture.
• Beneath the domes there is hall which is having arched entrances numbered in 7. All these entrances are facing west side as well as walls of Jama Masjid.
• There is prayer hall also which is approximately sixty one meters * 27.5 m and having arched entrances numbered in 11. However, the central arch is lofty and wide and considered as a massive gateway, each corner of the hall is having minarets which are slim in architecture surmounting with octagonal pavilion.
• There are tablets measuring about 4 feet i.e. 1.2m long and 2.5 feet wide which are over these entrances known as arched and having inscriptions inlaid with black marble.
• Standing of the mosque lies on the platform measuring approximately 1.5 meters from the terrace and only three steps can lead inside the interior of Jama Masjid from all three sides i.e. south, north and east.
• Mosque floor is covered and constructed with black and white marble, border of black marble is a mark for worshippers and considered as 3 feet long as well as 1½ feet wide. In totality 899 marked spaces are there on the mosque floor.

Imams Of Jama Masjid

• Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari Shahi
• Syed Abdul Shakoor Shah Bukhari Shahi Imam
• Syed Abdul Raheem Shah Bukhari Shahi Imam
• Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari Thani Shahi Imam
• Syed Abdul Rehman Shah Bukhari Shahi Imam
• Syed Abdul Kareem Shah Bukhari Shahi Imam
• Syed Mir Jeewan Shah Bukhari Shahi Imam
• Syed Mir Ahmed Ali Shah Bukhari Shahi Imam
• Syed Mohammed Shah Bukhari Shahi Imam
• Maulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari Shahi Imam
• Maulana Syed Hameed Bukhari Shahi Imam
• Syed Abdullah Bukhari
• Syed Ahmed Bukhar

How To Reach

Reaching Jama Masjid Delhi Through Road

There are various options available by which one can reach Delhi through taxi or bus. Every kind of vehicle such as Rikshaw, Auto Rickshaw or Taxi is helpful in reaching this spot. However, public transport is the best medium as it not only saves time but it also saves ones money.  Delhi is a capital of India so its connectivity via road is very good. However, in order to help the persons Inter State Bus Terminus are also located at Anand Vihar, Sarai Kale-Khan and Kashmiri Gate.

Reaching Jama Masjid Delhi Through Rail

There are two Railway Stations in the capital one is Old Delhi Railway Station and other is New Delhi Railway Station. However, both of these railway stations are well connected to the country. Although Delhi is a capital so it is very well connected throughout the country by train. New Delhi and Old Delhi Hajrat Nijamuddin are considered as the important railheads in the capital. However, one can also choose the option of metro rail in order to move fast in the capital.

Reaching Jama Masjid Delhi Through Air

Delhi as we all know that is the capital of India so it‘s connectivity through international flights and domestic flights is very well throughout the world. Main airlines takeoff their fights from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi as this airport is very well connected with all main cities in all over the world. However, Palam Airport which is Domestic Airport is being connected to all main cities of the country.

Auto-rickshaw or Bus can be an easy and cheapest mode to reach this place.

Metro Rail is also the best medium to reach as nearest metro station is known as Chawri Bazar.

Special Event or Festivals Celebrated In Jama Masjid Delhi

This mosque looks best during the festivals of Muslims known as Id-ul-Zoha and Id-ul-Fitr at this time more than 25000 devotees offer prayers inside the courtyard of the mosque. However, at this time the environment becomes like carnival and festival in all over the surroundings of the Masjid. All Muslims festivals are celebrated here in the mosque.

General Fact About Jama Masjid Delhi

Location

The location of Jama Masjid is approximate five hundred meters in west direction from Red Fort which is situated in Chandni Chowk of Old Delhi.

Time To Visit

It can be visited anytime during the year as it open in all days.

Preferred Timings

Timings in Summer Season are morning 7:00 A.M. to 12.15 P.M. and after that from 1.45 P.M. upto the sunset.

Timings in Winter Season are morning 8.30 A.M. to 12.15 P.M. and after that from 1.45 P.M. upto the sunset.

Muslim ladies are allowed in the Mosque in all days of year except Ramzan as at that time Muslim Ladies only from Fazar prayer till Maghrib prayer.

Entry Charges

There is no entry fee for visiting this Masjid but if one wants to have camera with him then amount of Rs.100/- needs to be paid.

Except time of prayer entry is free for everyone.

Photography Charges

The charges for photography for Indian Citizens are Rs.20 and for foreigner are Rs.150/-.

Parking

No amount need to be paid for parking

Other Instructions:

• One should leave his shoes while entering in Masjid and amount of Rs.10 is charged for this service.
• One should be very hygienic while visiting Masjid.
• Metro Train is also very beneficial for reaching this place.
• Services of tours operators and local guide will help you in getting proper details of this place.
• Tourists are requested to cover their arms as well as their knees and put off their shoes when going inside the Mosque.
• Draping of cloth should be completed while taking entrance inside the Mosque which is available at entrance and can provided if requested. 

Terrorism Incidents

2006 Explosions

In the year 2006 in the month of April dated: 14th two explosions took place in the surroundings of Jama Masjid. The time of these explosions are 17:26 i.e 5:26 evening and the other explosion took place approximately 17:33 i.e. 5:33(IST). However, government officials reported that 13 people get injured in this blasts. However, there are one thousand people inside the mosque when the blast took place. The reason behind such huge gathering is that 14th April day was Friday which is a holy day for Muslims but there is no damage from any side of mosque building.

2010 Shooting

In the year 2010 in the month of September dated: 15th 2 Taiwanese citizens get injured when gunmen had done a fire near gate three of Jama Masjid.

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