Skim Through The Remarkable Reasons To Visit & Explore The Architectural Marvel That Jama Masjid Is

Located in the heart of the fabled old city of Shahjahanabad - the capital city of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan - Jama Masjid in Delhi is one of the most famous tourist sites across India. Also known as Masjid-i Jehannuma (world-reflecting mosque), it was built between 1650 - 1656 AD and was inaugurated by Imam Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari from Bukhara. Here’s a look at why Jama Masjid is a must-visit, when in Delhi!

1. For Admiring The Breathtaking Architecture

Picture Credits: raghav.rai.ralhan

Built from red sandstone & marble, the mosque was Emperor Shah Jahan’s principal place of worship. It is said to have been built by 5,000-odd artisans, over a period of six years, at an overall cost of 1 million rupees (in that time’s money), culminating in the beautiful structure that stands there today. It has entrances in three directions, of which visitors regularly use the North & South Gates while the East Gate, right across the road from the Red Fort, is opened on every Jummah (Friday). Each of the three entrances has a towering gateway of red sandstone and marble that is truly an architectural marvel!

2. To Explore One Of The Largest Mosques In India Built By Shah Jahan

Considered to be among the ranks of the largest mosques built in India, it even has two 40m high minarets, made from marble and red sandstone, that tower around the main courtyard and prayers chambers. The North Gate houses a cabinet that holds Prophet Muhammad’s relics, such as the Quran written on deerskin, His sandals, His footprints preserved on a marble block and a strand of His beard hair. The large prayer hall facing the Southside has 11 arched entrances, with the central one being really wide & high, acting as the main entrance. It is flanked by towering minarets in the two corners. Another big hall faces the West with 7-arched entrances. There are three huge domes on top of the mosque, with beautiful alternating stripes of black & white.

3. To Witness The Massive Courtyard Which Can Accommodate 25,000 People

Being among one of the largest mosques in the country, the courtyard is sprawled over a huge area, it can accommodate a whopping 25,000 worshippers at one time. On the floor, a total of 899 black borders are marked for worshippers to come and offer prayers. Along the perimeter of the courtyard run pillared corridors, and at the centre of the courtyard is a small tank of water. In one corner here, corn & seeds are always strewn about for birds to feed upon and Friday worshippers gather in huge numbers here to pray.

4. For Capturing The Most Amazing Portraits With Gorgeous Backdrops

Picture Credits: shxanu_

The towering minarets and the reddish-white mosque also make some incredible backdrops for your Insta reels, adding a splash of colour and mystery to the portraits that you’ll shoot here. Embodying a rustic charm, every nook and cranny at Jama Masjid has a story to tell and is brimming with a melancholic serenity that gets reflected brilliantly in the snaps clicked here. So don’t forget your cameras when planning your trip here, and next! The cost of photography is Rs 300.

5. To Offer Prayers & Experience Pure Peace & Serenity

Picture Credits: muzaffarpursehai

Jama Masjid is known as the hotspot where devotees from far and wide come and offer their prayers and seek blessings and the place is filled with a calmness that is hard to describe. Every week there are special Friday noon prayers known as Jumu’ah that take place within the mosque, with hundreds attending. People often wonder why Fridays are so important to Muslims. According to a learned man at the mosque, the Quran proclaims Friday to be that one day of the week when Allah grants all prayers & bestows special blessings upon his followers. Hence, Muslims leave all business as soon as the call for the Jummah or Friday noon congregational prayer is made & gather at a mosque in supplication. It is further believed that missing out on three Jummahs in a row causes a seal to be set onto the wayward’s soul.

6. To Take A Heritage Walk & Explore The Rustic Bylanes Of Purani Dilli

Picture Credits: unzip_delhi

The Jama Masjid is located around 30 ft higher than the surrounding area. Standing in the middle of a bustling neighbourhood of Chandni Chowk, it is surrounded by a huge market selling all sorts of things, ranging from clothing to food & snacks; motor parts to books & stationery. Home to the largest spice market, Khari Baoli, old havelis that include Ghalib ki Haveli of Mirza Ghalib, Chunnamal haveli in Katra Neel, Dharampura Haveli, Gali Guliyan, designed in late Mughal style and many more, the streets here are full of history and culture that resonates in every building and shop, making for the perfect area to take a heritage walk and get lost in the rustic beauty of purani Dilli!

7. To Embark On A Culinary Trail Through The Lanes Of Chandni Chowk

Picture Credits: hunger_killer_

If you’ve come to Jama Masjid, you have to go and feast on the innumerable iconic eateries Chandni Chowk and Old Delhi have to offer. Right from Mutton Nihari at Karim’s, Shahi Tukda at Cool Point, Stuffed Kulfi at Kuremal Kulfi Wala, to Kebabs at Ustad Moinuddin Kebabs, and the seasonal favourite - Daulat Ki Chaat at Rajesh Kumar & Baburam Brothers are only a few of the places you need to check out for a gastronomic treat like none other. Take out an entire day and get to feasting! 

Now that you know all about this beautiful and monumental place of worship, go explore it for yourself!

Where | Jama Masjid - Jama Masjid Road, Chandni Chowk
Timings | 7 AM - 12 Noon & 1:30 - 6:30 PM
Entry | Free