Jama Masjid in Delhi
See the spectacular Jama Masjid that was constructed right opposite the massive Red Fort by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in between the years 1644 and 1656.
The Jama Masjid in Delhi happens to be the most elaborate and the largest mosque in India. This magnificent and peaceful place of worship in Delhi was originally named as the Masjid-I-Jahanuma. With three massive gateways, four artistically built towers and two lovely minarets, the Jama Masjid in Delhi mirrors a fascinating blend of white marble and red sandstone. The term Masjid-I-Jahanuma basically meant that this place of worship commanded a view of the entire world.
It took exemplary skill and effort out in by more than 5,000 artisans and workers to complete the massive Jama Masjid that is perched on a slightly higher ground and dominates the Old Delhi skyline that still retains its Mughal flavor.
Located on the ancient city of Bho Jala, that was an integral part of Shahjahanbad, the grand Jama Masjid has a massive marble courtyard that has the capacity to comfortably accommodate about 25,000 devotees at a time.
The four grand towers that flank the mosque on four sides are five-storied structures that display a profusion of artistic frescoes and calligraphic stone inscriptions, typical to the Mughal architectural style.
The flight of steps that lead to the Jama Masjid in Delhi are delightfully ornate, with alternate steps made of red sandstone and white marble.
The north gate of the Jama Masjid in Delhi, India is special as there is a cupboard in this part of the mosque that stores a strand of hair of the Prophet Mohammad, his foot prints on a marble block and several other relic that belonged to the 'messenger of Allah'.
