Jama Masjid of Delhi is the principle mosque of Old Delhi in India. Official name of this masjid is Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa. It is the largest mosque in India. This was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It has taken 6 years to complete this construction. Construction of this mosque started in 1650 ended in 1656. 6000 workers worked hard to construct this mosque. In those days construction cost of this masjid is 10 lakhs. Now it is equal to 1 million.
What to see in Jama Masjid: This is the hard work result of thousands of workers. On both sides of this masjid visitors can see beautiful minarets. White marble and Red Sand stone are used in the construction of these minarets. Height of these minarets is 40meters. At one time nearly 25000 people can pray at this place. Courtyard is accessible from the east central. Western chamber stands on 260 pillars. All these Pillars are carved with Jain and Hindu traditions. Courtyard of this mosque is in rectangle shape. Floor plan of this masjid is looks like Fatehpur Sikri Jama Masjid. But Jama Masjid of Delhi is bigger than Jama Masjid of Fatehpur Sikri. White and black marbles are used for the flooring of this masjid.
Three projected galleries can be seen on the minarets of this mosque. Eastern side of the mosque is the rural entrance. Courtyard of the mosque can be reached from south, north and east by 3 flights of steps. Red Sandstone is used to build these steps. Masjid has 3 gateways, two minarets and 4 towers. Main entrance is towards east which faces to Red Fort. Under the dome of the mosque a hall is located. It has 7 arched entrances facing towards Mecca. Terrorism incidents also happen at this place in 2006.
What to see around Jama Masjid:
Red Fort: On the Independence Day Prime Minister of India addresses the nation from this fort. In the history this place is having prominent place i.e. At the end of first war of independence Bhadur Shah Zafar was arrested at this place. This place is 2Kms away from Masjid.
Jantar Mantar: This was constructed by Sawai Jai Singh II between 1699 to 1743. This look like gallery of modern art on the first seeing but it is just an observatory. This place is 4kms away from Masjid.
India Gate: It was constructed by Edwin Lutyens in the memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in First World War. It is located 6Kms away from Masjid.
Rashtrapati Bhawan: Earlier this was used as Viceregal Lodge. In this palace there are 340 rooms. Expenditure for the construction of this palace is 12, 53,000 pound sterling’s. It is located 6Kms away from Masjid.
Getting to Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid is located in Delhi. Delhi is well connected by connected with Road ways, Railways and Airways. Both Government and private buses are available to reach this place. Delhi is connected with best railways and airways. There are 3 main bus stands in Delhi. They are Anand Vihar Bus terminus, Sarai Kale Khan Bus Terminus and Interstate Bus Terminus. 3 important railway stations are Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway station, Old Delhi Railway station, New Delhi Railways station.
Getting around Jama Masjid: Areas surrounding the Jama Masjid can be visited by using taxis, cars and autos.
Best time to visit Jama Masjid: Throughout the year people can visit this place.
Where to stay in Jama Masjid: Inside the Masjid no accommodation is available. In Delhi several hotels are available to stay.
Where to eat in Jama Masjid: Visitors has to carry food and water. Food is not available inside the Masjid.