Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is situated on the busy Chawri Bazar Road in the center of Old Delhi, New Delhi, the capital of India. It is the largest and most famous mosque in India. The term "Jama" comes from the Jumu'ah (Friday afternoon congregational prayer) observed by Muslims. The mosque was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan on Friday, October 19, 1650, and took seven years to complete with the labor of 5,000 artisans. Shah Jahan is also the builder of the Taj Mahal, one of India’s most iconic landmarks.

The mosque is primarily constructed from red sandstone and white marble, measuring 80 meters in length and 27 meters in width. It features three large domes, two 41-meter-high minarets, and three grand gateways on the east, south, and north sides. The three domes are adorned with gilded finials and black marble strips, while the central spire of the domes is made of copper. Among the three gateways, the eastern one is the most ornate, featuring 774 steps and serving as the royal entrance. At the northern gateway, a shrine houses a rare copy of the Qur'an written on deer skin. The spacious interior can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers for prayer at one time.

Jama Masjid

Must-visit reason: The largest mosque in India

Continent: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region: India[India]

Province/State: National Capital Territory of Delhi [National Capital Territory of Delhi]

City: New Delhi [New Delhi]