JAMA MASJID -Introduction,Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, History, Intresting facts,Congregation Prayers,How To Reach

JAMA MASJID -Introduction,Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, History, Intresting facts,Congregation Prayers,How To Reach

Introduction :-

Jama Masjid is situated in the center of Old Delhi just the opposite side of Red Fort.It is built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644and 1658. It has three gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high, and is constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. The main entry point is Gate No 3. The mosque's courtyard can hold a mind-blowing 25,000 devotees.The mosque also houses several relics in a closet in the north gate, including an antique copy of the Qur'an written on deer skin.

History:-

The foundation of the historic Jama Masjid was laid on a small hill in Shahjahanabad by fifth Mughal Emperor of India, Shahjahan, on Friday

the October 6, 1650 AD .The mosque was the result of the efforts of over 5,000 workers, over a period of six years.

The cost incurred on the construction in those times was 10 lakh (1 million) Rupees, and it was same Emperor who also built the Taj Mahal, at Agra and the Red Fort, which stands across the Jama Masjid, which was finally ready in 1656 AD ,complete with three great gates, four towers and two 40 m-high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble.

The Mosque was planed and designed by Ostad Khalil, a great sculptor of that era.The structure was placed on a high platform so that its magnificent facade would be visible from all the adjoining areas.

Interesting facts:-

• A religious masterpiece, Jama Masjid is also known as 'Masjid-i-Jahan Numa', 'Jahan' means 'World' and Numa means 'Visible'.On the east,
• This monument faces the Lal Quila (Red Fort) and has three gateways, four towers and two minarets. On Fridays and other holy days the courtyard is filled
  with devotees who come in for 'Namaaz'.
• The cupboard in the North gate of the mosque contains a collection of Muhammad's relics - the Koran written on deerskin,
  a red beard-hair of the prophet, his sandals and his footprint, embedded in a marble slab, all of which are still preserved.

Congregation Prayers:-

The later name, Jama Masjid, is a reference to the weekly Friday noon congregation prayers of Muslims, Jummah, which are usually done

at a mosque, the "congregational mosque" or "jāmi' masjid".

How To Reach:-

Air : The temple is located in New Delhi so reaching it won't be a problem.

Rail : Delhi has two railheads - New Delhi Railway Station and Old Delhi Railway Station, both of which is connected to rest of India by several trains.

Road : Delhi has well defined road and can be reached from nearby place very easily.

Visiting Time: Daily dawn-dusk; closed during prayer times.

Entry Fee : Entry is free but tourists must pay Rs100 if carrying a camera.

When To Visit : Between October to March is the best time, but being a religious monument it can be visited at any time of the year.