Two of Delhi’s magnificent buildings face each other across the road. One of them is the Red Fort, and the other is the Jama masjid. This masjid is a large imposing sprawling structure on what is now known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Marg. The construction of Delhi Jama Masjid was started in 1650.
It was again the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan who had this place of worship built for people. It is the same Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal. Jama Masjid Delhi has been copied in other parts of the country as well. However, the Jama masjids in other parts of the country are smaller in size when compared to the Jama Masjid of Delhi. There are several stories about Jama masjid like the construction activities were progressing very slowly. This enraged Shah Jahan who promptly asked the person-in-charge to offer an explanation. It is said that Saadullah Khan, the person building the mosque, informed the Emperor that the Holy Quran was being read before installing every stone of the Masjid.
This calmed the emperor, and he let the activity progress at its pace. The construction was completed in 1656. Another interesting fact recorded in Jama Masjid’s history was that the architects of the mosque ensured that the Royal throne remained below the level of the mosque’s pulpit. Overall, the design is simple but very elegant.
| Facts About Jama Masjid | |
|---|---|
| Area | |
| State | Delhi |
| Languages | Hindi, Punjabi, English |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Nearest Railway Station | New Delhi railway station |
| Nearest Airport | Indira Gandhi International Airport |
| Famous | The largest mosque in India, The Footwear – Red Beard Hair and the Foot Impressions of Prophet, The Replica of Quran (Holy Books of Muslims) Written on a Deer Skin kept inside the Mosque |
| STD Code | 91-11 |