Tuesday 13 December 2011

jama masjid delhi

Jama Masjid, Delhi

Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. Shah Jahan built it in 1656. It is situated in Delhi. It's also known as 'Masjid-i-Jahan Numa','Jahan' means 'World' and Numa means 'Visible'. Its courtyard has a capacity to hold nearly 25,000 Jama Masjidworshippers. The mosque has three huge gateways,four angle towers,and two minarets,both,which are 40 meters high. The eastern gateway was originally open only to the emperor. It was built with red sandstone. White marble has also been used extensively,specially in the three domes and has been inlaid with stripes of black. Wide staircases and arched gateways are the hallmark of this popular mosque. The Masjid also comprises of a great treasure that has been kept in the northeast corner of the white shrine. The treasure comprises of a hair of the beard of Hazrat Mahmmad,his used chappal,a chapter of Koran taken from its original holy book,the canopy of his tombstone and the foot print of Muhammad on the stone.

Main Imam - Jama Masjid
The main imam of this Jama Masjid is the direct descendent of the original and first Imam appointed by Emperor Shahjahan and till now there is no break in its descendency. People of other religions are not allowed in between 12-30-2-00pm. One is allowed to enter the mosque bare-footed, head covered and wearing lungi, - these are the norms visitors have to follow and are available on payment. For taking photographs one has to buy tickets first.

As it is located in the heart of Delhi, Jama Masjid is easily accessible in many ways. Tourists planning to travel to Delhi should not miss the chance to visit Jama Masjid. There are various local buses plying from various points within the city - Interstate Bus Terminus at Kashmere Gate and Interstate Bus Terminus at Sarai Kale Khan. Or, alternatively, they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis for the purpose. The mosque is situated at a walking distance from the Red Fort (Lal Qila) and Chandni Chowk. People of other religions are not allowed in between 12-30-2-00pm. For taking photographs one has to buy tickets first.

The plan and design of the mosque were done by the great sculptor of the time, Ostad Khalil. Shahjahan built Jama Masjid at the cost of Rs 10 crore and it can be called as the replica of Moti Masjid in Agra. The premises of the south minaret are 1076-sq-ft wide where 25,000 devotees at a time may sit together for namaz (prayer). Jama Masjid also comprise of a great treasure that has been kept in the northeast corner of the white shrine- a hair of the beard of Hazrat Muhammad, his used chappal (slippers), a chapter of Koran taken from its original holy book, the canopy of his tombstone and the foot print of Muhammad on the stone.

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