Jami Masjid, Delhi

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JAMA MASJID-Largest mosque in India...don't miss
This ia the largest mosque in India. Built of red sandstone, it costed Moghul emperor Shahjahan one million rupees in 1650. It just 500 mts from red fort in the crowded area of old Delhi.

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It is possible to climb the 130 or so steps up the 40m high southern minaret for just 20 rupees. There’s a small counter just to the left as you enter through the southern gate into the courtyard. Unfortunately it was rather misty when I was there so I couldn’t see very far which was a shame as the views look very impressive over to the Red Fort.

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The huge courtyard of the Jama Masjid can hold up to 25,000 worshippers. It is bordered by three large gatehouses, the one on the northern side contains a copy of the Qur’an written on deer skin. The courtyard contains a large pool where worshippers wash their hands and feet before prayer.

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The Jama Masjid (or to give it its proper name, the Masjid-i-Jahan Numa meaning "the mosque commanding a view of the world"), is Old Delhi’s main mosque. It was built between 1644 and 1656 for Emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame and is one of India’s largest. The mosque is about 261 feet (80 m) long and 90 feet (27 m) wide, and its roof is covered with three domes with alternate stripes of black and white marble, with its topmost parts covered with gold. Two minarets, 130 feet (40 m) high and containing 130 steps, flank the domes on either side.

For me, the mosque was my first tourist sight on my 4-month tour around India so it was particularly interesting. My rickshaw driver dropped me off at the southern entrance and I entered through a security bag check and climbed up the large, wide set of steps and entered into the large courtyard through a gatehouse where I was asked by a chap sitting on a chair for a Rs200 entrance fee which I paid not knowing any better till later when I realised that its actually free to enter. So please bear this in mind. I got conned visiting my first Indian tourist sight! After taking a few photo’s, I sat on the edge of the courtyard to take it all in and watch the general goings on before climbing up the left minaret.

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This is the largest mosque in India, or at least that's what I was told. True or not, it was pretty impressive, once you found it. It is kind of tucked down into the labyrinth of streets that make up most of Delhi.

If you go, be sure and wear appropriate clothes. In other words, tank tops and shorts are not acceptable and you may be asked to wear a sarong-type skirt to cover your bare legs. Sandals are, of course, ok since you will be removing your shoes at the door anyway. Again the shoe-man will want a tip for "watching" your shoes, but it's up to you.

The most impressive thing about the mosque was the view from the minaret. The top only accomodates 4 or 5 people, and passing on the stairs is a nightmare, but it's worth it. Tickets are available in the main plaza and somebody is sure to point you in the right direction.

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The Jama Masjid is a magnificent mosque, situated in the heart of Old Delhi. It is supposed to be the biggest mosque in India offering an incredible architecture of a mix of red sandstone and white marble. You can climb up a minarett to have a beautiful, maybe the best 360-degrees view over Old Delhi!

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A couple of days after I was at the Mosque there were two explosions which occurred there (April 14, 2006). At least 13 people were injured in the blasts. Some 1000 people were apparently in the mosque at that time which was a Friday, the busiest day for the Muslim community and the first Friday after Milad un Nabi Muhammads birthday. Fortunately for the world and the community, there was no damage done to the mosque.

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When entering the Mosque, both men and women must remove your shoes and be modestly covered. The Mosque is open for Muslims 7.00am – 5.00pm daily.

On Fridays, non-Muslims are allowed to visit from 30 mins after sunrise until 12.20pm, 1.45pm until 20 mins before afternoon prayer.