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Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and the
final architectural extravagance of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It's also
known as 'Masjid-i-Jahan Numa', 'Jahan' means 'World' and Numa means
'Visible'. It is situated some quarter of a mile from the
Red Fort. It was designed as
Emperor Shahjahan's principal mosque. The sprawling esplanade, which
separates it from the arterial road is a fascinating leisure ground.
A Religious Masterpiece 
The
construction work continued for six years, ending in 1644. The structure
was placed on a high platform so that its magnificent facade would be
visible from all the adjoining areas. It's an austere, yet, a beautiful
building. Just like other buildings of Shahjahanabad, this one was also
built with red sandstone. White marble has also been used extensively,
specially in the three domes and has been inlaid with stripes of black.
The pulpit is one of its best features, being carved out of a single
block of marble. Built by a workforce of 5,000 people, the
mosque's three gateways, four towers and
two minarets are testimony to the fine architecture
of that period. The slender minarets grace the facade, one on each side,
rising to a height of 130-feet. The eastern gate was reserved for the
Emperor when he used to arrive here every Friday and on Id.
A stadium like courtyard greets the visitors as they enter this mosque in
the Old Delhi area. Wide staircases and arched gateways are the hallmark
of this popular mosque. There is a small shrine within that houses the
relic of the Prophet as well as the Holy Koran. Its courtyard has a
capacity to hold nearly 25,000 worshippers and is also open to the general
public.
The Mosque was based on the plan and design of Ostad Khalil, the then
great Sculptor. Emperor 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 Minar are 1076-sq-ft wide where 25,000 devotees at a
time may sit together for namaz.
The 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
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
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.