Why the
Jama Masjid
is special

This famous, sizeable, 17th century mosque in Old Delhi is simultaneously imposing and magnificent.

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Top 5
Jama Masjid
must-sees for visitors

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Courtyard

This huge open-air space accommodates 20,000 worshipers at a time.

Enclosed pray hall (see photo)

Prayers in the courtyard face this majestic three-dome edifice. It contains the mihrab (a traditional wall niche that points to Mecca).

Minarets

You can climb one of the two 40-meter (130-foot) high minarets for a spectacular bird's eye view of the Jama Masjid and Delhi.

Gates

The East Gate is the grandest and most visually exciting of these red sandstone portals. All three have a broad-beamed flight of steps numbering several dozen.

Relics of Mohammed

Some relics (including what devotees believe to be a hair of the Prophet's beard) are on display in a special chamber.

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More
Jama Masjid
tips & insights

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Creation

The Jama Masjid was built in 1656 by Shah Jahan, India's most illustrious and extravagant Mughal emperor. He's the same ruler who built or significantly modified three other Hillman Wonder medal winners:

Taj Mahal

Red Fort

Agra Fort

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Name

Jama is "congregational" and masjid is "mosque" in English.

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Jama Masjid photo by Steve Evans - CC BY 3.0

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