Jama
Masjid
A fine example of Mughal architecture, the Jama Masjid has three gateways. The
largest and highest on the east was reserve exclusively for the emperor.
Work on the Jama Masjid mosque was begun in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan to complement his palace at the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled
for six years to complete the largest mosque in India. Every Friday, the emperor
and his retinue would travel in state from the fort to the mosque to attend
the congressional prayers.
The main mosque is crowned by three onion shaped domes made of white marble
and inlaid with stripes of black slate. On the north and south of the complex
are two 130 feet high minarets which offer a spectacular bird's eye-view of
the city. Jama Masjid is not only architecturally beautiful, but also a place
of great religious significance as it houses a hair from the beard of the Prophet
and also a chapter of the Holy Quran written by him.
The main courtyard of the emperor. The main courtyard of the mosque is 408 square
feet and paved with red stone. In the centre is a large marble tank in which
the devout wash before attending prayers.
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