Jama Masjid

Why the Jama Masjid of Delhi is special
This famous, sizeable, 17th century mosque in Old Delhi is simultaneously imposing and magnificent.

Top 5 Jama Masjid must sees
Courtyard
This huge open-air space accommodates 20,000 worshipers at a time.

Enclosed prayer hall
Prayers in the courtyard face this majestic three-dome prayer hall. 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.

More Jama Masjid tips & insights
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, and Agra Fort.

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

Location in India