Masjid-i Jahān-Numā ~ Jama Mosque
Jama Masjid, the best-known mosque in India, is a pilgrimage site for Indian Muslims, and a stop for most visitors to Delhi. (04November 2013)
The Masjid-i Jahān-Numā (the “World Reflecting Mosque”), situated in the heart of Old Delhi, is the largest and most important mosque in India.
The Dome of Jama Mosque ~
from the crowded streets of Old Delhi. (12April2008)
Built between 1644 (or 1650 – depending who you believe) and 1658, it was “the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort”. Situated on a small hill, the mosque complex is a commanding presence that can be seen from the crowded streets of the old city below.
Three long sets of red sandstone steps lead up to the three large entry gates on the east, north and south of a massive courtyard. The courtyard itself, which holds up to 25,000 people, is surrounded by open arched colonnades on three sides, and the west-facing three-domed mosque flanked by two impressive 40-meter high minarets on the fourth.
More commonly known as Jāma Masjid: for Jummah, the weekly Friday noon gathering for Muslim prayers + Masjid, “congregational mosque”, Jama Mosque is a central feature of many tourist visits to Delhi.
Steps to the Main Gate ~ North Gate
The main entry to the mosque is high above street level. (08April2010)
Child on the Steps
The wide front steps to the mosque make a good resting place. (04November 2013)
Gate Keepers
Before entering the mosque, visitors need to be shoeless and properly covered. For a fee, shoes can be left with the workers at the gate… (08April2010)
Tourists in the Heat Haze
… and voluminous, garishly-coloured cover-alls can be rented. (04November 2013)
Jama Masjid
The large inner courtyard of the mosque has ample room for tourists, pilgrims and large prayer gatherings. (04November 2013)
Dome
The three domes are built of alternating stripes of black and white marble, which contrast with the gold at the point, and the red sandstone of the walls. (04November 2013)
In the Corridors
Corridors run around parts of the courtyard … (04November 2013)
In the Corridors
… giving people shelter from the sun, to rest or sleep. (12April2008)
Man in an Alcove
All around the compound, people find corners to sit. (04November 2013)
Around the Reflecting Pond
In the centre of the courtyard is a large square pond. (04November 2013)
Reflecting Pond
The water in the pool is greenish with a scum layer on top and pigeon feathers floating in it…
(08April2010)
Three Women
(08April2010)
On the Reflecting Pond
…but the faithful are happy to wash their hands, face, feet, and hair in it. Some even brush their teeth.
(04November 2013)
Shooting Me
Of course, if you are taking pictures, you, too, are fair game!
(08April2010)
Kids Posing
If you have a camera, the children will come, looking to have their pictures taken. (04November 2013)
The Mosque Entrance
It is a short climb up from the courtyard to the mosque. (04November 2013)
Writing on the Wall
The white marble walls are graced with inlaid black inscriptions. (12April2008)
Seated Man
(04November 2013)
Contemplation
All around the mosque, people sit in corners…
(08April2010)
Interior Arches
… in prayer or contemplation.
(08April2010)
Changing the Lights
A worker on a long ladder changes bulbs high overhead. (08April2010)
Turrets and Arches
The architecture is beautiful and delicate.
(12April2008)
Mother and Daughter
(08April2010)
Iconography
Back outside the mosque, icons and religious paraphernalia are amongst the things on sale.
(08April2010)
I have visited Jama Masjid on a number of occasions, and each time has had its own rewards. The beauty of the buildings endures, but the shades of colour in the red sandstone are always different with the changing light. There are always pilgrims and visitors adding vivid splashes to the scene: they are always interesting to talk to and many are willing to be photographed.
Tourists are not allowed entrance to the mosque during prayer times, which is just as well: I wouldn’t like to compete with 25,000 faithful!
Until next time ~ Namaste!
Pictures: 12April2008, 08April2010 and 04November 2013
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[…] – masjed or masjid – are a prominent feature in any Islamic landscape (eg.: Jama Mosque). With their beautiful domes, their graceful arches, and their soaring minarets, these houses of […]