Shah Jahan, as the final architectural extravaganza, built one of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid. It is located in old Delhi area of the capital. Also known as Masjid-i-Jahan Numa, was the mosque of the emperor. Due to its enormous size, which took six years to complete. Situated on a high platform, the austere yet beautiful building was built in red sandstone, with extensive use of white marble. The pulpit of Jama Masjid has been beautifully carved from a single block of marble. It has three doors, four towers and two minarets. The minarets of the 130-foot high thin mosque grace its impressive facade.
The east gate was once reserved for the emperor. wide staircases and arched doors greet visitors to the mosque. The relics of the Prophet and the Koran are enshrined here, and your patio with capacity for 25,000 worshipers at one time. Designed by Ustad Khalil, the great sculptor of his time, was built at an incredible cost. However, the greatest treasure of the Jama Masjid is undoubtedly the hair of the beard of Hazrat Muhammad, staying at the northeast corner of the White Shrine. It also retains its Chappal used (slippers), a chapter of Koran taken from its original holy book, the canopy of his tomb and the foot print of Muhammad on the stone.
The imam of this mosque is the direct descendant of the original and first Imam appointed by Emperor Shah Jahan. You can go barefoot in the mosque only, with their heads covered and wear 'lungi' (a traditional Muslim clothing, used for offering prayers to the Lord). During his reign, Emperor Shah Jahan built many other important mosques in Agra, Ajmer and Lahore. The large building of Jama Masjid has stood the test of time and current undeterred, remembering about the glory of the bygone era. Most tourists who come up Delhi make it a point to visit this magnificent building.
