Jama Masjid

Introduction: Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. It was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. 

Geographical Location: Jama Masjid Road, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi- 110006

Visit time: Dawn till midnight. Tourists are not allowed during prayer hours.

Nearby places (Landmarks, sightseeing):  Sisganj Sahib, Sri Digambar Jain Temple, Red Fort, Fatehpuri Mosque, Sunheri Masjid, Sultana Raziya’s tomb,  Ghalib ki Haveli, Chandni Chowk Market

Accessibility route: The most convenient way to reach Jama Masjid is by Delhi Metro. One has to get down at the Jama Masjid Metro Station and exit from gate no. 3 and then to walk to the Eastern Gateway (gate 2) of the Masjid. It can also be reached by  auto or cab. However, there is a high chance of getting stuck in a traffic jam as roads in this area are very crowded.

Historical Timeline: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan relocated his capital from Agra to the newly built Shahjahanabad (now, Old Delhi). The Jama Masjid was built as the central mosque of the new Mughal capital. Its construction ... More

Jama Masjid

Introduction: Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. It was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. 

Geographical Location: Jama Masjid Road, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi- 110006

Visit time: Dawn till midnight. Tourists are not allowed during prayer hours.

Nearby places (Landmarks, sightseeing):  Sisganj Sahib, Sri Digambar Jain Temple, Red Fort, Fatehpuri Mosque, Sunheri Masjid, Sultana Raziya’s tomb,  Ghalib ki Haveli, Chandni Chowk Market

Accessibility route: The most convenient way to reach Jama Masjid is by Delhi Metro. One has to get down at the Jama Masjid Metro Station and exit from gate no. 3 and then to walk to the Eastern Gateway (gate 2) of the Masjid. It can also be reached by  auto or cab. However, there is a high chance of getting stuck in a traffic jam as roads in this area are very crowded.

Historical Timeline: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan relocated his capital from Agra to the newly built Shahjahanabad (now, Old Delhi). The Jama Masjid was built as the central mosque of the new Mughal capital. Its construction started in the year 1650 was completed in 1656. Originally, it was referred to as Masjid-i-Jahan Numa or ‘the mosque commanding a view of the world.’ However, the name ‘Jama Masjid’ is more commonly used. It means the Friday Mosque, referring to the Friday congregational prayers of the Muslims.

Owing to the grandeur of the Mosque, Shah Jahan especially called an Imam (leader of the prayer) from Bukhara (now in Uzbekistan) to lead the prayers in the Masjid. This role has been passed down in the family of the first Imam, with the son succeeding the father. The current Shahi Imam, Ahmed Bukhari is the 13th Imam of the Jama Masjid.

After the Revolt of 1857, the British took control of the Walled City and converted the Mosque into an army post. They returned it as a place of worship only in 1862, after petitions were made by the Muslim residents of the city.