JAMA MASJID

JAMA MASJID

This is the largest mosque in India and a place of religious significance. Standing across the road from the Red Fort on a natural rocky elevation, this flawless architectural beauty was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1644 but finished by his son, Aurangzeb in 1656. There are three main gateways, on the north, the south and the east, each accessible by long wide flights of stone steps. Built predominantly in red sandstone and white marble, and adorned with Mughal inlay, the mosque has a seating capacity of about 20000. The rectangular prayer hall (200 ft x 120ft) is crowned by three onion domes and two tapering minarets. The central dome is 201 ft hight in the centre. The two minarets, each 130 ft high, are built in alternate vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble, and each contains 130 steps. The top of minarets provide an excellant view of the city.