Jama Masjid is the biggest mosque in Delhi.
It is important as a heritage property as it was built by Shah Jahan and
the coronation ceremony of later Mughal emperors were performed
by the imams of this mosque. It is walking
distance from Red Fort and consequently catered to the needs
of the royalty of those times.
The mosque is situated in the middle of the most crowded and
congested streets of old Delhi and therefore, getting to the place itself is a
bit of adventure.
We took the Delhi metro and got down at the Chawri Bazaar Metro Station and walked
the entire length of Chawri Bazaar to reach the West side of Jama Masjid. Crossing Gate No. 5 from where we could see
the three domes from behind the structure. we walked around the border to reach
Gate No. 3. The entrance gate to the
mosque was on top of a flight of stairs.
The wide structure looked majestic on top from where we were standing.
There is a wide worship area inside – it is supposed to be
able to accommodate 25000 people to worship at the same time. There are 3 entrance gates to the inner
porch and entire courtyard is lined with arched verandahs leading to the towers
at the four corners.
From the verandah on the opposite side of the mosque, one could
see parts of Red Fort. If you come out
of the gate on the east side, you will step into the old and famous colourful Meena Bazaar of
Delhi.
