Besides the Obvious

Jama Masjid in Delhi, also known as the Red Mosque, is a mosque located in Lutyen’s Delhi, near Old Delhi. It gained its name from the red sandstone used in its construction. The mosque is one of Delhi’s most famous landmarks. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the biggest mosques in India. Each year, millions of people visit Jama Masjid to experience its spiritual energy.

What to expect about Jama Masjid in Delhi

It dates back 1644 – 1656 and it opened to the public in 1679. Jama Masjid quickly became one of Delhi’s most visited landmarks. The mosque is accessable from Babughat Lachpur Road and is easily accessible by Delhi Metro or other public transportation. It has a prayer hall with a capacity of 10,000 people on the first level. In addicion, an austere chamber on the top level holds a library containing books from all over the world. The main worship area houses a mihrab indicating the direction of Mecca. A sah door admits believers to paradise. It is also home to Delhi’s only college for Islamic studies.

Every day at 4 p.m., prayers are held inside Jama Masjid followed by an iftar at 6 p.m. Additionally, there are other religious services throughout the week. Some of the notable services held here include Aazan, Asar-us-safari, Maghrib & Isha prayers every day. During Aazan & Asar-us-safari prayers, thousands of faithful bow down on their knees with their hands placed flat on the ground for long stretches at a time. Muezzin calls out the Azan (call to prayer) from the minaret several times before a cleric leads the congregation in prayer. Afterward, pilgrims wash their feet and hands before eating their iftar meal together at the platform known as darul Amana. Visitors can also see how servants prepare food for large gatherings at Jama Masjid by climbing steps inside the mosque kitchen.

Visiting Jama Masjid in Delhi

Outside of religious services, tourists can see Jama Masjids interior from Jama Masjid Palace. In this palace, guests can also see ornate royal apartments used by previous emperors of India who once lived here during their Bengal campaigns. Inside Jama Masjed Palace, there are also artifacts from previous royal families. They used this palace as their base during India’s imperial age. 

Numerous groups visit Jama Masjid every day. Both locals and tourists alike want to experience this mosque’s spiritual energy and history. The mosque hosts many religious services throughout the week and is especially busy during Eid al Fitr and Diwali holidays each year. 

Whether visiting as a pilgrim or simply curious about India’s culture and history, experiencing Jama Masjid will enrich your life and make you glad for your visit. Personally I had no high expectations about any mosque in India, since you expect HIndu temples in a visit to this country. Nevertheless, Jama Masjid is a must-do in your visit to the capital in India which will help you to understand the diversity and the social balance of that amazing multicultural country. 

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