Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. The Jama or Jami Masjid was constructed between 1644 and 1658 during the rule of Shah Jahan. Earlier Jama Masjid was known as the Masjid-i-Jahanuma, or "mosque commanding view of the world".
The Jama Masjid is a massive architecture noted for its magnificent proportions. It has a courtyard, which can give space to 25,000 devotees. Jama Masjid is built of sandstone and white marble. The Masjid possesses 3 gateways, two 40m high minarets and 4 towers.
With the Red fort on the east, the Jama Masjid can be viewed as a shining bright structure from a distance. One has to go to the imposing gateways of this beautifully glorified mosque along the wide stairs. The main eastern gate was dedicated for the entry of the members of the Royal family. It keeps closed on most of the days of the week. The principal prayer hall is situated on the western side. It is decorated with many elevated arches with cusps. The hall is utilized by the devotees on almost all the days except on Fridays and other Muslim holidays. On these special days of celebrations the courtyard remains packed up with the devotees offering their prayers.
A cupboard is there which lies close to the north gate of the Jama Masjid. It has a collection of prophet Muhammad's relics like a red beard-hair of the prophet, the Holy Korans written on deerskin, his footprint as well as his sandals.
