Jama Masjid Agra In Uttar Pradesh
Agra is well-known as being home to the wonderful Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The gracefully designed mausoleums, the fort and the palaces reminds of the Mughal architectural brilliance. Besides the Taj Mahal, other popular tourist spots in Agra are the Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Chini Ka Rauza, Rambagh Gardens, Fatehpur Sikri, etc. One such tourist attraction in Agra is the Jama Masjid, located right in the middle of the Fatehpur Sikri.
About Jama Masjid Agra :
Jama Masjid Agra, known as Jami Masjid, is one of the largest mosques in India. It was constructed in 1571 A.D. by Mughal emperor Akbar. This mosque is known as holy place in Muslim community and increase the importance of the city Fatehpur Sikri.
The Jama Masjid has been built at a great height and has a large courtyard for prayers and is flanked by the Jammat Khana hall and the Zenana Rauza (the tomb of the women of the royal household) on both sides. The tomb of the celebrated Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti is located within the Jama Masjid complex located in Agra, India. The artistically carved lattice marble screens are absolutely splendid. It is believed that the original tomb structure was made of red sandstone.
A grand gateway known as the Buland Darwaza leads you to the Jama Masjid. This gateway, which stands 40 meters high, was constructed to commemorate Akbar’s victory in the Kandesh military campaign. There is another magnificent gate known as the Badshahi Darwaza, which also has a beauty and grandeur of its own. One of the most important tourist attractions in Agra, a visit to the Jama Masjid would really be a worthwhile experience.
As legend goes the emperor Akbar had swept the floor of the main prayer hall quite a few times and had even given the first call for the prayer (azan) he also read the ‘khutba’ i.e. the Arabic word for the main sermon that is read during Fridays and on special occasions.
The main prayer hall at the Jama Masjid in Agra, India is large enough to accommodate 10,000 men at a time.
History of Jama Masjid Agra :
The Mosque was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and dedicated to his favourite daughter, Jahanara Begum. There was a spacious, octagonal Tripolia Chowk which existed between the Jama Masjid and the Delhi gate of the Agra Fort. This Tropolia was destroyed in order to create the Agra Fort Railway Station. The cloisters have engrailed arches supported on pillars. The main entrance is through the eastern side. The prayer chamber has a façade with a broad arched iwan in its centre and is adorned with slender turrets alternated with kiosks. Its dome is the largest and highest of the three domes crowning the sanctuary.
All the bulbous domes have inverted lotus and kalash finials on the top and have narrow zigzag courses of white marble alternated by broad bands of red stone. There is a fountain with four kiosks in its corners in the centre of the courtyard. The interiors of the western wall have a beautiful mihrab and pulpit in white marble. The Persian inscription in white marble inlaid with black stone on the archway of the central portal is in praise of Jahanara and Shah Jehan. The pristine beauty of the mosque must have been awesome as indicated by its comparison with Baitul-Mamur, the fabulous mosque of rubies and pearls situated in the fourth sky. It is said that once surrounded by a market place called Tripolia set in an octagonal (Muthamman) Chowk that was built between the Delhi Gate and the Jami Masjid. But, it was later destroyed in 1871-73 to acquire space for laying down the railway tracks for the city.
It required six years and 5,000 workers to finish.It was made by using red sandstone and marble.
Structure of Jama Masjid Agra :
Jama Masjid of Agra has Imam of Ahle Sunnat Wala Jamaat or Barelwi. Jami Masjid Mosque is a very simple mosque of red sandstone with little white marble decoration and blue colour paint wall and ceilings. It’s a huge mosque in the center of Agra surrounded by a great bazaar. The mosque was completely empty of any tourist, only one man praying and the little children at the Madrasa (Koran school).
The Mosque Stands on a high plinth approached by stairs, and with five arched entrances to the courtyard, the mosque is crowned by three large sandstone domes distinguished by their zigzag bands of marble.
It has well-balanced proportions and a courtyard surrounded by cloisters on three of its sides and the prayer chamber on its western side. The cloisters have engrailed arches supported on pillars. All the bulbous domes have inverted lotus and kalash finials on the top and have narrow zigzag courses of white marble alternated by broad bands of red stone. There is a fountain with four kiosks in its corners in the centre of the courtyard.
Along the wings of the main prayer wall, panels of beautifully inlaid sandstone similar to those decorating the main gateway of the Taj Mahal, add an appropriately feminine touch. Still in use today, the mosque is one of the city’s main landmarks, and serves as a useful reference point when exploring the crowded bazaars that sprawl from its base. These are laid out in a street plan that’s barely altered since Mughal days. Jami Masjid is beautifully decorated with paintings, inlaid stones, carvings and glazed tiles. The building comprises pillared Dalan, a beautiful ‘Chhajja’ and the ‘Chhatri’ on the roof. The main Iwan of the building is rather simple and contains a central arch with geometrical designs.
How to reach Jama Masjid :
To reach the Jama Masjid in Agra, by air you have to land at the Agra airport, which is 7 km from the city center. From Delhi, it takes only 40 minutes to reach Agra by flight. The main railway station is Agra Cantonment. The main bus stands in Agra are Agra Fort and Idgah bus stand. There are many luxury taxis, coaches or buses that drive to Agra every day
Location : Hing Ki Mandi, Mandola, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Built in : 1648
Built By : Shah Jahan
Significiance : Largest Mosque in India
Best Time to Visit : October till March
