Jama Masjid, old Delhi India
The 'Masjid-e Jahan-Numa' or Jama Masjid in Delhi is the most important mosque in India built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The mosque hosts thousands of pilgrims every year to offer special prayers in the morning on the holy occasion of Eid. With a capacity of twenty five thousand people in the courtyard, Jama Masjid is spread over an area of about 1200 square meters with three entrance gates, four minarets and two minarets which are forty meters high. inaugurated the mosque. Sadly, non-Muslims were not allowed inside the mosque during the prayers.
Jama Masjid is located in the old part of Delhi, now called Chandni Chowk and is surrounded by stunning Mughal constructions. It took 5 thousand workers to finish it and a huge construction cost of 10 lakh rupees in 6 years (1650-1656) time. One has to climb 121 steps at night to reach the gate which is full of food and bookstores. The massive central dome is a classic example of Islamic structure. Jay Saadaullah Khan who was the Wazir (Prime Minister) during Shah Jahan's rule oversaw the development of the mosque. Actually meaning "World Reflecting Mosque.", after the Taj Mahal and the Purple Fort, the mosque was the last of Shah Jahan's splendid assortment of architectural undertakings.