Another popular tourist attraction in Agra is the dome-shaped Jama Masjid, located near Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb, The Jama Masjid in Agra holds the pride position of being India's largest mosque in History. The Jami Masjid (1644-58) or congregational mosque was constructed of red sandstone and white marble under the auspices of the emperor Shah Jahan in honour of Jahanara, his favourite eldest daughter. She was the favorite daughter of Shah Jahan and was imprisoned with him. The glorified purpose behind its formation explains its construction at a height. It also features a large courtyard where the faithful can gather to pray. Legend has it that Akbar occasionally swept the floor and gave azan, call for prayer here and on June 26, 1579, Akbar even read the khutba himself.
Delicately decorated with inscriptions, inlaid geometric patterns and colored tiles, the building is symmetrically proportioned and excels in its somber beauty, echoing its religious purpose. In contrast to this modest exterior, the interior boasts the most lavish embellishment in the floral arabesques and imaginative geometrical designs in brown, red, turquoise, black and white. The spacious courtyard adds a noble charm to the place. The shrine of the greatest Sufi religious leader Sheikh Salim Chisti lies within the mosque complex. It also features some of the finest lattice work in India. The main entrance to the Jama Masjid mosque in Agra, is through the majestic gateway known as the Buland Darwaza. The main gate of this mosque has inscription written on it that it was built by Jahanara Begum. 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.
The absence of minarets and the shape of the dome give sit a distinguished character. It stands on a natural outcrop of rock which dominates the city and took 5,000 workmen six years to build. The mosque consisted of a courtyard surrounded by cloisters on its northern, southern and eastern sides while the western side was occupied by the prayer chamber. The eastern gateway was opened only for the emperor, or later the Governor-General.
It is the center of the city of Jama Masjid, which was built around it. To the right of the mosque lies the Jammat Khana hall and then the Zenana Rauza, or the tomb of the royal ladies. The structure itself is evidence of its importance as a sacred place of worship. Akbar's mausoleum, built of red sandstone and marble, combines the motifs and styles of Hindu, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian architecture. Supervised by Akbar himself.
When you visit the Jama Masjid, you can also have a look at the shrine of the Sufi religious leader Sheikh Salim Chisti, which is an example of some very amazing workmanship. The whole of Jama Masjid is exquisitely decorated with inscriptions, inlaid geometric designs and colored tiles. Yet, the monument manages to preserve its austerity. One of the most important tourist attractions in Agra, a visit to the Jama Masjid would really be a worthwhile experience.
Delicately decorated with inscriptions, inlaid geometric patterns and colored tiles, the building is symmetrically proportioned and excels in its somber beauty, echoing its religious purpose. In contrast to this modest exterior, the interior boasts the most lavish embellishment in the floral arabesques and imaginative geometrical designs in brown, red, turquoise, black and white. The spacious courtyard adds a noble charm to the place. The shrine of the greatest Sufi religious leader Sheikh Salim Chisti lies within the mosque complex. It also features some of the finest lattice work in India. The main entrance to the Jama Masjid mosque in Agra, is through the majestic gateway known as the Buland Darwaza. The main gate of this mosque has inscription written on it that it was built by Jahanara Begum. 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.
The absence of minarets and the shape of the dome give sit a distinguished character. It stands on a natural outcrop of rock which dominates the city and took 5,000 workmen six years to build. The mosque consisted of a courtyard surrounded by cloisters on its northern, southern and eastern sides while the western side was occupied by the prayer chamber. The eastern gateway was opened only for the emperor, or later the Governor-General.
It is the center of the city of Jama Masjid, which was built around it. To the right of the mosque lies the Jammat Khana hall and then the Zenana Rauza, or the tomb of the royal ladies. The structure itself is evidence of its importance as a sacred place of worship. Akbar's mausoleum, built of red sandstone and marble, combines the motifs and styles of Hindu, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian architecture. Supervised by Akbar himself.
When you visit the Jama Masjid, you can also have a look at the shrine of the Sufi religious leader Sheikh Salim Chisti, which is an example of some very amazing workmanship. The whole of Jama Masjid is exquisitely decorated with inscriptions, inlaid geometric designs and colored tiles. Yet, the monument manages to preserve its austerity. One of the most important tourist attractions in Agra, a visit to the Jama Masjid would really be a worthwhile experience.
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