Jama Masjid Agra

Jama Masjid Agra 

Jami or Jama Masjid Agra is one of the three major monuments in the city. It is located next to Agra Fort and the railway station. The word 'Jama' means 'congregational'. Mughals intended this mosque to be a place where Muslims could come and pray together. 

The Jama Masjid of Agra or "Jami Masjid" as it is also known was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 for his daughter Princess Jahanara Begum. Located near the Delhi Gate of the Agra Fort, it is said that construction of the masjid was completed in almost six years using almost 5,000 workers! The mosque is a sight to behold and is a must-see on any visit to Agra.

Delicate architecture

 

The Buland Darwaza is the grand entrance which leads to the Jama Masjid. The mosque is placed on an elevated platform with five major entrances into its main praying area. Many walls within the mosque feature delicate carvings and inscriptions from the Quran, the holy book of Islam. The exterior of the mosque is done mainly in red sandstone with some amount of detailing in white marble. The central courtyard of the mosque is fairly large and accommodates a very large number of devotees during prayer times.

Who built Jama Masjid Agra?

Jama Masjid in Agra was built by Jahanara Begum, the eldest daughter of Mughal emperor Shahjahan and the sister of Aurangzeb. According to historians, the princess made this mosque from her personal funds.

Visiting the mosque, you will note its grand stepsand intricate carvings on the walls. Thjere is a huge courtyard in the centre which can accommodate hindreds of devotees. The total area of the mosque is 1200 square meters and the estimated construction cost was Rs. 5 lacs. 

Change of plans

Actually, Jama Masjid was not supposed to be built where it is today. 

In 1637, Shahjahan ordered a new congregational mosque along Yamuna.For some reason, thje site of this structure was shifted to the present location. Historians have offered two reaons behind this change of plan. 

One reason could be that Jama Masjid Agra near Yamuna could obstruct the view of the under-construction Taj Mahal. The other possible reason was that the Yamuna bank was more appropriate for residential purpose and not for making a mosque.

Jama Masjid Architecture 

The mosque is built primarily with sandstone and marble but you can also see black stone being used as Quran inscriptions in the prayer chamber of the mosque. 

Visitors can enter the prayer chamber using any one of the five arched gates. There are three domes on top of the prayer chamber, each topped by a lotus-shaped filial. Just below the centra; dome is the main prayer hall, minbar and ikhwan.

The central courtyard or sahan is enclosed by two corridors on two sides and each corridor has axial gates. If you are tired,you can relax in these corridors. Vistors can also see a tank in the center of the courtyard which is usedfor washing hands and feet by devotees. 

How to reach Jama Masjid Agra?

You can reach Jama Masjid by one of these ways:

• Rickshaw
• Taxi/ Car
• Metro -The closest metro station is the Mankameshwar Stop. 

Jama Masjid is 4 km from Idgah Bus Station, so you can take a rickshaw from there to this popular destination. If you are taking a train, then this mosque is hardly a few meters from Agra Fort Station. 

Things to do at Jama Masjid Agra 

• Participate in Namaz
• Shop in the nearby Kinari Bazaar
• Walk down to Agra Fort and explore the 16th-century building.

Timings and entry fee of Jama Masjid Agra

• 7 am - 12.30 pm / 1.30 pm - 6.30 pm
• Fridays closed for Non Muslims
• Entry free 
• Camera charges apply.

Jama Masjid Agra details 

Located near Agra Fort Railway Station

Reachable by Agra Metro, car/ taxi and rickshaw

Entry is free but foreign visitors might be charged

Closed during afternoon Namaz time