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Introduction
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.
Background
Popularly known as the Jami Masjid, the Jama Masjid
in Agra is perhaps the largest mosque in India. Overlooking
Agra Fort railway station, the Jami Masjid or Friday
Mosque was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and dedicated
to his favorite daughter, Jahanara Begum.
Description
Posted on a high podium approached by stairs, with five
arched entrances to the courtyard, the mosque is crowned
by three large sandstone domes notable by their winding
bands of marble. Jama Masjid, flanked by the Zenana
Rauza and the Jammat Khana hall on either side, is built
in a manner that underlines its importance as a sacred
place of worship.
Inlaid geometric designs, colored tiles and calligraphic
inscriptions adorn the walls of the Jama Masjid. The
massive central courtyard in the mosque has served as
a haven for prayer and meditation for the devoted over
the centuries. The tomb of the celebrated Sufi saint
Sheikh Salim Chisti is located within the Jama Masjid
complex.
Along the wings of the main prayer wall, large enough
to accommodate 10,000 men at a time, panels of magnificently
inlaid sandstone add a feminine touch. The building
comprises of 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.
The entrance to the Jama Masjid Agra is approached through
the massive gate Buland Darwaza, one of the highest
gateways in the world, standing 40 meters high from
ground level. It was constructed by Emperor Akbar to
celebrate his victory in the Khandesh military campaign.
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.
IndianHoliday.com offers information on Jama Masjid Agra and other tourist places in Agra India. For
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