An invitation to prayer echoes from the Chappar Wali Masjid. Have you ever wondered how a mosque becomes a symbol of unity and resilience?
Let’s step back in time to discover the story of the Jama Masjid also known as Masjid-i-Jehan-Numa. Emperor Shah Jahan built it between 1650 and 1656. He used pink Rajasthani sandstone and white marble. It is an impressive sight.
Some historians believe Shah Jahan intended to send a message of world unity. Its original name Masjid-i-Jehan-Numa translates to “The Mosque that Reflects the World.”
It took 5000 workers six years to build the Jama Masjid by hand. It still stands strong today. It remains one of the largest mosques in India. Two minarets each at 40 meters high stand tall. Staircases of 130 steps sit at each side of the domes. The southern minaret is sometimes open to the public.
Imagine walking through the mosque. Listen to a guide tell stories of the late 1600s. Envision life for the people in Shah Jahan’s family. Think about his entourage.
Notice how classic Jain and Hindu architecture were incorporated into the Islamic design. Shah Jahan’s mother was a Rajput princess. This makes visiting the Jama Masjid a multicultural experience. Look for the lotus design on the ceiling as one example.
The main prayer hall has splendidly high arches and marble domes. Can you believe they built this mosque with limited equipment? The mosque can accommodate 25000 people at prayer.
Feel the smoothness of the sandstone. Run your fingers over the walls. Admire the architecture and the beauty of the Koranic verses.
The mosque incorporates the Hindu seven metals concept. You might recognize the same metal combination used in Dharamshala for singing bowls.
The Jama Masjid has two names. Shah Jahan gave it the older name Masjid-i-Jehan-Numa. It means “mosque that reflects the whole world.” The more common name is Jama Masjid. It comes from Arabic and means “congregational mosque.”
The Jama Masjid is in Old Delhi. It stands across from the Red Fort and Sunehri Masjid. It is a focal point surrounded by commercial centers like Chandni Chowk. The tomb of Abul Kalam Azad is next to the mosque.
Approximately 5000 workers constructed the Jama Masjid. The workforce was diverse. It included Indians Arabs Persians Turks and Europeans. Sadullah Khan and Fazil Khan supervised the construction. The cost was ten lakh rupees. Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari inaugurated the mosque. Shah Jahan invited him from Bukhara Uzbekistan to be the Shahi Imam.
The mosque was one of Shah Jahan’s last monuments. It served as the royal mosque until the end of the Mughal period. The Mughal emperor recited the khutba during Friday prayer. This legitimized his rule. The mosque symbolized Mughal sovereignty. It was also a social center for residents. People from diverse classes could interact there.
Today the Jama Masjid remains Delhi’s primary mosque. Muslims gather for Friday prayers and festivals like Eid. It is also a major tourist attraction.
The three sandstone gates provide access. The eastern gate was the royal entrance. The northern gate has relics of Muhammad. They include a Quran on deerskin a red beard-hair his sandals and his footprints.
The courtyard is paved with red sandstone. It can accommodate 25000 worshippers. A marble ablution tank sits in the center. Open arcades line the edges. Chhatris mark the four corners.
The prayer hall measures 61 meters long and 27 meters wide. Three marble domes rise from its roof. The facade features a grand pishtaq. The interior has seven mihrabs on the western qibla wall. The central mihrab is intricately decorated.
The mosque’s domes are flanked by two sandstone minarets. They are 41 meters high. Each minaret has 130 steps. Viewing galleries are at three places. Both minarets are topped with a marble chhatri.
Shah Jahan wanted to build the most important mosque in India. He decided its Imam would be the most important religious leader. The Imam received the title Shahi Imam. All subsequent Mughal emperors were crowned by the Shahi Imam. The Imams are direct descendants of Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari. Their position is known as the Shahi Imam or Royal Imam.
As you leave the Chappar Wali Masjid remember its story. It is a story of unity devotion and architectural grandeur. It stands as a testament to the rich history of Delhi.