Jama Masjid, Agra The 16th and 17th centuries saw Agra in a place of prominence as the capital of India. This was also the makeover for the city when a lot of monuments, forts, palaces, and other important structures were built in the city. The glorious mosque is one of India’s largest mosques built by the Mughals. The Jama Masjid of Agra or Jami Masjid as it is nicknamed, sees thousands of devotees turning up for special Friday Namaz hence another name the ‘Friday Mosque’. The mosque was visited by the Nawabs and their queens even in later days.
As one of the important landmarks of the city, the mosque is located amidst the crowded local bazaar. It stands tall on a high platform with five arched entrances providing access to the courtyard. The main entrance to the mosque is through the eastern side. The complex also houses the Panch Mahal, Jamat Khana next to the Zenana Rauza, the royal tombs of imperial women. The beautiful paintings, beautiful Chajjas, domes with inverted Kalash and Lotus motifs, slender turrets, pillared Dhallans, scrupulously carved Chattris, and cloisters with designed arches make this place so fit for royalty. The elegant Miraabs and pulpit increase the beauty of the inner walls of western sides multi-fold.
History of Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1648 AD in dedication to his favorite daughter Jahan Ara Begum. The mosque came to life in six years and with the contribution of over 5,000 laborers and artisans.
It was later chosen by Shah Jahan to be a sacred place for building the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti. As per the history, the Mughal Empire was praying for an heir to the dynasty. However, there was no luck. Shah Jahan earnestly sought blessings from Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti and was a son through his divinity. The son was named Salim after his who ruled the dynasty after the tenure of Akbar, as Emperor Jahangir. Deeply obliged, and to mark his gratitude, Emperor Akbar dedicated a mosque and a city to honor the saint. A royal tomb of the revered Sufi Saint was made in red stone after his death. Later another tomb in White marble was also erected to mark the saint.