Jama Masjid Delhi

1. Built of sandstone and white marble, this architectural masterpiece is an imposing structure with significant Islamic relics like the red-beard hair of the Prophet Muhammad, his footwear and foot mark along with an Old Quran transcript on a deerskin preserved inside.

2. Facing westwards, towards the holy city of Mecca, this grand and impressive mosque is visible from a distance of up to five kilometres.

3. Most of the enhancement has been done through fluorescent motifs. The structures are adorned with floral designs with the lavish use of arches, under the arch, wall, under domes, on the columns and floors.

4. Standing tall on a thirty feet high red sandstone porch, the Jama Masjid has a massive archway to the centre which welcomes you with the words, "The Guide". The roof encapsulates three black and white marble domes flanked by a couple of forty meter high minarets. Each of the minarets is a hundred and thirty step climb, but only the southern gate is open to the public for a nominal fee.

5. The Eastern Gate of Jama Masjid had thirty-five steps and was initially used as a reserved entrance for Mughal Emperors and then later for royal visitors and Viceroy of India during the British rule. It is octagonal, and the roof is decorated with honeycomb carvings. The gate is 15.4 meters high and has a massive opening with three archways. There is also a projected balcony on the other side of the gate. The northern gate has thirty-nine steps and was initially meant for nobles. The southern gate with thirty-three steps was the only gate accessible to the common public. The northern and southern gates are smaller in size with seventeen arched openings on each side.

6. The open courtyard in front of the Jama Masjid has an ablution tank with a fountain in the centre. The ablution tank has been installed for the rituals to be performed before the Namaz. There is a Sandstone platform for the 'Muazzin' (one who gives the call for the prayers) in front of the tank and also a couple of sundials in the courtyard. The main shrine has been divided into two halls which have been further split into seven bays of ornamental pillars. The floor of the mosque is beautifully decorated with black marbles, and there are 899 markings for devotees.