Jama Masjid at Agra also known as 'Friday Mosque' is a seventeenth-century structure and is one of the largest mosques built by the Mughals in India. Constructed under the reign of Shah Jahan in 1648, Jama Masjid is dedicated to his favourite daughter Jahan Ara Begum. This splendid monument is visible from the Agra Fort with the Agra Fort Railway station right between the two structures.
The Jama Masjid is built mainly of red sandstone and white marble that stand as a testimony to the magnificent Mughal architecture. It has a fountain at the centre and is supported by four kiosks in the courtyard. The interior walls have scriptures in the Persian style praising for Shah Jahan and Jahan Ara. The inlaid panels of work here are quite similar to that of Taj Mahal and are common to all the monuments and structures built by the Mughals in Agra. Every Friday, special prayers are conducted at this mosque which is attended by thousands of devotees. The Tomb of Salim Chisti is a part of the mosque compound.
Architecture
Jama Masjid, one of the incredible places to visit in Uttar Pradesh, was constructed using red sandstone along with marble decorations to accompany it. It consists of a large courtyard which is embraced by cloisters on three sides. The beauty of the courtyard is enhanced with the presence of a fountain with four kiosks. These have engrailed arches which stand on pillars. A prayer chamber can also be found on the western side.
The dome, which is an essential feature of Islamic architecture, also finds its presence in this structure. Here, they are fitted with inverted lotus and kalash finials on the top along with narrow zigzag patterning of white marble.
Another noticeable feature of this magnificent mosque is its central portal, which consists of Persian inscriptions in white marble inlaid with black stone.
Entry Fee
Jama Masjid, one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Agra, is a religious place of worship, and hence, entry is completely free to tourists, both domestic and international. All you need to visit this holy and pure structure is faith, love and unending devotion.
Best Time to Visit
Jama Masjid is located in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. During the summers it can get very hot here, with the average temperature fluctuating between 40-45°C. However, if you are undaunted by the heat, you can certainly visit this structure during summers. During winters, the weather turns pleasant and comfortable. A lot of tourists, both domestic and international, prefer visiting Agra during this time. If you enjoy winters, then this is the perfect time to plan a trip.