Jama Masjid, Delhi Mosque

Address: Jama Masjid, Jama Masjid Rd, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India

Hours: Daily 7:00am-12:00pm, 1:30pm-6:30pm (non-prayer visiting windows; mosque opens for prayers outside these times)

Admission: Free (entry to mosque); modest donations sometimes requested for camera use

Jama Masjid in Old Delhi is one of India’s largest and most important mosques, commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and completed in the mid-17th century. It is a principal landmark of the Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) area and a major site for congregational prayers.

The mosque features a very large rectangular courtyard capable of holding many worshippers, a triple-domed prayer hall built of red sandstone and marble, and two tall minarets that frame the complex. The architecture follows Mughal imperial design traditions and remains a functioning place of worship as well as a tourist destination.

Construction was carried out under Shah Jahan in the 1650s and the mosque has served as a central religious and civic space in Old Delhi since its completion. Over time it has been maintained and repaired while retaining its primary role as a congregational mosque.

Situated in the heart of Old Delhi, the mosque stands near Chandni Chowk and the Red Fort and is easily reached on foot from many historic streets and markets in the walled city.

• Visitor access: Non-Muslim visitors are generally admitted outside of the five daily prayer times and during specific visiting hours; modest dress and removal of shoes are required for entry.

What to See#

• Courtyard and prayer hall: The mosque’s large open courtyard leads to the main prayer hall, which is framed by three white marble domes and rows of red sandstone arcades built in the Mughal style.
• Minarets: Two minarets flank the mosque complex and provide vertical emphasis to the façade and skyline of Old Delhi when viewed from surrounding streets.

Jama Masjid sits in Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk area. The nearest Metro station is Jama Masjid (Violet Line) and the Chawri Bazar/Red Fort stations on the Yellow and Violet lines are within walking distance. Road access is limited and often congested; arrive on foot from the Old Delhi railway station (New Delhi railway is further away) or by rickshaw from nearby metro stops.

• Dress respectfully: arms and legs should be covered; women are asked to bring a scarf to cover their heads if necessary.
• Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun and to experience quieter prayer times.
• Be mindful during prayer times-photography is restricted on Fridays during Jumu'ah; always ask permission before photographing worshippers.