Jama Masjid in Agra is opposite the Agra Fort and overlooking the Agra Fort Railway Station. The Jama Masjid is also popularly known as the Jami Masjid or “Friday Mosque” and is one of the largest mosques in India. The Mosque was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and dedicated to his favorite daughter, Jahanara Begum.

Jama is a very simple mosque of red sandstone with little white marble decoration and blue color paint wall and ceilings and is surrounded by a great bazaar. Still in use today, the mosque is one of the city’s main landmarks and serves as a useful reference point when exploring the crowded bazaars that sprawl from its base. It is beautifully decorated with paintings, inlaid stones, carvings and glazed tiles.

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.