If there is one thing that catches your eye at the Jama Masjid located in the Fatehpur Sikri complex in Agra, it is the sheer size of the monument.  The entire Fatehpur Sikri complex and the Jama Masjid was constructed by the great Mughal Emperor, Akbar. The construction of the mosque was completed during 1571. Legend has it that the mosque was constructed by close to 5000 workers. During the times of the Mughal Empire and even now, the Jama Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri Complex is regarded as one of the most sacred places of worship by Muslims all over the country.

History

The great Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti, was mainly responsible for the completion of the Jama Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri. Devotees believe that the saint personally looked after the construction of the mosque.  The Jama Masjid is regarded as one of the Shahi Imams or Royal Imams, because it was built by a Mughal Emperor. It took around 6 years to complete this mosque. Even today, the Jama Masjid is standing tall and elegant. Every Friday, hundreds of people gather at this mosque to attend the special Namaz. This has been happening for the last five centuries. The tomb of the saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti, is located inside this tomb and is revered with great respect by Muslim devotees spread all over the country. The Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best examples of Islam culture and heritage and hence it is one of the most sacred places of worship for Muslims all over the country.

Architecture

The mosque is rectangle in shape and is located towards the west of Fatehpur Sikri. It is the Buland Darwaza that opens into the Jama Masjid that is constructed on an elevated platform. All over the mosque, there are minute and intricate carvings of holy inscriptions from the Quran. The central nave of the mosque has one dome. The two halls on either sides of the mosque are colonnaded and there are chambers in the shape of a square with domes on all the sides. The architectural style of this mosque is a perfect blend of Persian and Islamic art forms.

There are three gateways that lead into the mosque on the northern, southern and eastern sides.  It was the eastern gateway that the Mughal Emperors used for entering into the mosque and this still remains intact even today. The western side of the mosque is surrounded by a sanctuary. Beautiful cloisters surround all the other three sides of the mosque. The Jama Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri is replete with lots of domes and beams. These are beautifully carved and have intricate designs on them. These designs range from floral patterns to religious inscriptions. Red sandstone and white marble are the basic raw materials used for constructing the mosque. These colours give the Jama Masjid a very attractive look. The central courtyard or the prayer hall can accommodate close to 25000 people at one time.

The Zenana Rauza that is located towards the right of the Jama Masjid is the place where the tombs of the Royal Ladies are found.  The major highlight of this place is the tomb of the great Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti, who was closely responsible in the activities leading to the construction and completion of the Jama Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri. This tomb is built using authentic Persian style of architecture and has beautifully decorated interiors. There are three domes that are made of pure sandstone and they add beauty to the entire structure.

Current Status

The Jama Masjid is one of the most visited tourist spots in Agra. The Fatehpur Sikri complex ranks high among the must-see places in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The Jama Masjid conducts special Friday prayers every week and this is attended by thousands of devotees from different parts of the country. Currently the mosque is open from 7AM to6PM in the evening. Entry is free for tourists into this mosque. It takes around 2 hours for devotees to take a look around this religious structure. The period between October and March is the best for visiting the mosque.

How to Reach

By Air

The Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi is the nearest to reach Agra. The only airport in Agra is the one belonging to the India Air Force and is not open to commercial flight operations.

By Rail

The Agra Cantt railway junction is well connected with all the major cities in the country as there is a large frequency of trains coming into and going out of Agra on a daily basis.

By Road

ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal), Taj Depot, Ford Depot and the Idgah Bus Stand are some of the busiest bus terminuses in Agra that connect the city with almost all the major cities in the country.