Mosques
the religious center of Islam is not only a worshipped place, but a school
of knowledge too. Delhi is an abode to numerous mosques where devotees come
and do their prayers. There are magnificent mosques and tombs such as Taj
Mahal that not only showcases the devotion to God but the depth of undying
love. Humayun's Tomb is another specimen of perfectly planned octagonal
building in the history of Indian Architecture.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid the largest mosque in India was built by Emperor Shah Jhan in
1650. The Masjid was completed in 6 years and more then 5000 workers were
engaged in the construction. On every Fridays it was a routine for the
emperor and his courtiers to visit the holy mosque for attending 'Jumme ki
namaaz', the congressional prayers. The splendid illustration of Mughal
architecture, Jama Masjid has three extensive gateways. Jama Masjid has
great religious importance as it houses the divine hair of the Prophet who
has also written scripts of holy Quran.
Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah
The Nizam-ud-din Auliya Dargah is situated near Humayun;s tomb. He was a
sufi saint who had come to India, all the way from Bukhara. The shrine also
comprises the tombs of Amir Khusaru, the famous Urdu poet and Jahanara, the
beloved daughter of Shah Jahan besides the main tomb of the Sufi saint. The
best time to visit: On Thursdays around sunset as devotees assemble here for
the special prayers. Singers also perform dulcet after the evening prayers
in form of Qawwalis.
Moth-Ki-Masjid
In the 16th century, the area where the mosque now stands was a forestland.
Legend has it that while strolling king Sikander eyes fell on a grain of
moth ki dal (a kind of lentil). He picked it up with great care and
presented it to his minister who accepted the gift with gratefulness. To
preserve this little gift he got from His Royal Highness, he planted the
seed in his garden the king was so pleased with the wisdom of his minister
that he named the building, Moth ki Masjid.
Quwwatu'l Islam Maszid or Qutub Mosque
The word 'Quuwat-ul-Islam' means the puissance of Islam. Qutub Mosque was
the first mosque in India built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the originator and
first Sultan of the Slave dynasty. A place visited by many people.
Khirki-Ki-Maszid
Khirki Masjid is a unique architectural splendor closed on top unlike the
usual characteristic of mosques where there is an open tract for the
devotees to offer their prayers. Khirki Masjid has exquisite intricate
latticework on its windows, which were predominantly carved stone shields.
The pillars and brackets of the mosque are engraved and show an inherent
influence of trained artisans. The tomb of the Khirki Masjid is divided into
squares with groups of small domes on them. The main significance of the
mosque lies in the fact that it is blend of Lodhi ruler's architecture and
the highly decorated gigantic structures of the Mughal architecture.
