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Jama Masjid

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About Jama Masjid

Far From City: 17 kms from city center
Cost: About Jama Masjid Weather: Time Required:1-2 hrs Open Time:5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

History of Jama Masjid It is widely believed and accepted, according to old Urdu accounts, that the original Jama Masjid was situated near Dongri. It was later erected at Esplanade. In 1770, this important religious place was again demolished at the orders of the then Governor William Hornby, and at this point, this sacred mosque was moved near the Crawford Market. Later, in about 1775, a Konkani merchant, who owned a large water tank amidst gardens and open lands at the present site of the mosque, agreed to the erection of a mosque at this spot. He had, however, placed one condition- that the water reservoir should remain intact and be preserved. Construction finally started, and the foundations of the mosque were raised in this tank. But little did anyone know that the hardships to be encountered had not yet ceased. Objections arose to this construction, which delayed the plan until 1778. More disputes arose later over the matter of illegal structures. Finally, after much anticipation and waiting, the construction of the Jama Masjid was completed in 1802. A top floor was later added with the philanthropy of a prominent Konkani merchant, Mohammad Ali Roghay, in the year 1814. Architecture of Jama Masjid The main building of Jama Masjid is a quadrangular structure that has been constructed entirely out of brick and stone. The mosque is encircled by a ring of terrace and double storey buildings.The main gate of the Jama Masjid takes the visitor directly to an open courtyard of the old tank, which is now well-furnished with masonry steps and embankments. Sixteen black stone arches emerge from the tank to give support to the entire structure of the mosque. The upper storey of the mosque is supported by five rows of wooden pillars, each having a receptacle to place sacred books. The tank can hold around 10 feet of water and is fed by springs at its bottom. Beautiful gold and silver fishes and a few turtles can be spotted in the tank. This tank is used for traditional ablutions or the ceremonial practice of washing specific parts of the body. This is commonly known as Wudu. The mosque, however, also provides modern facilities for the same.    A few large windows to the north, south and east sides of the Jama Masjid were added in the year 1898. A Madrasa Muhammadiah is also located in the same complex. The Madrasa aims at providing free religious and secular education to Muslim youths and has a hostel attached to it. Since the 1980s, an extensive library with rare manuscripts is attached to the Masjid. This library was fully refurbished and moved to the first floor when it was inaugurated in April in 2015. The entire collection of the library is now digitised. Places To Visit near Jama Masjid While undertaking a trip to the Jama Masjid, try and have a look at the nearby famous places. A must-visit place is the Zaveri Bazaar. This jewellery hub is located to the north of the Crawford Market and is known for its hundreds of jewellery shops that sell all kinds of gems and jewels. After shopping, you can also enjoy the delicious street food that is served here. Make sure that you use public transport to visit this place, as parking facility is not available. Rudyard Kipling's birth house and the Brihan Mumbai Mahanagarpalika, which is the Municipal house that has been beautifully designed by John Lockwood Kipling, are also located here. Visit the nearby located fabulous restaurants to indulge in some lip-smacking delicacies, or head to the Crawford Market to indulge in some local shopping.

How to Reach Jama Masjid The Jama Masjid is easily accessible by all means of transports. If you are travelling by the local train, then the nearest train stations are Marine Lines (to the West) and Masjid Bunder (to the East). For those travelling by bus, board the ones that will stop at Mahatma Phule Market.

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Tips 1. Tourists are expected to leave their footwear at the entry of the mosque.2. Ensure that you are wearing clothes that cover your arms and legs before you enter the mosque. 

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