Jama Masjid was one of our must-do items on the first day of our visit. It is one of the largest mosques in India. As with the Taj Mahal, it was built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century. The history of the mosque in modern times has seen it threatened with demolition in the 19th century during the occupation by the English and more recently two attacks in 2006 and 2010. It survived each of these.
This was another example of the wonderful way in which red sandstone and marble have been combined to create beautiful designs.
On entry to the mosque, I was provided with a gown to cover my day clothes. (I was wearing trousers and a tee-shirt.) Men wearing shorts were given a sarong so that their legs were well-covered. Everyone was issued with slippers. It’s a small concession to make to show respect in a place where one is a visitor and unfamiliar with the social mores that dictate dress and behaviour.
Wherever we went in India, we heard the beautiful Adhan, or call to prayer, inviting Muslims to participate in the salat, ritual prayers. As we left Jama Masjid, the call began to ring out for Friday Prayers. An English translation for the Adhan can be found here.
Haiku:
Jama Masjid mosque,
A place of peace and beauty.
Adhan calls faithful.
Caenys Kerr, Author 
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