Things to Know about Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra before Visiting

Adhai din Ka Jhonpra is one of the oldest and historical mosques in India. It was built in 1192 CE by Qutb-us-Din-Aibak. It is the first and most classic example of Indo-Islamic architecture.

The site also had a Sanskrit college before the mosque, which showed Jain and Hindu features. Presently, the mosque has transformed into a great tourist attraction in Ajmer.

The history behind the mosque's name is quite intriguing, depicting the historical events that happened in the 12th century.

The site was originally dedicated to temples and had different structures. In 660 CE, Seth Viramdeva Kala constructed a Jain shrine before the mosque was built.

The evidence also shows the presence of Sanskrit colleges. The original structure was a temple dedicated to Sarasvati. Overall, it confirms the Jain and Hindu features remain.

Studies show that around 20-30 Hindu temples must have been demolished to build the mosque. A total of 700 pillars were found in the building, which confirmed the presence of temples.

The story started when, in the 12th century, Muhammad of Ghor passed through Ajmer after defeating Prithviraja. He ordered his slave, Qutb-ud-Din-Aibak to destroy the temples and convert them into a mosque.

He set a deadline for 60 hours i.e. two and a half days. Although the construction couldn’t be completed, a brick screen wall was constructed where Ghori could offer prayer.

The mosque also contains an inscription stating the date of the mosque's completion,i.e., April 1199 CE, which testifies that the mosque is the oldest one in India.

The mosque is an earlier structure of Indo-Islamic architecture designed by Abu Bakr.

• The exterior structure is a square-shaped building with sides measuring 259 feet each. The common entrances are from the east and south where people can enter.
• The structure on the west side features 124 pillars and 10 domes, and the east side features 92 pillars.
• North and south sides feature 64 pillars each, a total of 344 pillars in the building and 70 other pillars outside.
• It also featured a huge screen with seven arches, built using yellow limestone. The central arch is the biggest, measuring 60 feet and is surrounded by six smaller arches, giving it a larger view from further away.
• These arches are designed with verses of the Holy Quran and also feature inscriptions written in the Kufic and Tughra script. The arches have small panels through which the sunlight passes through.
• The designs of the interior pillars and ceilings are quite similar to those of Hindu and Jain temples.
• It comprises two minarets with a thickness of 11.5 feet and Muzain Towers with a diameter of 10.5 inches each.

1. Best time to Visit Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra

As Rajasthan is a desert area, slightly hotter than other regions of India, the best time to visit is absolutely between October and February.

2. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra Location

Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is located on the outskirts of the city at Andar Kot Road, Lakhan Kothri, Ajmer, Rajasthan.

3. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra Timings

• Days: Every day of the week
• Opening Time: 6 am
• Closing Time: 7 pm

4. How to Reach Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra?

If you are planning to visit Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, here are some possible ways to consider it while planning the trip.

• Nearest Airport to Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra: Kishangarh Airport is the nearest airport, 33 km away from the mosque. Another option of Jaipur airport is also available but it is 137 km away from the mosque.
• Nearest Railway Station to Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra: Ajmer Junction is the nearest railway station 1 km from the mosque.
• Via Road: As it is located on the outskirts of Ajmer, buses run from here. Also, taxis and rental cars are easily accessible.

5. Entry Fee of Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra

There is no entry fee for visiting Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra.

6. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra Nearby Places to Visit

If you are planning a day trip to Ajmer, here is the list of places closer to Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, you must visit.

1. Rangji Temple
2. Ana Sagar Lake
3. Lake Foy Sagar
4. Gurudwara Singh Sabha
5. Shah Jahan’s Mosque
6. Ajmer Government Museum

1. Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra mosque was originally a Sanskrit college before the 12th century.
2. The mosque was built in 2.5 days by Qutb-ud-Din, the general slave of Muhammad Ghori.
3. The monument was used for 700 years as a mosque till 1947. After independence, it was passed to Jaipur Circle of Archaeological Survey of India or ASI which is managing to date.
4. Presently it is famous for its unique architectural blend of Hindu, Jain and Islamic styles.
5. As it depicts the history of India, the monument is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Adhai din ka Jhonpra is one of the oldest mosques and has a rich history. The fact that it was built in two and a half days piques people's curiosity. Hence, the monument must be visited once in a lifetime as it is a unique blend of Hindu, Jain and Islamic architecture.