Things to Know about Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad Before you Visit

Ahmedabad, a popular city in Gujarat, is considered UNESCO’s first heritage city in India. The city features countless landmarks known for its architecture and staples. One of them is Jama Masjid, the city's top tourist attraction. Built in the 15th century, Jama Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in India.

Jama Masjid in Ahmedabad returns to the 15th-century era of the Shahs. The Shahs ruled India before the Mughals and built various monuments, the most popular of which is the Jama Masjid.

The mosque, built in 1424 AD, is considered the biggest in the Indian subcontinent. It was constructed during the reign of Ahmed Shah in the 15th century as a larger monument to the city, originally for the private use of Sultans.

During that time, it used to be popularly known as ‘Jumma Masjid.’ Later, it was renamed as ‘Jama Masjid.’

The structure was made from the destroyed Hindu and Jain temples located before the mosque. It often resembled the Jain Temple of Ranakpur, as both the monuments belong to the same school.

The mosque was built with the destroyed remains of the Hindu and Jain temples of that time. Hence, few of the carvings are derived from the designs of these temples.

• Jama Masjid is built with yellow sandstone with a unique blend of solids and voids in a beautiful Indo-Islamic style with a central courtyard of 75 metres long and 65 metres wide.
• The courtyard is beautifully surrounded by Arabic calligraphy on three sides, while on the fourth side is the main prayer hall with four spectacular domes. It features a water tank with holy water in the centre.
• The mosque is on a raised platform featuring three archways famously called ‘Teen Darwazas.’
• The mosque's interior is designed with a latticework screen that beautifully illuminates the natural light and classical Indo-Saracenic motifs.
• It features 15 domes carved like a lotus flower and 300 perfectly balanced pillars with correct spacing between them.
• These pillars are crowned by domes, giving it a splendid look. The interiors and exterior designs are quite similar.
• It also features terraces supported by 260 columns and arabesque that enhance the mosque's beauty with serenity.
• To the west is the Tomb of Ahmed Shah, his son, and his grandson. Visitors from all over the globe take blessings from this tomb.

1. Best time to Visit Jama Masjid Ahmedabad

The best time to visit Jama Masjid is during Ramzan. Other months, like November to March, are well suited for visiting the mosque.

2. Jama Masjid Ahmedabad Location

Jama Masjid is located near the Manik Chowk, Gandhi Road, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

3. Jama Masjid Ahmedabad Timings

• Days: Every Day of the week
• Opening Time: 6 am
• Closing Time: 8 pm

4. How to Reach Jama Masjid Ahmedabad?

Ahmedabad is the major city in Gujarat and is well connected to local transportation facilities like airports, bus stations, and railways. Here are the possible ways you can consider while visiting.

• Nearest Airport to Jama Masjid Ahmedabad: Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport is the nearest airport to Jama Masjid, 8 km away.
• Nearest Railway Station to Jama Masjid Ahmedabad: Kalupur railway station is the nearest station to Jama Masjid, which is 750 metres away and has a walking distance of 15 min.
• Nearest Bus Station to Jama Masjid Ahmedabad: Kalupur Bus Station is the nearest station to Jama Masjid, 1.5 km away.

5. Entry Fee of Jama Masjid Ahmedabad

The entry fee for Jama Masjid and Teen Darwaza is free. However, photography may incur additional charges. It is best to consult with the authorities.

6. Jama Masjid Ahmedabad Nearby Places to Visit

Ahmedabad city offers various tourist places to remember all over life. Here is a list of some nearby places to Jama Masjid.

1. Kamla Nehru Zoo
2. Bhadra Fort
3. Dandi Kutir
4. Law Garden
5. Sisi Sayyed Mosque
6. Gujarat Science City

With its amazing design and history, Jama Masjid holds some interesting facts.

1. The Jama Masjid was first named ‘Jumma Masjid’ and derived from Jami Masjid.
2. It was the biggest mosque in the Indian subcontinent before the arrival of the Mughals.
3. The graves of the Sultan and his wives are all buried near the Jama Masjid of Ahmedabad.
4. The mosque was built mainly of yellow sandstone from the remains of Jain and Hindu temples.
5. The mosque was built for the royal family, and common people were prohibited from entering.

Jama Masjid was once the largest mosque during the Shah Dynasty. It still ranks among Ahmedabad's must-visit monuments. The magnificent domes, intricate wall designs, and rich history related to the demolished Hindu and Jain temples have resonated through the ages as cherished landmarks.