The largest mosque in India, the Jama or Jami Masjid was built between 1644 and 1658 during the reign of Shah Jahan, the most prolific of the Mughal builders. Originally known as the Masjid-i-Jahanuma, or "mosque commanding view of the world", the mosque is built of colossal proportions and has a courtyard, which can accommodate 25,000 devotees. Made of sandstone and white marble, the mosque has three gateways, two 40m high minarets and four towers.

Facing the Red fort on the east, the Jama Masjid can be seen glittering from far away. You can reach the imposing gateways of this highly decorated mosque by the broad stairs. The chief eastern entrance was used by the emperors. They remain closed on most days of the week. The main prayer hall is located on the west side. It is adorned with a number of high cusped arches and marble domes and houses a niche in a wall that is occupied by the prayer leader. The hall is used by the devotees on most days except on Fridays and other Muslim holy days. On these days the courtyard is full of devotees offering namaaz.

A cupboard is located near the north gate of the Jama Masjid. It contains a collection of prophet Muhammad's relics - a red beard-hair of the prophet, Korans written on deerskin, his footprint and his sandals.