Jami Masjid, Srinagar

The city of Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir has a number of places where you can find peace and tranquility. One of these must-see places is the Jami Masjid (or Jama Masjid). The mosque is a great place to connect to one's inner self. Though it is built on a massive scale, it is a structure of great delicacy. In fact, the craftsmanship and the beauty of the Jami Masjid will take visitors by surprise.

Not only the mosque's architecture but it's history is equally fascinating. One of the most significant in Srinagar, the mosque was first constructed by Sikandar Butshikan in 1385. Later, the structure of the mosque was expanded by Zain-ul-Abidin, the son of Sikandar Butshikan. Twice the mosque was destroyed in fire and constructed again to the original design. The reconstruction of the Jami Masjid in Kashmir was done of two of the great Mughal emperors – Emperor Jehangir in 1503 and Emperor Aurangzeb in 1674.

It is interesting to note that these Mughal emperors respected the hybrid architectural design of the mosque. The magnificent edifice features great brickwork, pagoda-like spires and a forest of huge deodar pillars (370 in number). The courtyard of the Jama Masjid is wonderfully landscaped and has an aura of serene elegance around it. It makes for an impressive sight when thousands of Muslim congregate at the Jami Masjid in Kashmir every Friday to offer their prayers (namaaz).