Jama Masjid in Ajmer, Rajasthan was built by Shah Jahan. It is built exquisitely in white marble. Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor had built a number of magnificent monuments including the Taj Mahal in Agra. This marble mosque is an important tourist destination in Rajasthan. Of all the mosques the Jama Masjid is indeed spectacular. The mosque is 45m long and bears 11 arches. It has Persian inscriptions inscribed on its walls. It is one of those Indian monuments that reflect Mughal architecture. The mosque is surrounded on three sides by an intricately designed barrier. Te marbles that had been used to construct the mosque has been brought from the mines of Makrana.
Jama Masjid in Ajmer is further divided into three parts. The slender pillars in the mosque are used to make these divisions. The prayer hall or the mihrab is a star shaped space. It is not very large yet it is the apt place to concentrate on prayers. The outside wall of the mosque has Persian inscriptions that inform about the year in which the mosque was built---1638.
Shah Jahan had built the mosque as a sign of gratitude as his prayers were answered. He prayed for success in the battle against the Rana of Mewar for the second time. He had successfully vanquished the latter and hence constructed the holy shrine near Chisti`s dargah. It is said that if Chisti`s Shrine is the second Mecca then the mosque built by Saha Jahan is the best place for offering prayer as the tomb can be seen from the mosque.
The inscription is the main source from where a lot of information could be gathered about the shrine. It took 9 years to complete the construction. While the Akbar added to the beauty of Chisti`s tomb Shah Jahan took it upon himself to build a religious site for the Muslims. The best time to visit Ajmer is from November to February. The festival of Urs is also celebrated with a lot of pomp.
