Jama Masjid in Kashmir

The Jama Masjid is a revered mosque, located in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The main pilgrim destination for Muslims in Srinagar, Jama Masjid is located at Nowhatta, in the heart of the old city. Built by the Mughals, the mosque is greatly admired for its timber construction.

This mosque is believed to have been originally a Hindu temple, built in 1398 by Sultan Sikandar, also known as Sikandar Butshikan - the destroyer of Idols. It was later enlarged by his son, Zain-ul- Abidin. Jama masjid is spacious enough to accommodate 30,000 people, and thousands of devotees congregate here for the Friday prayers.

Jama Masjid is a colossal mosque built around a central courtyard and supported by 370 wooden pillars. The serene atmosphere of the mosque is in stark contrast with the hustle bustle of the old bazaars surrounding it.

The mosque structure is a typical example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The largest mosque in Jammu and Kashmir, Jama Masjid has had an eventful history.