Jamali Kamali Mosque
Lying unattended and solitary within the premises of the Qutab Minar is the Jamali Kamali Mosque. People visiting the Qutab Minar will stop to visit this monument comprising a mosque and tombs placed adjacent to each other. Sheikh Jamali Kamboh, a Sufi saint poet in the pre-Mughal era was buried in the tomb. Now more famous for its ghostly anecdotes, you can include this place in your itinerary for a rendezvous with the other world!What to See
A part of the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, this old ancient monument shares its boundary with the Qutab Minar. The structure was built in 1528-29 and the peaceful edifice bears the calm and serenity that is synonymous to a tomb.The entrance to this mosque is however 500 meters away from Qutab Minar's gate.
The park has several other tombs now in ruins scattered about that in their days of glory must have looked beautiful spreading their architectural beauty amid the green patches they stand on.
The reputation of the tomb as briefly stated above goes back to the Sufi poet Jamali as he was called which means beauty & positivity in Urdu. Loved by Sultan Sikendar Lodi (1489-1517), his poetry thrived, and the Sultan was an ardent patron. Even after the Sultan, the great Mughals too admired the poetry of this saint and gave him a place in their court. This monument was built by Emperor Humayun after the death of this saint.
The other name associated with the tomb is Kamali and the existence of this name is often perplexing. Not much is known about the antecedents of this name. Many stories have been passed on from eons on the real identity of Kamali. Some believe that the poetry written by Jamail were actually written by Kamali, but Jamali managed to get all the fame. Some believe that he is Jamali’s brother who reached India together and Kamali too was a Sufi saint. An American author claims that they may have been homosexual partners. Further stories go on to believe that Kamali was actually Jamali's wife. She may have died before Jamali and emperor Humayun had built Jamali's tomb right next to his wife. The myths about Kamali's real identity are shrouded in mystery, but whatever they are, the monument and the structure pair the names Jamali Kamali together.
Jamali is also credited for the poetry found in the Guru Granth Sahib. The name mentioned is that of Baba Farid who was under the guidance of Qutubudin Bakhtiyar Kaki, he was actually said to be Jamali.
The Mosque
The mosque stands as the earliest specimen of Mughal architecture with the advent of jharoka style and pattern adopted by other monuments built by the Mughals later. But hardly any of that remains today and the place has earned more fame for its ghostly activities than the past architectural glory.The red sandstone structure stands out with white marble strips bordering the archways and the building in totality. A dominating central dome with typical Mughal type geometrical patterns in ornate style and wide elaborate structure reaching out from the central edifice. With stucco work embellishing the facade are clear reminders of the style that the Mughals followed in their later architecture.
If looked closely, you will chance upon three verses written by Jamali inscribed on the walls of the monument. The grandeur of the Mughal architecture stands out in this admirable structure.
The mosque that stands next to the tomb has a prayer hall that is no longer used, and there is a wide courtyard. Five arches stand on a thick pier.
The central and the largest arch is crowned by a dome with beautiful inlays. The square chamber beneath it is magnificently crafted. The exterior is spectacularly adorned with blue tiles and motifs along with verses written by the saint Jamali on them. The place and the color lend peace to the Jamali Kamali mosque.
The Fame
But sadly, the place is not appreciated for any of its beauty, and for many, it is only a visit to experience the paranormal thrills that the place claims to hold. Many people who have ventured here at night have stories to narrate that give an inkling of paranormal activities. Of apparition crossing by, someone peeping from behind the pillars, animals growling, wave of light passing by, someone standing close or breathing heavily down the neck, also being slapped by someone, have kept away or attracted tourists for the wrong reason.The security guard who stays both in the morning and night deny any such claim. The places that were believed to be haunted, namely, the stairs and the tombs have been locked. Friday prayers too have been stopped along with assembly gathering.
Ticket & Timings
There is no entry fee to this park.Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM every day
How to Reach
Metro: Qutab Minar metro station on yellow line. Take an auto rickshaw as the distance is 1.9km (1.2 mi) from the station.Bus: Bus no 34, 427, 519, 534A, 715, 717 stops at the nearest bus stations to the Jamali Kamali Mosque. The stops closest to your destination are DTC Lado Sarai Terminal, Qutab Minar Metro Station, Lado Sarai Terminal and Qutab Minar.
Taxi fare from the City Centre would be approximately INR 230-290 (See also Taxi Service in Delhi). It normally takes 11 minutes, but the time may vary due to traffic conditions.
Driving by private vehicle would take the same amount of time however it is subject to the traffic situation on that particular day.
The park surrounding the Jamali Kamali is an ideal picnic ground. Children play around the open spaces as it is away from the busy city life of Delhi. Take some time and visit this tomb you might end up falling in love with the architecture even if you don’t meet a ghost here.