Jama Masjid - The Main Mosque of Lucknow
As one of the most integral place of worship for the Muslim community based in Lucknow, Jama Masjid, Lucknow is one of the must-visit attractions of the city.The month of Ramzan sees one of the busiest times at the mosque. Located in the heart of the city near Munshi Pulia Chauraha in Indira Nagar, this one is considered as a replica of the New Delhi Jama Masjid, Lucknow.
Jama Masjid, Lucknow History
During the initial freedom struggle in 1857, the Masjid was vacated by the British East India Company by force. The first congregation for the Friday prayer was held in Lucknow Jama Masjid in 1842.Today, this place holds great cultural and historical significance. You will find the mosque crowded with hundreds of tourists especially during Muharram and Id. The closest tourist attraction is Chhota Imambara and many tourists like to take a walk after visiting the mosque.
Jama Masjid, Lucknow Structure
The construction of this Mosque is such that you can distinctly understand the blend of both Muslim and Hindu architecture.The entire structure is built over 260 pillars that supports 15-arched domes and you can clearly see them at various elevations. The beautifully designed domes over the mosque is definitely one of the most incredible architectural splendour of the country that holds the testimonial of time. All the 260 pillars have intricate carvings and interestingly, these carving have hints of Jain and Hindu culture.
The courtyard of the mosque is the primary area where people gather before, during and after the prayers. The western chambers comprises of a hall (which is the particular area of prayers), and this is where the 260 pillars hold the structure. Over the eastern side (which is basically the entrance), the tomb of Sultan Ahmed Shah is seen. It is preserved till date by the mosque authority.
The central archway goes into the two prayer halls of Jama Masjid, Lucknow, which is a similar model of the western side of the Rumi Darwaza. The double cusped arches which has an intersecting arch weaving onto it forms a pattern like the honeycomb. Flowers and foliage are used to adorn the high pillars and ceilings inside the prayer.
Did you know the prayer niche is termed as Mehraab, and it faces the west which showcases the Quranic couplets’ along with the calligraphic inscriptions? One simply cannot miss the brilliant decorative stucco work inside the mosque. You can avail the roof through the staircase that starts from the south-eastern side of the first hall. Going up, you can have a better view of the stucco patterns on the larger domes and balustrades of the mosque.
Inside the minarets as well there are staircase which goes over the stone based umbrella built on the top of the mosque. While not many are allowed to go that high, shutterbugs can arrange for permission to reach at the minarets and appreciate the brilliant bird eye view of Hussain Abad. You can have a look at the space of Pesh Imam (the person who is responsible for offering prayers) over the concave area of the floor.
The Mosque initially had a walled boundary which held a lofty gateway but the British Army had demolished the same during 1857 by bombing and the gate was not constructed after that.
Best Time to Visit Jama Masjid, Lucknow
Summer in Lucknow during is from April till June – the season is usually hot and dry and many considers the ideal time to visit Lucknow in summers before March and April. May, June and July are certainly not the best months for travelling when the temperature rises up to 45℃ (113℉).Winter in Lucknow is from October till Mid-March when the temperature is pleasant and sunny during the day and the nights are cold and foggy. The temperature can be anywhere between 7℃ to 24℃ (45℉-75℉) and is considered the best time to visit Lucknow.
July to September in Lucknow is the monsoon months which is also a nice time to enjoy the city. Moderate rainfall takes place in the city, and the weather stays enjoyable. Temperature can vary from 25℃ 35℃ (77℉- 95℉).
Quick Facts
• Best Time to Visit: Morning and Evening• Facilities: Food Stalls, Washrooms
• Recommended Hours of visit: Minimum one hour to see around
• Best visited with: Group, solo and family
• Not Allowed: Footwear, Pets
• Allowed: Camera, Video
• Nearby places of attraction: Hussain Abad Clock Tower, Rumi Darwaza, Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Begum Hazrat Mahal Park
• Entry Fee: Free
Jama Masjid, Lucknow Timings
|
Day |
Timing |
|
Monday |
5:00 am - 9:00 pm |
|
Tuesday |
5:00 am - 9:00 pm |
|
Wednesday |
5:00 am - 9:00 pm |
|
Thursday |
5:00 am - 9:00 pm |
|
Friday |
5:00 am - 9:00 pm |
|
Saturday |
5:00 am - 9:00 pm |
|
Sunday |
5:00 am - 9:00 pm |
How to Reach
• By Air
The most comfortable way of getting to Lucknow is by the domestic airlines. The major metro cities are well connected to Lucknow and there are punctual and frequent flights that fly to this city. The airport is at Amausi, which is about 15km (9mi) from the centre of the city. Regular flights ply to and from the Lucknow airport and you can opt for both public and private service providers.• By Rail
Lucknow by train is a viable alternative where you can get a glimpse of how the most of India travels! Charbagh and Lucknow are the two major railhead and are junctions connecting hundreds of trains from various cities across the country.• By Road
Travelling to Lucknow by road will remain as one of the most memorable trips you can ever have! The roadways are well connected and the maze of road networks connects all the major towns of no just Uttar Pradesh but the neighbouring cities as well. The Transport Corporation has frequent buses that links cities like Delhi, Bhopal, Varanasi, Kolkata, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Agra, and Mathura – all of which are popular tourist places.