Legends behind the name
The name ‘Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra’ is shrouded in intriguing legends. One prevalent theory suggests that the mosque was constructed in a mere two and a half days. While historical evidence indicates a longer building period, this legend speaks to the remarkable skill and efficiency of the artisans involved in its creation. Some Sufi scholars propose a more philosophical interpretation. They view the name as a metaphor for the transient nature of human existence, encouraging contemplation on life's brevity in contrast to the mosque's enduring presence. According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the name may be attributed to a two-and-a-half-day fair historically held at this location.
Witness a rare fusion
You don’t have to be an architecture enthusiast to admire the unique masterpiece that Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is. Immerse yourself in each and every detail of this exquisite structure that combines Indian and Islamic architecture. Designed by Abu Bakr of Herat, the mosque's construction employed materials repurposed from Hindu and Jain temples. Its seven-arched wall, adorned with Quranic verses, harmonises with ten domes supported by pillars. The façade displays an array of small yellow limestone arches, with the central arch flanked by six smaller Arab-inspired arches. The interior is intriguingly modelled after a Hindu temple, with a decorated main hall supported by numerous columns resembling Hindu and Jain rock temples. Where else can you witness two distinctively different cultures coming together to create an art that would go on to captivate onlookers for centuries to come!
