Jama Masjid
Frequently known as the Friday Mosque, Jama Masjid stands in close proximity to the Agra Fort, with a commanding view of the railway station. Commissioned by Shah Jahan as a testament of his love for his daughter, Jahanara Begum, this impressive structure, constructed from red sandstone and marble, required the labor of 5000 workers over a span of six years to reach completion in 1648. It is an architectural masterpiece that boasts intricate designs and stunning red sandstone.
Moti Masjid
Within the historic Agra Fort, one encounters the Moti Masjid, or the Pearl Mosque. Built between 1648 and 1654 by Emperor Shah Jahan for royal members of the court, this pristine white marble mosque is a sight to behold. Its impeccable architecture and serene ambiance make it a must-visit religious spot, allowing visitors to reflect on the Mughal era's architectural prowess and spiritual devotion.
Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal
Gurudwara Guru Ka Taal, situated in Agra, is an esteemed Sikh sanctuary with a rich history closely tied to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru of Sikhism. Guru Ka Taal has been built at the spot where Guru Teg Bahadur (the 9th guru of the Sikhs) laid down arms to the Mughal king Aurangzeb. The gurudwara's serene ambiance and the unwavering devotion of its pilgrims vividly demonstrate the profound spiritual significance it embodies.
Bageshwarnath Temple
Situated in the upscale vicinity near St. John's College and the Sales Tax Office, the Bageshwarnath Temple may not be as widely recognized as some other religious sites in Agra. However, it gains vibrant prominence during the auspicious occasion of Shivratri. During this time, the temple is adorned with brilliant lights and draws lengthy lines of devout worshippers who assemble to offer their reverence.
Other attractions in Agra
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is often hailed as one of the most exquisite architectural masterpieces ever crafted. Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who tragically passed away while giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. Construction of the Taj Mahal commenced the following year. While the main building took approximately eight years to complete, the entire complex wasn't finished until 1653. Shortly after its completion, Shah Jahan was deposed by his son, Aurangzeb, and subsequently imprisoned in the Agra Fort. From there, he could only gaze out at his magnificent creation through a window. In 1666, upon Shah Jahan's death, he was laid to rest beside his beloved Mumtaz within the Taj Mahal. In the course of its construction, around 20,000 laborers from India and Central Asia toiled on the project. Skilled artisans were even summoned from as far as Europe to craft the exquisite marble screens and pietra dura, an inlay technique using thousands of semi-precious stones. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the Taj Mahal remains remarkably well-preserved today, closely resembling its original grandeur.