The Fatehpuri Shahi Masjid at Chandni Chowk, Delhi

The Fatehpuri Shahi Masjid in the heart of Delhi's historic Chandni Chowk is located very close to the Red Fort.

This mosque was built in 1650 by Begum Fatehpuri, wife of the Mughul Emperor Shah Jehan and hence it is named after her.

It is situated on the western end of Chandni Chowk. The mosque boasts of two towering minarets on both sides besides a large dome.

It has three gates: one is right in front of the Red Fort and the remaining two are in the North and south.

Khari Baoli is in the north end and Katra Baryan is situated in the south of this mosque.

There are parapets (kangoorahs) made of red stones on the gates of the mosque and small domes at the end. Inside, there is a big courtyard where red stones are laid.There are double verandas towards the south in the main mosque, with large rooms to the left and right. There is a very large tank (hauz) in the courtyard of the mosque.

This marble tank is used for ablution. Formerly this tank was fed with water directly from the river but now it is filled with tap water.

(Photo : Rajesh Sundaram)