Top 10 mosques in India you should visit 2023
As one sets out to explore India’s diverse cultural landscape, the allure of mosque tourism is impossible to resist. India, a land of marvels, boasts of awe-inspiring architectural wonders that mirror the country’s rich history and varied heritage. Amidst the vibrant tapestry of traditions, hues, and beliefs, Indian mosques shine like jewels, beckoning visitors to bask in their timeless allure.
Travelling across India, you will encounter numerous mosques, each with a fascinating story. These sacred structures range from the majestic Jama Masjid in Delhi, with its symmetrical beauty, to the graceful Charminar in Hyderabad. They embody the essence of devotion, community, and artistic brilliance. Exploring India’s mosque tourism is a journey of discovery, where every step unveils a new aspect of architectural excellence.
Experience a Feeling that Transcends time!
It’s not just about admiring stunning architecture or religious customs but about being a part of the community’s warmth, devotion, and celebration of the human spirit. Let India’s mosques’ spiritual harmony and architectural splendour leave a lasting impression on your soul, reminding you of the profound beauty of different cultures coexisting in harmony. Join us and let the enchanting tales of India’s mosques captivate you!
Jama Masjid, New Delhi
The Jama Masjid is a timeless treasure and a testament to India’s rich Mughal heritage in the bustling capital of India, New Delhi. This majestic structure, built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan, the visionary behind the iconic Taj Mahal, boasts an imposing red sandstone facade, intricate marble domes, elegant minarets, and meticulously carved details. As you enter, you are beckoned into a world of serenity and grace, where spirituality, history, and architectural splendour converge. The vast courtyard exudes an aura of reverence and devotion. The delicate floral patterns, Arabic calligraphy, and geometric designs on its walls intertwine harmoniously, showcasing the artistic prowess of the Mughal artisans. If you’re visiting New Delhi, a trip to the Jama Masjid is a must!
Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad
The Mecca Masjid is a highly revered pilgrimage site with a magnificent structure; you are greeted by its colossal arches and graceful minarets, inviting you to enter a world of divine splendour. It holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees, as it was built using bricks from the holy city of Mecca. The prayer hall of the Mecca Masjid is a stunning display of architectural grandeur, leaving visitors in awe with its intricately carved arches and delicate stucco work, showcasing the finesse of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. The towering prayer niche (mihrab), made of white marble, is the focal point of devotion and is adorned with intricate calligraphy and geometric patterns. Witness the breathtaking panoramic view of Hyderabad’s old city from the top!
Taj-ul-Masajid, Bhopal
As you approach Taj-ul-Masajid in the beautiful city of Bhopal, the magnificent entrance with its colossal pink façade and intricate details will captivate your gaze. The sprawling courtyard, lined with symmetrical arches and pristine white marble, sets the stage for an extraordinary experience. The prayer hall boasts towering pillars, delicate chandeliers, and an intricately designed ceiling. The elegance of Taj-ul-Masajid extends beyond the prayer hall to its courtyards, where fountains and gardens create a serene atmosphere. This architectural wonder is a testament to the skill of the artisans who brought it to life and reflected the devotion and unity of the people who continue to cherish it.
Bara Imambara, Lucknow
Bara Imambara is a renowned tourist attraction in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula constructed Bara Imambara, also known as Asafi Imambara, in 1784. The complex comprises the main building, Bhulbhulaiya (a labyrinth), a mosque, and a baoli (stepwell). The architecture is a fusion of Mughal and Awadhi styles, with grand arches, ornate decorations, and vast courtyards. The Bhulbhulaiya is a maze-like network of corridors and passages waiting to be explored. The complex also houses a remarkable mosque with an impressive central dome and beautiful minarets. The Rumi Darwaza, known as the Turkish Gate, is an iconic gateway near Bara Imambara. Visitors can also explore Chhota Imambara, which is situated nearby.
Enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Lucknow!
Jama Masjid, Agra
Jama Masjid is a well-known tourist destination in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India; a grand mosque holds significant historical and architectural significance, as it was constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The mosque is an exquisite blend of Mughal and Persian architectural styles, featuring impressive domes, minarets, and intricate marble inlays. The mosque was built on a raised platform using red sandstone and white marble, featuring a spacious courtyard, a central prayer hall, and a beautiful mihrab (prayer niche) adorned with intricate calligraphy. Jama Masjid boasts four towering minarets, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can climb the minarets to enjoy an awe-inspiring vista of Agra’s skyline, including pictures of the nearby Taj Mahal!
Nagina Masjid, Agra
The Nagina Masjid in Agra is not a widely known mosque. The Nagina Masjid is a private mosque made of pure white marble with three majestic domes and beautiful arches. The mosque has simple architecture and decent decoration. The mosque’s entrance has a three-arched facade with cusps supported by slender piers. The middle arch is enormous, with nine cusps, while the ones on either side have seven cusps. However, the Jama Masjid near the Agra Fort is a prominent mosque and one of the largest in India; built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 and features intricate marblework and delicate carvings. Another mosque called the Moti Masjid, also known as the Pearl Mosque, is located within the Agra Fort. It is renowned for its white marble façade and a prayer hall adorned with beautiful embellishments.
Cheraman Juma Mosque, Thrissur
The Cheraman Juma Mosque, situated in Thrissur, Kerala, is a significant religious and historical location. It is the oldest mosque in India and is considered the second oldest globally. According to legend, Malik Deenar, an Arab companion of Prophet Muhammad, constructed the mosque in 629 AD. Malik Deenar arrived in Kerala during the Chera dynasty. It is built in Kerala and Arab architectural styles. It has an ancient oil lamp that has been burning for over a thousand years and boasts intricate woodwork and stunning carvings. Get a closer look. Wash your feet before entering as people pray on the spread of the Masjid.
Its mystical charm must be experienced!
Adhai Din ka Jhonpra, Ajmer
It is a historical monument and a popular tourist attraction known for its unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. The name “Adhai Din ka Jhonpra” translates to “shed of two-and-a-half days” in Hindi, as it was believed to have been constructed in just two and a half days in the early 13th century. First, it was a Sanskrit college. Its beautiful calligraphy, geometrical patterns, and interiors with intricate designs, pillars, domes, and screens are worth watching. Hindu craftsmanship is evident in the pillars and arches of the mosque, while Islamic architectural elements are reflected in the screens and domes.
It is a visually stunning monument!
Jamali-Kamali Mosque, Delhi
The Jamali-Kamali Mosque has a rich history and is located in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park in Delhi, India. The mosque was built during the 16th century, under the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar in an Islamic and Indo-Islamic style. It is named after two individuals, Jamali, a Sufi saint, and Kamali, possibly a poet, buried within the premises. A rectangular prayer hall with a central dome and a courtyard, the prayer hall boasts ornate plasterwork and intricately carved mihrabs (prayer niches) adorned with inscriptions from the Quran. The yard has several smaller domes, arches, and a well-preserved minaret, making it one of the most beautiful monuments in India!
Hazratbal Masjid, Srinagar
The Hazratbal Masjid, also known as the Hazratbal Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, is a sacred relic known as the Moi-e-Muqaddas, a strand of hair from the beard of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. This relic is only displayed to the public on special occasions, but it draws in many devotees from near and far. Its white marble structure and unique dome shape make it a well-known landmark in Srinagar. The minarets, prayer hall, and gardens surrounding the mosque are all beautifully designed and add to their charm. The location of the Hazratbal Masjid on the banks of Dal Lake is one of its most notable features, as the mosque’s reflection on the water makes for a picturesque view. It is essential to dress modestly and follow the customs and guidelines of the mosque when visiting.
Epilogue
Mosques hold great cultural and historical value as they represent a specific region or community’s architectural, artistic, and religious heritage. Tourists are often fascinated by mosques’ intricate designs, unique architectural styles, and stunning features, including elaborate decorations, and exhibit different architectural styles, such as Persian, Moorish, Ottoman, and Mughal, found in mosques worldwide. The beauty and grandeur of these structures are a significant draw for travellers interested in art, history, and design.
Get ready for a cross-cultural, historical and spiritual journey!