Most Popular Mosques in India

Mosque (Masjid) is a Holy place for Muslims. It is a place for worship for all the followers of Islam. Mosque is the place where all the Muslims of the community come together and have their prayers. Mosques or Masjids are fine examples of excellent architecture of Islam and Muslims. Beautiful mosques are found in India. India has of a ton of these revered spaces, some of which were constructed by the mighty Mughal rulers during their reign. These places weren’t just important as far as religion was concerned, but the architectural excellence and grandeur of these mosques, speaks volumes about our rich Islamic past.

Here is the list of the most popular mosques in India:

Jama Masjid, Delhi

The largest mosque in India capable to accommodate around 25,000 devotees during prayer, Delhi Jama Masjid ranks among the worlds’ most popular Muslim religious sites. An inseparable part of Delhi tourism, this architectural extravaganza was constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1644. Brought out with impressive detailing over the minarets, domes, arches and doors, this highly decorative masjid comprises four grand towers, three huge gates.

Makkah Masjid, Hyderabad

Makkah Masjid or Mecca Masjid is located close to the historic landmarks of Chowmahalla Palace, Laad Bazaar. One of the oldest mosques in India, this Muslim religious site was constructed by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. It is believed that the bricks used for constructing central arch of the mosque were soil-made and were brought all the way from the hallowed city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The main prayer hall of this mosque rises around 75 feet above the ground and can accommodate around 10,000 people at a time.

Hazratbal Masjid, Srinagar

The Hazratbal mosque is a majestic structure built using white marble. It is the one of the holiest Muslim shrines and houses an important relic, the Moi-e-Muqqadas, believed to be hair from the beard of Prophet Muhammad, which was brought from Medina a thousand years ago. Built in the 17th century located on the western banks of the Dal lake.

Jama Masjid, Agra

Jama Masjid in Agra is a grand historical monument raised in 1648. The rectangular mosque houses a central nave with a single dome along with two colonnaded halls on both sides. The mosque comprises two square chambers which are crowned with domes. Carved mihrabs beautify the main chamber and the two smaller rooms. The mosque rests on a raised platform which is topped with five arched entrances leading towards the courtyard. The Tomb of the popular Sufi Saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti is found within the complex of Jama Masjid.

Bara Imambara, Lucknow

Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula commissioned the construction of a large prayer hall for the city, as a way to provide employment to the people. The magnificent building was constructed by the people of Lucknow, based on the design created by Kifayatullah, an architect from Delhi. The grand structure is the only one to have been built without any beams or pillars supporting it.

Jama Masjid, Ajmer

Jama Masjid of Ajmer is located in Lohakhan Colony of Ajmer, Rajasthan. This grand mosque was constructed under the supervision of Shahjahan in 1638 as a sign of gratitude after his triumph in the battle against the Rana of Mewar. This 45m long mosque has 11 arches and bears Persian inscriptions on its walls. Built in pristine white marbles, this architectural marvel is divided into three parts. The prayer hall of this mosque is designed in a star shape.

Taj-ul Masajid, Bhopal

The Taj-ul-Masjid, also known as the ‘Crown of Mosques’, is one of the largest mosques in Asia. Its construction began during the reign of the Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, by Nawab Shah Jahan Begum, but had to be halted due to the lack of funds. It was resumed by the efforts of Allama Mohammad Imran Khan Nadwi Azhari, and was finally completed in 1985.

Beemapally Mosque, Kerala

the Beemapally mosque is associated with the birth of Juma prayers in India. The mosque was named after ‘Beema Beevi’, a woman who was thought to have divine powers and was a member of the Prophet Mohammad’s family. Apart from being a place of worship, the mosque houses the tomb of Syedunnisa Beema Beevi. She was a Muslim woman who was believed to have divine powers. In order to honour Beema Beevi, a festival takes place which attracts thousands of visitors and pilgrims.

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