Famous Mosques of India

Mughal emperor Shah Jahan got the Jama Masjid built between 1644 and 1656 on a massive budget. The mosque still has three huge entry gates standing since 1656, when it was completed. The structure is made up of red sandstone and white marble. With a capacity of 25,000 people at one time, the courtyard was built with a great vision. The floor has 899 black markings for worshippers. It is the most spectacular mosque in India hosting thousands of pilgrims each year on the holy occasion of Eid to offer special Namaz in the morning.

Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad, India, and it is one of the largest masjids in India. Makkah Masjid is a heritage building in the old city of Hyderabad, close to landmarks of Hyderabad like Chowmahalla Palace, Laad Bazaar, and Charminar.

One of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid was built in 1648 with the Buland Darvaza serving as its grand entrance. The Jama Masjid is built mainly of red sandstone and white marble that stand as a testimony to the magnificent Mughal architecture. The design of Jama Masjid is unique.

The Jama Masjid situated in Ahmedabad is one of the largest mosques in India built in the period of 1424 and was built by Emperor Sultan Ahmed Shah. To the west of the mosque are the tombs of Ahmed Shah I, his son and his grandson followed by the graves of the queens of the king. The facade of Jama Masjid has a huge archway that welcomes you into the main complex. Made out of intricate stonework, the mosque opens into a splendid courtyard with an abolition pool right in the centre.

Built by Haji Abdul Quddus in the early 19th century, the Jumma Masjid in Bangalore is said to be one of the oldest mosques in India. It is a stunning mosque and is fully lit up during the festival time of Eid and Ramzan.

Constructed during the period of Quidisiya Begum, Jama Masjid boasts of classic Islamic Architecture in its beautiful shrine and two tall minarets. It is the largest mosque in India and is counted among the largest in the continent as well. It is officially known as Taj-ul-Masajid, which translates to "Crown Among Mosques".

The Jama Masjid was constructed in the year 1661 by Nabir Khan, the Governor of Aurangzeb. With its four minarets and mosaic plastering along with the marvellous carvings, this mosque in India leaves one spellbound with its beauty.

Tipu Sultan's favourite mosque in India, this was built by him as a two storied building with two minarets and a small dome. It features a clock which has been functional for the past 97 years.

The Moti Masjid in Agra was built by Shah Jahan. During the rule of Shah Jahan the Mughal emperor, numerous architectural wonders were built. Most famous of them being the Taj Mahal. Moti Masjid earned the epithet Pearl Mosque for it shined like a pearl. It is held that this mosque was constructed by Shah Jahan for his members of the royal court.

Popularly known as Sidi Saiyyed Ni Jaali, it was built in 1573 and is the most famous mosques in India. It is among the last few Mosques built under the Mughal reign. The carved jalis have become famous worldwide and are known as the unofficial symbol of Ahmedabad. Even though it is smaller than Jama Masjid but the craftsmanship portrayed in this mosque is mesmerising."

Known to be one of the holiest shrines in the whole of Srinagar, thousands of devotees and tourists visit this shrine in seek of happiness and blessing from the almighty. Hazratbal thus literally means the 'Majestic Place' and is particularly famous since it houses a relic known as the Moi-e-Muqqadas, which is believed by many Muslims of Kashmir to be a hair of Muhammad, the Prophet.

Built by Ali Adil Shah to celebrate his victory in the Battle of Talikota, it is one of the first mosques in India. This Masjid is spread over 10810 sq m and displays fine architecture with the twin minarets and beautiful arches and the dome.

One of the oldest mosques in the region, this one located in Bhatkal, is a sprawling three-storeyed structure with a basement as well. Find here some Persian inscriptions and a strong scent of ancient history and spirituality.

One of the largest mosques in India, Taj-Ul-Masjid has a stunning and elegant architecture. The enormous domes, a spectacular hallway and elegant minarets speak volumes about its architecture. However, non-Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque.

A 19th century mosque, Bheer is another popular pilgrimage centre of Ludhiana attracting a large number of devotees.

Adina Mosque bears a strong resemblance to the Great Mosque of Damascus as it consists of bricks designed with stones. Built by Sikandar Shah in the 14th century, the second sultan of the Ilyas dynasty, the Adina Mosque was the largest mosque in India at the time.

Moonu Pettumma Palli is a famous mosque which is located in the town of Pappinisseri. Popularly known as Kattile Palli, this mosque in India is popular for its Kattile Palli Nercha festival.

Adhai Din ka Jhopara is a Masjid built by Qutub-ud-Din-Aibak, first Sultan of Delhi in AD 1199.

Pattambi Nercha mosque in India is famous for its annual feast held in February, to commemorate Aloor Valiya Pookunjkoya Thangal. The shrine is situated 61 km away from Palakkad.

First built by Babur to commemorate his victory over Ibrahim Lodhi, the garden of Kabuli Bagh along with a mosque was named after Babur''s wife, Mussammat Kabuli begum.

The Toli Masjid is a flamboyant mosque in India, situated in the suburban area of Karvan, located nearly 2 km away from the Golconda fort. The masjid is one of the many gorgeous memorials in Hyderabad.

Placed in the Chitpur area in the Burrabazar business district, Nakhoda mosque is one of the busiest mosques of Kolkata and dates back almost a century. The prayer hall has a seating capacity of 10000, and the domes and minarets have been constructed in keeping with the Fatehpur Sikri style of architecture.

Located in Nowhatta in the heart of the city of Srinagar, the Jamia Masjid is a famous mosque that is more than 600 years old. The quaint mosque is located in a historic area which has witnessed numerous historical events of great importance. In fact, it can be stated with confidence that the history of the Jamia Masjid is a reflection of the history of the political uprisings of Kashmir.

Situated at the backdrop of a beautiful view of the sea is the shrine of Haji Ali, a wealthy merchant turned into Muslim Sufi. The Haji Ali Dargah (mausoleum) was raised in 1431 in reminiscence of an affluent Muslim trader, Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who gave up all his worldly belongings before making a trip to Mecca. People from all walks of life and religions come here to seek blessings at this mosque in India.